Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-01-29
COMPROMISE PROPOSED.
Plan for Extension of Railway Line
to Northwest Section.

to Northwest Section.
Mr.. Everett Hayden recently addressed a
communication TO a committee Of the Mt.
Pleasant, Lanier Heights and Columbia
Heights Citizens Associations, respectively,
in which he briefly discussed the several
plans proposed for the extension Of street
railway lines in the northwest section of
the city. Mr. Hayden referred to the plan
which he understood to be approved by the
Commissioners, and also to the routes
favored by the two companies seeking a
franchise in that direction. illustrating the
subject with maps showing present and
proposed routes. He then submitted a plan
for extension, which he designated as a
compromise between those proposed by the
companies ard by the Commissioners re-
spectfvely, which was also shown upon a
map.
By way of explanation of his compro-
mise, Mr.. Hayden said:
The proposed compromise route for
Metropolitan, AS desired by the company
east of l4th street, and preferred by the
Commissioners west of 18th street, except
to go through Lanier: the Capital Traction,
to unite with the Metropolitan in construc-
ton and operation of what may be called
the park section from 14th street and
Howard avenue, through Howard. 18th
street etc, to the present lines of both
roads, at 18th street and Columbia road
Region covered by both lines: From mid
way between Sherman avenue and 18th
street to midway between 14th and 10Th
streets; from Florida avenue to Spring
road; a quarter of mile each side of I,y-
decker, Howard, 18th street and Columbia
road, to Florida avenue; total about six
square miles and a large part of the Zoo
The plan requires corporation of the
two railway companies. as well as that of
congress, In condemning right Of way
through small sections and in grading 18th
street. requiring some cutting additional
to what has been DONE very little or no
hlling, and short bridge over Quarry
read. This might very properly be done
in connection with the continuation of
the work now going on at Park, Highway
and kenesaw avenues. Both roads thus
reach within a block of what will doubt
less be the main entrance to the Zoo at
the foot of Kenesaw avenue, and near the
Rock Creek Park, making accessible to
citizens the great national park paid for
out of District funds.
This seems to be the most logical plan,
both for the interests of the public and
the real interests of the railways. as the
two are surely identical. 1t leaves no
butt ends of railroads. but gives continu-
Gus double track roads on which a round
trip ride can be had to and from every
Part of the city. All driveways, such as
Columbia road, the future and present 10th
street, kenesaw avenue, Park and Lowell
streets are free from tracks. There will
be easy grades all the way, nothing need
be over 40 per cent. The route is appar-
emily better adapted to present and future
needs Of the resident and other population
than any other plan, much more so as re-
CARDS the future. The Capital Traction
cars from It'll and u streets could run
alternately to Chevy Chase and Mount
Pleasant, the latter continuing on down
18th street. Both companies secure there
by near approach to the parks on the same
tracks, and a very large part Of the entire
region under consideration is supplied with
rapid transit to every part of the city by
either of the lines.
THE plan thus briefly outlined seems to
a1.r4fo Of Inf INV
portant question. 1t would undoubtedly
pay and be valuable franchise to the
roads and a good investment for the city.
Whether it be expedient under all the cir
cumstances. to push 1t, even In case
large majority of residents favor it, or
whether it will be best to accept anything
that is offered, is another question, and
one that need not be discussed"