The Washington times., 1894-06-21
DRIFT OF PUBLIC OPINION.


The bill recently introduced in the House by
Representative Williams, Of Mississippi, proyid-
ing that when necessary in future to increase
the city railway facilities the charters for new
lines shall be put up at auction and sold to tho
highest bidder. and also prohibiting the use Of
the overhead trolley Is attracting no little atten-
tion. In order to ascertain the trend OF opinion
upon the measure, THE TINES procured the views
o. u number Of representative citizens. which
, are published below:
Mr.. Isidor Saks, Of Saks & Co., the well-known
Seventh street clothiers said: "It is n very good
thing for all new roads, but do not think exist
ing franchises should be disturbed The exclu-
sion of the overhead trolley Is a specially good
feature of the proposed measure, as do not ap-
prove OF the system and think Washington has
NO use for it."
Mr.. Frank Hume. of No. 45i Pennsylvania ave-
nue., said II am opposed to any law or measure
that discriminates. Unless all roads are put
upon the same footing, am opposed to confront
ing new enterprises with restrictions II all are
treated alike 1t might be well enough, but there
sections OF the city that need street railway
facilities and l am In favor of the same LIBERAL
ity to new enterprises that has been extended TO
othcIs"
Mr. Walter Burton, Of Crosby & Burton, pro-
prietors Of the National hotel, said: II am OPP
posed to the principle involved in the proposed
sale Of franchises. 1t Is not good plan in my
much attention. There is danger that Congress
would lose the right to control the street rail-
Ways After you sell man privilege II is
hard matter to get it away from him, it matters
not how much you hedge it about with restric-
tions"
Mr.. Thomas Somerville, of Thomas Somerville
Il Sons brass founders. said: 81 am decidedly
opposed to the overhead trolley. Having criti-
caly investigated the working of the under
ground SYSTEM am of the opinion that 1t is the
best now known and far superior to the over
head / am opposed also TO the proposed sale
of franchise, for the reason that spectators will
buy up the privileges for the purpose OF selling
to others, who will fail to complete the projected
road The street railway facilities would thus
get into the hands of rascals and irresponsible
parties. i am in favor OF a change in the law
regulating the taxation of railroads. Instead of
regulating the tax according to the number of
cars in service, would have the roads pay
tax in proportion to the number of passengers
carried By this means much better accommo-
dations will be secured to the public. More cars
will be put on and more frequent trips made.
Besides, it would be more equitablea diustment
of the tax question"
Mr. George l. Ganiard, Manager of Brentano's
establishment, No. 1918 Pennsylvania avenue,
said: "The only proper way to conduct business
is by open competition, and can no objection
to selling franchises TO highest bidder. The
overhead trolley system. while good thing
doubtless for the company, is not advisable on
account of the danger incurred, and Is objection
able because of the noise 1t creates
Mr. H. S Barbour, of J. L. Barbour & Son, No
GIG Pennsylvania avenue northwest, said: I'm
my opinion the citizens OF every community
should encourage enterprise in any form-street
railways and other railways The laws should
be as liberal as may be made with safety, and
in my opinion the sale of the franchise OF rail-
ways would hamper progress Proper restric-
tions can be imposed when the charter Is given,
and do not approve of the proposition TO auction
privileges In regard to the overhead trolley, |
Pan pts IN q IA =
interfere with public traffic. Where business is
known to be brisk, the system should be eX-
cuded. 1t is economical and an aid TO enter
prise"
Mr.. George J. Johnston. of Johnston & Luttrell,
No. 1l3 Market space, said: II hardly think it
would be fair to discriminate in the matter of
franchises II would be unjust to clog new en-
terprises, TO place restrictions upon them that
had not been hitherto enforced. As TO the over
head trolley system, think no one favors it.
Mr. s. W Woodward, of Woodward & Lothrop,
had been absent from the city and was not alto
gether informed as to the scope OF the proposed
legislation, and said il was of too much impor-
tance TO be discussed without due investigation
He was glad, however. that THE TINES had taken
up the subject and thought 1t ought 10 be
brought to public attention
Mr. Thomas E Waggaman, real estate dealer,
said: 81 think the Commissioners should be per-
mitted to take care of the matter have no
opinion to express Of the merits OF the PROPOSE
ton"
Mr.. W. Fl. Moses. senior member OF the firm of
Moses & Sons, corner of Twelfth and streets
northwest, said: My policy is TO always take
the best thing within reach. | regard II as fool
ish TO obstruct new enterprises by legislation or
otherwise. The overhead trolley IL very superior
TO horse power in street railways, and am will
ing TO accept the trolley until something better
is offered. Before went to Boston, two years
ago, and saw the workings Of the system, was
as much opposed TO the overhead trolley as any
body could be. but since thenI have held differ
ent views IThe city needs more street railways,
and should have them As TO the sale of the fran
chise at public auction, the plan IN ght work If
bidders could be had, but l doubt if capitalists
could be induced to compete for charter on
that plan" q