Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-08-22
KINGTON CARS
The Railroad Company Must Run
More Of Them.
COMMISSIONERS REFUSE TO RESCIND
Order Of July IS for a Better Sev-
ice Will Stand.
AN INTELLECTUAL APPEAL

Mr.. w. Stuart Symington, vice president
and general manager of the lexington
and Soldiers Home Railway Company, ap-
peared before the Commissioners again to-
day and made an earnest plea that the
order of the Commissioners Of July Is be
rescinded The order directed that thirty
days from the date mentioned the schedule
of the company be changed so as to pro-
vide f1ve-minute cars between 7 and 8
o'clock am. and 4 and o'clock PM, and
not less than ten minutes at other times,
on the North Capitol street route and the
overhead trolley route to Brookland. After
discussing the matter in all its phases the
Commissioners declined to rescind the or
der and directed that the more frequent
service begin Friday morning next, Au-
gust %. The time limit recently extended
the company expires Monday next. but
three days grace will be allowed to permit
the purchase of necessary horses to move
the extra cars.
The COmpany's Statement.
In asking that the order be rescinded,
General Manager Symington submitted the
following statement:
In the fail of 1895. at the suggestion of
ton line were run direct to the treasury,
at 18th and streets, instead of to the
Center Market. The management found
that this change did not suit the public for
the traffic receipts were cut down $23 - per
DAY, and the operating expenses increased
s to per day. resulting in daily net loss to
the company of S62.19 We are now asked
20 again make this change or put on ad-
altlonal cars and give shorter time sche-
aule. and for what? We can show by an
EXHIBIT or actual traffic receipts that by the
present schedule We are running cars cam
able OF carrying comfortably forty passeu-
sers. and the average number carried is .;
when shows, conc!usively that we have
iurhlsned and are now furnishing ample &C
comTnodations TO all who care to ride.
Our roads are now running at a daily
ioss 10 US, and We cannot help but think
mat the majority Of the complaints which
:ome 10 you, and the petitions which have
tSe brought TO you. to get you to put
from parties interested in booming real
estate In the suburbs.
confederation Asked.
Some consideration Is asked for the
5tockholders of this line, which, as yol
Well know. is struggling for existence. TO
2Guip road with rapid transit costs a
great deal of money, and we have succeed
ID in securing enough to do it, but until
" arc e.oie ~ 50 equip we plead Tor help
ma assistance, and beg that no additional
i"fdens be placed upon il, especially when
Nc can show, and have shown, that we are
b!e now to carry and are furnishing ia
mites for carrying five times as many
assensers as ever present themselves.
me compressed air cars will first run
rom the power house to 18th and G;
streets. This will be in the near future.
nave shown you from actual traffic
receipts that we carry an average Of four
S3ASSeESeTS per trir fDclni3i II,
rarsfers. on our North Capitol street line
IN the lexington line the average num-
er of passengers is nine, including trans
tsrs, and the proposed change Of route will
doubtless put us to a loss of over $50 a
lay.
4 cannot suppose it is your Intention
20 force us to the wall and compel as to
lose more money than We are now doing. /"
The Extra Cost.
MT. Symington went on to say that the
cost OF horses alone for the new scheduI.,
would amount to $1,000, and he submitted
that 1t would be unjust to compel the COM
pany to go to such an expense while It's
receipts do not now meet the cost of op-
Grating. The Introduction of the new mo-
tive power In the near future, he added,
would dispense with a large number OF
horses now IN service.
no" soon will the compressed air sys-
tenn be put on?" asked Commissioner Pow
ell.
I'VE expect to make a trial about Sen-
TENDER L. replied Mr.. Symington Every
preparation has been made for the in
stailat:on Of the plant soon as it is
received We have also arranged for a
partial supply Of water.
Transfers. Discussed.
The subject of transfers. discussed at a
former hearing and reported in The Star.
was gone over. Commissioner Powell char
acterizing the system as burden on the
public. Mr.. Synlington admitted that he
was opposed to short lines. and stated tina
It was his intention to recommend to the
company that through traffic. be adouted on
the road.
In regard to the matter of schedule
Commissioner Ross remarked that it seem
ed to be case Of compelling .he public tn
swallow bad medicine none at ALL The
residents OF Brooklaud and along Mort h
Capitol street are provided with no other
railway facilities, he said, end therefore
the lexington road thinks 1t can cu;nneI
trem 10 submit to any sort of schedule
Mr.. Symington denied cmphaticalIv that
such was the case
After consultation with Commissioner
POWELL Commissioner Ross announced the
decision of the ooard.
The Decision.
we cannot see our way clear" he said,
ito rescind the ORDER
Mr.. Symtngton then asked for a little lee
way. 1T will be necessary for me to Dur
chase twenty horses" he explained, land
it will certainly be impossible to make the
deal in time to run the cars. according to
the new schedule, Monday morning.
AS stated. an extension was granted until
August IS
Sorry 1 could not convince you, gentle
men," said Mr.. Symington, rising
You made very good argument" re-
piled Commissioner Ross Good morning. -
THE LOUISIANA LYNCHING.
Further Conference With Baron Fayn