Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-07-27
SHALL THE LAW PREVAIL?
Comment Called Out by the Trolley Con-
troversy.
Residents on the Line Who Speak for
the lexington Company-NOrth
Capitol Street Poles.

Inc resistance OF the EcKlngton Hdllrodu
Company to the enforcement OF the law
requiring the abandonment of the trolley
within the city limits and the consequent
proceedings in court have called out con-
siderable discussion, especially by persons
residing along the line. One who signs
himself "a Patron of the Trolley Road"
writes to The Star as follows:
1.-THE unused trolley poles along North
Capitol street have been ordered down by
the Commissioners.
These poles are distractions pure and
simple. as they serve no useful purpose
whatever. and today stand like row OF
unsightiy gibbets, disfiguring the street Tor
many blocks
THE lexington and Soldiers Home Com
pany made a great to do about the de-
mands of the travelling public and welfare
of its patrons who. it claimed In It's argu-
ments, would suffer untold inconvenience
and financial loss should the New York
avenue poles be removed; but no such ar
gument can be urged in favor of the OBJ
structions along North Capitol street. and
If the company has such high regard for
the demands and welfare of the public let
it proceed to take down these poles at
once, without being forced to do so by the
authorities; The poles as they stand TO-
day, like hangman's trees, are not only
dangerous Instructions. but so unsightly as
to retard improvements and appreciation
Of property values"
Thinks the Road n Convenience.
Mr.. s. K. Spalding writes as follows:
IT have read with considerable interest
the matter concerning the lexington and
Soldiers Home railroad. I am somewhat
surprised that there should be no one to
come forward to speak good word for
this company. I have been for some time
a resident of lexington, and during such
residence have found this company fur
nishing the only accommodation for some
800 or 1000 residents along their line Of
transportation. for easy egress to their
business and different parts Of the city.
"Why there should be such a determine
ton upon the part Of the District Com
missioners ard attorneys, to deprive the
number Of people dependent upon this road
as their only means of transportation to
the city. is beyond my comprehension.
would also say that during my residence
in lexington. and as resident OF wash
ington, have never known more than one
accident to occur upon this road Why
there should be such determination upon
the part Of the authorities here to abolish
that which is of benefit to hundreds of peo-
pie seems rather peculiar. when 1t Is con-
sidered.
There is far more grievous cause for the
intercession of our trio of kings or
masters. as We might say. than to fall
back upon something which is of real
benefit to the community
The Other Side.
newspapers of this city have had great
deal to say against trolleys in general, and
the lexington railroad in particular. Now.
in all justice, give the other side a chance.
Legal rights cannot be determined by
popular clamor. The Court of Appeals will
do what is right in this case. Why not let
the matter rest until then? In all other
cases your great paper has very properly
refrained from expressing partisan opin-
ions on questions pending before the courts.
OF late it seems that all the chronic growl-
ers in the city have chosen the lexington
road as a target. 1t is amusing to hear
residents and property owners in Brook
land, lexington and the vicinity of New
York avenue matchmaking trolleys. This
all the property referred to. The company
has never been able to pay dividend, I
am told. If this opposition is to continue
the charter might as well be surrendered.
How would the people Of lexington and
vicinity like to walk for a change? If the
cars stopped. would property owners be
able to rent houses along the line? The
road is not able at present to adopt asy
other motive power except horses, perhaps.
Do the people really desire horse cars? 1
think not. will walk five blocks out of
my way to take cable electric car.
Horse cars are entirely out of date on all
well-patronized lines. 1t Is q well-known
fact that populistic and cranky ideas have
become SO prevalent that 1t is almost i'm
possible for a railroad to get justice before
Jury, or before 'hayseed legislature un-
less passes are very plentifully sprinkled
around. Yet these same railroads have
made this; country what 1t Is, and their
average dividends are only about two CO
per cent. If lawyer takes a railroad case
he is condemned at once by blatant dema-
gogues as 'corporation'. attorney, as IL
corporations had no rights. Let us have
fair play