Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-05-02
RAILROAD LEGISLATION.
Bills That Are Being Considered by the Sen
ate District Committee.

Bills That Are Being Considered by the Sem
ate District Committee.
During the past few days the Senate District
committee has been looking with considerable
penetration into tho matter of street
railroad legislation and just now has
three or four measures under the
microscope. One Of these is the bill incorpor-
ating the Washington, Fairfax and Alexandria
Company. This company desires to run car
line from 18th street and New York avenue
down New York avenue to the river.
Passengers are to be taken across the
Potomac on . ferry. The committee
proposes, 1t is understood, to proceed most
cautiously in the matter, because there is
well defined belief that within a few
years bridge will start from New York ave-
nue.. Hasty legislative liberality might,
they argue, result in establishing vested rights
which, il they did not interfere with the
bridge. would at least make its con-
struction more expensive. Two specific OBJ
lectionss have been raised in the discussion;
tne nrst OF these is that the company
the big city companies and the second is against
the use Of New York avenue. conclusion
may be reached as to this bill at the next meet
Ing OF the committee.
THE CoLUnBIA SUBURBAN BILL.
The Columbia Suburban bill is also being ex-
amined quito closely and numerous amend
ments are probable. The proposition to
use portion of Maryland avenue
northeast will almost surely be stricken
out As the bill now stands the
company need not commence building
operations for six months after the passage OF
the act aud the road need not be completed in
less than three years. The time will be short
ened by the committee to three months and
two years respectively. One Of the things that
surprised the subcommittee very much was
the inability of any Of the delegation Of incor-
porators to tell the committee the length OF
the route or the probable cost Of construct ton.
- After the hearing eclosed on Thursday last
this lack OF practical information was the cause
of more than little comment
THE WASHINGTON AND GREAT FALLS COMPANY.
About ready to be reported is the bill author.
izing the existence of the Washington and
Great Falls Company.
This measure has been amended in every
way and as it now is satisfies the subcommittee.
All public interests have been protected and
there is a general impression to the effect that
the building of the road will be an improve
ment as we'll as a convenience.
No action will be taken at present on the
House resolution granting an extension of
time to the Metropolitan company. As
has been clearly shown in The SrAH. there
will be no yielding by the Senate in
it's opposition to the overhead wires, but
it is believed that agreement can be
reached on reasonable extension Of
the period within which the company
shall substitute some mechanical motor
for horses. The committee proposes to make
an informal investigation into the efforts of
the company to equip its rolling stock with
storage batteries. and until the inquiry Is over
no conclusion will be reached rs to extension.
1t is expected that favorable report will be
ordered this week on the ''all night street car"
bill. Senator Hansbrough is in possession Of
all the information he sought, and will prob
ably call the matter up on Friday next.