Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-06-28

not sufficient to get the motor to the juno
| ton by its own power, 1t can be towed by
| horses to point of intersection with the
east and west section of the lexington
or the two branches of the Belt and then
put through its PAGES over those roads
Nor is the North Capitol street branch of
the former read to be forgotten.
But even these test runs are not to be
taken as final evidence that the air motor
is in all respects satisfactory. There seems
TO be no allowance, in the experiments
thus far conducted. for the maintena ice of
a regular schedule. such as is demanded of
a practical equipment. The single motor
now here should be-as it should have been
weeks agC-put into regular service, MAX
ing as many trips a day would be re-
quired OF ii If the entire line were on a
compressed air basis. This would Demon
strate whether or not the machinery is so
stable that 1t can be relied upon to work
without Interruptions for repairs, ADJUST
ments and similar delays often incidental
to such a plant. The power Of the COM
pressing plant at lexington, too is under
suspicion. 1t is virtually admitted that
this machine Is small and really made
Gudte, and that it requires longer to charge
the car with it than is needed when the
compressors of the usual size are in use.
This fact reflects only upon the siothful-
ness OF the management. 1t was presumed
that the experiments now seemingly APP
preaching an end would be conducted upon
scale and in a manner commensurate
with the Importance of the interests in
voiVed, yet whenever the full test of regu-
lar service has been demanded the i'm
potence of the compressor is brought forth
excuse.
There are good reasons for insisting that
the test should not be closed and the de-
cision rendered except upon the most thor
ouSh understanding of the capabilities and
weaknesses of the motors 1t has been
demonstrated in many ways that the man
ayers of the two roads have entered into
the affair in anything but a sincere spirit
1t has been proven that they brought he re
first car that had failed iniserably in
New York and that they only withdrew it
wffn 1t became an object of general con-
domination. 1t is self-evident that the re-
ceiver and his colleagues have not shown
any desire 10 accept the situation pre-
scented to them in a spirit of willingness
or to go cheerfully about the business of
finding a tirst-class method of rapid tram
SIT. They have persistently played for de-
lay and have so managed as 10 bring the
alleged experiments to a close at The eley-
enth hour anu so put the Commissioners
under a time pressure from which thew
should be wholly free. The whole record is
Such that the Commissioners are justified
IN presaming every effort that has been
flade TO be animated by some motive other
imam the desire TO give the people CT the
Dlstrict a perfectly satisfactory rapid
transit service. Thus it is that the burden
OF proof rests all the more heavily upon
the motor than would have been the case
IL the officials Of the roads had exhibited
tendency TO be open and aboye-board in
their dealings with the public and the au-
tAorities- The motor suffers suspicion be-
cause OF the company in which it is found.