Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-01-09

bridges, all Of its new plant in Jersey City and
New York. Is estimated at "a, 000, 900.
This road both in theory and in practice has
been liberal and progressive outside Of WASH
ington.
In other cities its policy Il to abolish grade
crossings. In a formal letter favoring the
grade crossings bill for Pennsylvania President
Roberts said I'm pursuance Of this policy il
(the Pa X. r. has succeeded in eliminating all
such crossings from its main line in the city Of
Philadelphla and for q distance Of nine miles
beyond. It is certainly within your recollec-
ton that In order to reach the present station
at Broad street by an elevated road it expended
between four and five millions Of dollars and
thus secured the removal Of all the freight
track from Market street and the abandonment
OF the then existing grade crossings between
18th street and the Schuylkill river. The same
policy has been pursued by the company for
many years past on its main line in the city Of
Pittsburg, with the result that all grade cross
ings OF important streets within its limits are
nowavoided. This policy is being steadily pur-
sued on our lines to New York and Washington
also. = It has not even
been pretended that the wholesome provisions
OF law that require the avoidance Of grade
crossings BY steam railroads in such cities as
London, Liverpool and Berlin have in any
manner interfered with their commercial
prosperity, although ii is certainly true that
they nave compelled railroad companies seek
ing admission to those cities to expend q larger
had grade crossings been permitted. But
think that you will agree with me that the pub
nc saiety is the supreme law in this case, and
that II railroads can reach our large cities with
out sacrificing the lives and limbs of our peo-
pie 1t Is their duty to do So"
NOW FOR WASHINGTON.
lis time for the application of these princi-
pies and this practice by all the roads center
Ing here. to the capital of the nation. II is
time that Congress, the legislature Of this capt.
tai. secured from our railroads the same con-
slderatlon In these matters that the municipal
councils in other cities demand and obtain. It
cannot continue always to be the case that Con-
gress, to whose guardianship the interests of
this city are intrusted, will give to our common
carriers Tor the asking whatever they desire,
or promptly condone the ofense il they have
taken without asking, and at the same time
turn deaf ear to the requests Of the people
for the better protection of life and for the re-
moval OF impediments to city expansion and
development and to business prosperity.
When the local roads have built here
European stations. covering large areas Of
ground, lofty, imposing and ornamental struc-
lures, with fine modern hotels in the upper
stories, as in London, there might well be con-
structed IN connection with one Of them the
great convention hall which Washington needs.
Such hall would bring increased business
especially to the road which would convey out
dations in the same building with it. The rail-
road as hall owner would put money into the
pockets OF the railroad as hotel proprietor,
carrier OF passengers and promoter of excur-
sions, and vice versa.
When both roads have abolished their local
grade crossing and run rapid. noiseess trains
over Berlin viaduct in their course through
the city, and when both cross the Potomac to
southern connections on handsome and sub
stantial bridges, not dams, then Washington
Will enjoy the same unobjectonable rapid
transit facilities for its suburbs that have
brought such prosperity and relief from con-
and northwestern District. but the Virginia sub
urbs OF Washington, will be connected with
the growing and progressive capital by bands
OF steel. With the Berlin rapid transit facili-
ties these suburbs whether In the District,
Maryland or Virginia, will feel the impulse of
Washlngtons expansion, will flourish as they
have never fourished before and WILL in their
turn, heap blessings and benefits upon the city
to which they bring convenient and healthful
homes for the moderately well-to-do summer
breathing places for the rich and a remedy for
urban overcrowding with its ugly and threat
ening Accomplishments. The rail- Dads as well
OF their service and broadening of their func-
tons, Washington will clasp to itself and alb
sorb its suburban extensions in every direction.
The city limits will soon be identical with the
boundaries Of the District, whether the origi-
nal dimensions of the ten miles square are re-
stored or the District lines remain as at pres
ent, and the capital will stride with quickened
steps toward its goal of q million population
with all the progress and development and in
creased attractiveness that must accompany its
growth in numbers. THEODORE W. MOVES.