Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-03-22
THE FERRY TRANSFER
An Amendment to Meet the Objections of
Georgetown Citizens.
What the AleNandria and Mt. Vernon
Hallway Co. Want Explained to
the House Committee.

The differences between the citizens of
Georgetown and the Washington. Alexan-
dria and Mt. Vernon railway as to the pro-
posed ferry transfer of electric cars across
the river We're healed before the District
committee of the House this morning. The
Georgetown people. headed by Mr.. King and
Mr. Marbury, were fearful that the railway
company contemplates constructing a bridge
which would interfere with navigation Tba
railway company gave assurances to the
contrary as far the pending bill is con-
cerned and stated that ferry alone is au-
thorized by this bill.
An Amendment Accented.
To make sure, however Mr. King for
Georgetown. proposed the following amand-
ment to the bill: Provided, That nothing
in this bill shall be so construed as IN pivc
authority to construct bridge across the
Potomac or in any manner interfere with
navigation thereon or prevent the free flow
of ice and water in time of freshets''
This amendment was quickly accepted by
the railway company, with the understand
ing, however, that it does not prevent the
company from asking Congress at a future
date for authority to build bridge in the
event that the proposed Memorial bridge
shall not be constructed.
Maj. Hines, in behalf OF the Falls Church
an amendment authorizing that company TO
use the Mt. Vernon Company's tracks with
in the city. This will probably be accepted
with a stipulation that both companies use
the same motive power.
The War Departments Objection.
In response TO a question Maj. Anderson,
the counsel for the railway company. ex-
planned that the objection of the War De-
partment is to the company crossing a very
of the flats at the foot of 26th street. The
War Department wants the company 10
skirt around the edge of this small corner
and cross at the foot of Z street. This
route. as heretofore explained, presents en-
gineering difficulties of great gravity.
Maj. Anderson asked that a clause be in
serted in the bill authorizing condemnation
proceedings, as IL may be necessary to
condemn property on Analostan Island
The company also wants authority TO use
the overhead trolley for a few hundred feet
ON the flats on this side Of the river ap-
preaching the ferry. This would be neces-
sary, he said, because of the unsettled con-
dtion of the land on the reclaimed fla Is
which would prevent the use of an under
ground system.
The company also wants the privilege OF
transporting milk, garden produce and
small packages along the b street line. The
Commissioners have reco:nmeniei tn,
widening of Il street along the Mall, and
this should be provided in the bill.
To Come Up 18th street.
The company proposes TO abandon the line
in front of the power house on 18th street
and come up 18th street by the Randall
Hotel
Major Anderson stated emphaticaly that
the company does not propose TO use or per
nit steam power upon any portion Of the
line
Major Frank Hume said there is nc sec.
tion in the United States where railroad
facilities are needed more urgently than on
the Virginia side Of The river. within siehi
of the windows of the committee room. He
earnestly entreaCed the committee &c report
the bill.