Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-01-28
The Baltimore and Ohio proiee, Of change

The Baltimore and Ohio project OF change
Of route in the city, outlined in the Farwell
bah, has some good points. 1t proposes a con-
siderable reduction in the surface occupation
by tracks, large reduction in the number of
grade crossings and q heavy expenditure by
the road upon costly bridges, in the purchase
of additional land and. it 10 promised upon =
new and handsome passenger station II docs
not ask for everything and propose to do
nothing for the public benefit. the Baltimore
and Potomac has done. The two roads seem
for the present TO have changed places. The
former stingy, obstructive and locally injurious
policy Of the Baltimore and Ohio Is nov trans
ferred to the Baltimore and Potomac. But
there are also Objectionable features in the Bal
timore and Ohio's plan, and these have been
pointed out in THE STAR In respect to them
1t should be possible 70 reach some agreement
with the road. since the latter shows DISPOSE
ton to meet public opinion. The project re-
tains the presen: station site near the Capitol
and by loop Of tracks increases the present
railroad obstruction a, this point. II would be
greatly for the public benefit. and in obvious
particulars the railroad itself would prof.
II the station and loop were removed TO some
point not farther south than the north line Of
AhsshSuu-rtSs anu EdTtucE Wert tuhu
the east line Of North Capitol street. ns recon-
mended by the board Of trade. Massachusetts
avenue, North Capitol street and adjacent
streets would thus be relieved from obstruc-
ton, and the railroad would be saved the heavy
expense Of bridging and constructing APP
proachss at this point. and wonld have the
benefit Of the enhanced v,,lue Of the property
now owned by it and occupied by its stations
aud surroundings which would then become
available for business and residence purposes.
The farwell bill indicates no intention Of bri'g-
ing North Capitol street. and permanently
closes that street to travel The railroad Off
cialr Say that II IL their purpose to carry that
street over the station and tracks on a broad,
strong and ornamental bridge. This bridge
should have been provided for in the bill before
it was reported from the Senate committee so
that the railroad might be committed to the
proposition, and TINT the public might
understand what was proposed in alienation Of
the disadvantage eft n retention of the present
station site. Frovfsion should be male in the
bill for the removal of other grade-c rossings
within the city limits. Where the streets are
not vet opened method should he provided
By which. when opened, they can be carried
over or under the tracks otherwise than at
grade. at the expense OF the railroad and the
city. Very soon after the present main stem
tracks Of the Baltimore and Ohio removed
northeast Washington. developing with aston
ishing rapidity, will demand and lie entitled TO
unobstructel communication with northwest
Washington acr.ss the tracks along Delaware
aveuue. II * also 81 be noted that the Farwell
bill grants the power Of condemnation and the
authority ." lay tracks TO yards and stations in
too br~r'i terms. since under its provisions
land might be condemned anywhere in the city
Of Washington, and tracks run to it from the
tracks specifically proposed by the bill. This
privilege should be expressly limited to
squares abu;tins UPON tae tracks specifically
authorized.