Evening star., 1897-06-11
CONFERRlNG OVER PLANS
Meeting at the District Building to Discuss
Railroad Crossings.
Railroad Omcials Assure the Com mis-
just the Matter Mt Once.

A most important conference between
the Commissioners and the engineers of
the Pennsylvania railroad took place at
the District building this afternoon.
The object of the conference was to con-
slider once again the several plans pro-
posed by the Commissioners and the rail-
road company which had for their object
the abolishrent of grade crossings in South
Washington and the rebuilding of the
Pennsylvania company's road within the
District of Columbia.
At noon today Engineer Brown of the
railroad company. accompanied by MIR.
John Casselis, called Upon the Commission
ers. Ttey vere at once shown into the
board room. where the conference took
place. The old plans were again taken up
and discussed, and 1t was seen that the
railroad company had accepted many of
the conditions of the Commissioners plan.
and We're closer to a compromise than they
have ever teen before.
Explained the Details.
Engineer Brown explained at length the
details of his plan and Engineer CommIs-
sioner Black pointed out the differences
between them and those previously adopt
ed by the Commissioners. Considerable
time was spent discussing these matters,
and finally it was agreed that the engineer
of the railroad company should submit the
written report of what changes he thought
necessary.
At this stage of the proceedings there
vas considerable desultory talk as to the
probability of any change. The railroad
officials assured the Commissioners they
were not only willing. but anxious, to have
the matter adjusted once and for all. 1t
was necessary, they said. to establish the
engineering features, such grades, etc,
a n ia
company could utilize its big square of
ground at 4 IL street and Virginia avenue
for a freight yard
Engineer Commissioner Black then called
attention of the railroad officials to another
and a newer plan, which he had drawn up
after careful study of the situation. He
prefaced an exhibition of the map and an
explanation of the details of the plan with
the statement that he believed 1t was
nearer solution to the vexed problem than
any that had yet been suggested.
The Elevations shown.
Engineer Hunt of the District then eX-
hibited the plan, which shows the railroad
coming down 9th street on an elevated
structure and entering an elevated station
upon the site of the present one.
1t is plan that would require the open
ing, or rather the extension of Missouri
avenue through the railroad property, and
a consequent abandonment of Il street by
the Metropolitan railroad cars, the tracks
of that company following the line of Mis-
scuri avenue through the depot from Ith
street.
The plans showed careful study, and
Engineer Brown of the railroad said, after
looking over them, that he saw no engi-
neerng difficulties presented He would
be unable to state anything defiaite as to
the railroad company's plans rs far as
this plan was concerned. but would take
great pleasure in presenting the matter TO
those in control Immediately with a view
of having report within a week. The
Engineer Commissioner urged expedition il
this matter. and added that he was anXious
to bring about a betterplent of the condi-
tions in South Washington as soon rs pos
Sible.