Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-03-20
BY WAY OF FERRY
Hearing on the Bill for Transportation
Across the River.
by Rail and Ferry to Mt. Vernon
georgetown Objects to Obstruct-
ing River Navigation.

The proposition to furnish TRANSFORMATION
by electric railway from the b. and p
Cspot and the Center Market to Arlington
Alexandra and Mt. Vernon by means of
Terry transfer across the river was dis
cussed at hearing before the House Dis
trlct committee this morning. The advo-
Gates of the plan and those interested in it
appeared before the committee to present
their views
Among those present were President Abb
lott, Vice President Reed, Major Ander-
son. the general counsel and Messers
ID. j. Howell, Geo. r. Phillips and d. w
Holden of the railway company; Major
Strauss of Alexandria, Chas Thompson,
NJ Is. Harlow, James r. Cation, .Ino. G.
8eckham, Chas. Bendh Elm, James A
Clements, A. A. Warfield l.. w Spear
Henry r. Elliott NJ. l.. Fox, Major r. s.
Lacey, Dr. f. ID. Hester, l.. A. Littleield,
Park Agnew, DR.. Cook and p. b. Simns.
Maj. Anderson's Address.
Maj. Anderson, addressing the commit
tee, stated that the military affairs COM
mittee yesterday favoraoly reported the
bill granting right of way through the Ar
lington reservation; the District Commits
sioners have reported favorably upon the
line of the road from the river front to the
heart of the city and the unly point at is
partment to any railway crossing z portion
of the reclaimed Hats, the building CT a
ferry wharf and the running of milk trains
On the road. The department wants the
road 10 skirt this reservation and cross the
river at the foot of T. street. This plan,
said Maj. Anderson, is an engineering inn
possibility.
Chairman Heard then caused to be read
letter from the Secretary of War object
ing TO the occupancy of any portion Of the
flats and suggesting that the road he linn
tied to transportation of passengers.
Some Objections.
Capt. Reed explained to the committee
that the trend Of the river would throw the
fun force of the current directly against the
very point where the War Department pro-
poses that the ferry slip should be located.
Moreover, the river at this point has a
bottom Of solid rock and il would be impos-
sible to drive piles there ana construct a
slip. For these reasons IL would be nnpos-
sible to follow the War Departments plan,
Chairman Heard asked If the company
desires the proposed privileges If the road
should be limited to carrying passengers.
Capt. Reed replied that the company Is
willing to confine the passage of freight.
carrying cars to the river landing, stoppias
them on the river front. II is desired how.
ever. to carry milk, eggs and garden truck
TO the Center market, along the stree,
line.
Georgetown Opposes.
Mr.. Marbury and Mr. King of Georgetown
here appeared before the committee and
stated they desired TO oppose this plan II
behalf of certain citizens of GEORGETOWN
They were not prepared today, however L
submit an argument, as they had not beer
informed of the hearing. The railway com
pany had so effectually covered its plan.
and the newspapers had not given notice o,
the company's efforts. said MIR. King, thai
(rTnrgafnwn pir had
aware of what is going on in time to take
part In the discussion.
Mr.. Meredith remarked that he thought
this statement rather odd: he had seen MIR
King at every hearing before the COMMITS
sioners when this subject was discussed
MIR. King said there are petitions froa,
every seaport on the Atlantic coast against
this project.
No bridge.
Chairman Heard asked what business At
lanuc coast seaports have N The constr3c-
ton Of a railway in the District Of Colun,.
bia.
Mr.. King replied that the shipping inter
ests object to the obstruction of navigation
of the Potomac.
Maj. Anderson suggested that this aryu-
ment does not apply to the pen ling prnpo-
siuon. There is no bill before this commit.
tee for a bridge which will obstr.ct ma vic;,-
ton. There has been a bridge bill before
the commerce committee, but the compauV
intends TO withdraw II. There IS nothing in
the plan for ferry which viii Interfere
with navigation. Maj. Anderson said ihe
objection of Georgetown people tc this rlen
Is Simply that the road does not run 10
Georgetown.
Mr.. King and Mr.. Marbury asked for a
hearing at a later date TO present their OH
Iectons. and Chairman Heard set next
Thursday at 1890 o'clock for the hearing
Chairman Heard said that the Georgetown
interests will confine their argument solely
TO the question of any possible obs tr;Iction
to navigation liable to ensue from the use
of the ferry transfer plan. The question of
a bridge is not before the comrnlt:ee