Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-18

to circulation. his IL guars tee TO adver-
tisers that is given by few papers in tbs world,
and By none otter in Washington!
CITIZENS OF BRIGHTwOOD.
They Meet to Discuss Their Imperfect Trans
| portation Facilities.
| REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE THAT INTERVIEWED
| THE SECRETARY OF TIE PNEUMATIC BAILRoAD
| coMPASY-PLENrY OF PROMISES BUT 10 FUL-
| FILLMENr-PERMASENf ORGANIZATION FORMED.
There was an enthusiastic meeting of citizens
last night in the Brightwood hall to further
discuss the matter Of better railroad facilities
for the citizens residing along Brightwood
avenue. Before the meeting was called to
order those present stood about in small groups
! telling their unpleasant experiences with the
present bobtail cars and the animals that are
| employed to draw them up and down the
hills The latest experience or object lesson,
said several of the citizens, was yesterday
morning when one Of the horses fell down in
the road from weakness and several of them
had to walk to the city, after playing horse
doctor for some time.
Mr.. j. Norris called the meeting TO order
and the minutes of the last meeting as read by
Mr.. A. H. keene. the secretary. were approved.
The report of the committee was next called
for. The members Of this committee were N.
T. Robinson. chairman. and Messrs. keene,
Norris. SAUL Stone. Wood, Best. Galley. Field,
Johnson, Thomas. Leibers, Mattingiy, Heit-
mueller. King, Branson and Barber.
CHAIRMAN RoBINsoS's REPORT.
Chairman Robinson made a verbal report Of
the visit of the committee to the office of the
Pneumatic Railroad Company, where they had
an interview with Mr. Earle who is secretary
and treasurer Of the company. I'VE went
| there" he said, with full hearts and feelings
| and attempted to put before the representa-
tive Of the railroad company the iaets.npon
| which we based our action. Mr.. Earle was the
only one whom We found in the Office and he
listened attentively to what we had to say. Our
story was a long one"
In October, 1888. he said the road was char
tered and eleven months later it began to run.
I'VE were then told" he continued, ''that
we would have to put up with horse cars but
for short time. Very soon. indeed, were we
to have cars with all the latest contrivances and
the power was to be something other than horse
power, probably the storage battery system.
In fact. We were told that one or two cars had
been purchased and others would soon follow.
In January, 1880. We were informed that the
plans of the company had been changed and
that the Judson Pneumatic Company would put
down something ar superior to the cable line.
obstacle had delayed the work. and in the
meantime we were to labor under the disad-
vantages of the horse car and these are the
poorest Of the discarded cars from the city
lines and are drawn by the poorest horses
THE TNCoNvESIENcEs SUFFERED.
Continuing the chairman of the committee
went on to tell of the many inconvenience
caused by the company and told of how the
citizens were compelled to walk for a whole
NlsE ring fha frat c,,Axr 10.
ne told OF one of the horses falling down. ap-
parently dead. and said that the recovery of
that poor animal demonstrated the wonderful
vitality Of the played out street horses.
''All these things, said Mr.. Robinson, were
confessed by Mr.. Earle, who appeared anxious
to remedy the evils. but he was unable 10 give
promise of speedy relief because OF q lease
held by the Metropolitan company. He really
seemed anxious to give good service on the
road. and gave glowing description of what
the road will be in the future. At the expira-
ton of a short time he said that the service on
the road would be far beyond tine most san
guine expectations of our committee. The
promise was made in apparent good faith. We
must obtain relief, and immediate relief, or we
will have to seek relief else where"
OTHER INTERVIEWS WITH SIMILAR RESULTS
Mr.. Nalley told of an interview that he had
with Mr. Paul, one of the owners of the road.
He also called attention to the fact that the
Va shS company hao cApHtu btNtTdI
months ago.
DIR. Stone was called upon for a speech. but
he simply said that he indorsed the report
made by the chairman of the committee. Chair
man Norris said that Mr.. Earle had also stated
that he had tried to inaugurate a system Of
transfers with the Washington and Georgetown
railroad.
Mr.. Keene, after speaking at some length
about the stock Of the company said that if
they did not succeed any better with the trans
farS han tbax had H. al "a:
chances would be very poor indeed.
Mr.. Field said that he did not take any stock
IN promises and he favored pushing the matter
for all 1t was worth.
PROMISES ARE EASY.
Its an easy thing to make promises said
Capt Thos-Lay. land it's on these promises
that we have suffered" He was opposed to
the citizens suffering while company was
using one Of the principal avenues as an ex-
detrimental ground. He thought that the
Commissioners should be complained to and
he thought that would do some good. I'm good
weather, said the captain. I'VE can walk al
though we prefer to ride. but In bad weather
we can hardly walk all the distance to the city,"
Chairman Norris said he thought the COM
pany had already forfeited their right to the
franchise, as they had not in any sense of the
word complied with the terms of their charter
He thought. however. that the citizens did not
want to force them out. but did want to force
them to do what right.
Mr.. keene said that since last September he
had only been able to get a seat three times
He could have got seat oftener by compelling
ladies to stand in the car, but" he said, mo
gentleman will do that
THOROUGH ORGANIZATION ADVOCATED.
The report of the committee was finally
adopted, and when the question of forming
permanent organization was mentione DR..
Stone took the floor in support of the suggestion.
He advocated n thorough organization of the
citizens and said. ''In unity there is strength"
Speaking of the people in Mt. Pleasant he said
that they were united, and the result was that
they get everything they ask for He suggested
that If Brightwood avenue was to be made an
experimental ground the citizens should 20 to
the Attorney General and have him enter suit
against the company. An association of the
citizens. he said, would have other things to
look after besides the railroad matter. The
doctor referred to the condition of the road