Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-05-13

NEW observation-disclosures later.-Adrf.
The W. and g. Aqueduct Bridge Extension.
To the Editor Of The Evening Star:
The great popularity of THE STAR. due to
its high character and its untiring efforts to de-
velop the full attractiveness of the capital and
all that can tend to the convenience and COM
fort of its citizens leads me to ask its co-opera
ton with those who desire to see the Washing
ton and Georgetown cable line extended to the
Aqueduct bridge. With the view to obtain
other concessions the cable company some
months since expressed themselves willing to
concede this naturally much desired improve
ment. bill to that effect passed the Senate
through the efforts of that public-spirited legis
lator. Senator Mcmillan. What is it that stops
Its passage in the House? On the great
advantages to the western half of the District
this continuation of the cable line to the Aque-
duct bridge would be, it seems puerile to
expatate, they are obvious to
every one. The many residents in West George
town and the increasing population on the Vir-
ginla side Of the POtomace from Fort Meyer to
the Chain bridge feel sellsibly the strain of hav
ing to walk the distance from the Aqueduct
bridge to High street. Opposition to this i'm
prOyement II not conceivable unless from the
interested precincts of the cable company's
board ROOM 1t would cost the company say
go 900 to complete this continuation to the
Aqueduct bridge. II is preposterous to say it
would cost more. and they imagine because the
fare is not increased therefor tina. this is a net
loss. Never was there n greater mistake. 1t is
an accepted axiom with the promoters of street
railroads that population in rariably follows the
course OF these railroads.
i have had myself large experience in the
promotion and construction of street RAILWAYS
or tramways as they are styled in the old coun-
try, and have never been disappointed in this
respect. One line may mention. for which
obtained I n ..amentarr powers. that from Gal
way 20 sal. Hill. isG striking example. The dis
lance l. about three miles. The traffic which
prior 70 the construction of the connecting
,r.im. Fars. was Insignificant supporting but one
crazy old omnibus. Immediately became so
large that this little line from Judge Lynch 8
famous city TO its suburban watering place now
realizes handsome dividend. The line from
Cublin to Clontarf is another notable instance
OF the population following the tramway. /
could mention many more were it necessary.
have. therefore. no doubt whatever that the
Washington and Georgetown Cable Company
would speedily feel the advantage of this extern
sion to the Aqueduct bridge in increased divi-
dends.
But that Is not the question nor the point of
view which should be taken by those to whom
are confided the interests of the people OF this
District The point at issue is clearly and sim
ply. Is the extension conducive to the conven-
ience Of the people and promotive of their ma
teriai prosperity? No one can doubt this for a
moment. Then, when Mr. Hurt expressed his
Willingness to construct it. WHY should the
House Of Representatives obstruct? Can any OF
your readers explain this strange and apparently
equivocal proceeding? W. L. B.