The morning times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1897, 1896-09-06
Proposed Grand Central Railway
Station in This City.
THE SITE HAS BEEN SELECTED
It Will Be Erected On the Avenue From Thirteenth
to Fourteenth Streets and Will Cost
Fifteen Million Dollars.

No topic has SO often been dicussed in
local railroad circles as the idea OF a union
depot for all steam lines that enter
Washington. The advantages that would
manifold and manifest.
The beauty of the Capital City would be
greatly enhanced and the comfort OF thu
travelling public wonderfully increased.
Recognizing the importance and necessity
for such an institution numerous brainy
men have for the past decade bent their
talents toward finding a solution OF the
problem. Sites in all sections OF the city
have been suggested and plans without
:. number for bringing about the desired re-
suit have been formulated, but until about
two years ago every attempt to bring a
proposition OF this sort into definite shape
and give Washington the much desired union
depot have failed.
The RAILROAD companies are. by no means
unfayorable to the scheme, and have always
listened gladly to those who have laid be-
fore them their plans for such station, but
in almost every instance the plans included
some unavoidable but Objectionable feature
which prevented their adoption.
THE PROPOSED PLAN.
About two years ago some local railroad
men who had been giving the question hard
study hit on a plan which they were con-
WINGED would be practicable and beneficial
They perfected details and organized a
company, in which local capital was largey
represented. The Washington Terminal
Company, as the new organization is called.
then consulted President Roberts, of the
PENNSYLVANIA Railroad Company, and Presi-
dent ingalls,, of the Chesapeake and Ohio
and Big -Four. Both Of these gentlemen
thought the plans as submitted to them were
admirable, and sug gested some slight
changes, but finally Endorsed the original
sketch.
The Baltimore and Ohio Company have
signified their willingness to enter the
scheme, but the financial condition of the
road prevents an immediate subscription
to stock. The plans are explained to CAPT
talists in New York and Boston, and q
syndicate was formed to give all the money
needed to put the scheme into execution,
but the railroad representatives were I'M
willing to hav the union sta ton built unless
they were interested in the affair.
The plans involve an expenditure OF
$4,000 200, and of this fully $4,000 ,OGO
has already been subscribed The remainder
can be obtained "A any time the projectors
desire to begin work. The Pennsylvania
road is willing to put 100000 into the
affair.
ALL CAREFULLY PREPARED.
A rough survey of the field was made be-
fore any steps Were taken to effect an
organization. This reconnoiter was so
promising that railroad experts from New
York were employed TO draw up the plans
for the improvements and bridges while a
minute detail drawing of the proposed sta
ton has been executed.
. The land over which the necessary new
tracks will be laid was examined and shafts
sunk in several places to test the adapta-
bilty of the soil This work was accom-
plshed at great expense and would not
have been undertaken la d not the promoters
been confident that their plans would ma
The intention OF the Washing ton Terminal
Company waste TAX out papers ofincorpora-
ton this winter, and have bill introduced
In Congress authorizing them to pro-
coed with their work, and by next spring
the project would be well under way The |
free silver agitation has to some extent
hampered them in their work, but should |
the country declare for sound money, work |
VIII be begun as soon as Congress gives the |
power to proceed.
The proposed station will front on Penn |
sylvania avenue, and extend from Twelfth |
to Thirteenth streets, northwest. The |
plans will necessarily involve the purchase
Of all property directly behind this square |
to the river, and of all the land between |
Twelfth and Fourteenth streets, south Of |
the Agricultural grounds and extending to |
the water.
or this territory the company has been |
gaining control, and they are now |
either in actual possession of or have op-
ions on the majority of it. The greater |
part of the section between d street south
west and the. wharves bounded by Twelfth |
and Fourteenth streets was already in the
hands of the Southern aud of the Pennsyl-
vania Railroads, So that actual purchase
Of this area was not necessary The
station proper will occupy the entire
square, bounded by Pennsylvania avenue,
Twelfth and Thirteenth streets. and also
extend over portion of the square in the
rear of d street.
STREETS NOT OCCUPIED.
BY eievating the structure on plan SIM
lar 10 that adopted in the construction Of
he Broad street station in Philadelphia,
he roadways viii he left Open and traffic |
viii not be interfered with OH ID street
The main structure will extend TO the ]
4 agricultural grounds, either side OF the
round floor being used for business pur- |
loses. TIE squares between Twelfth and |