Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-04-06
OVERHEAD TROLLEY SYSTEM
Difference of Opinion as to Its Use in Colum-
bia Heig hts.
Columbia Heights Cftixens' AssOcia-
jOrity vote-Other Matters.

AT the mectlnS Oh the Columbia Heights
Citizens Association last evening Presi-
dent M. A. Ballil ger stated that the Sec
ton was in fair way to secure an extern
sion Of the lines of the Metropolitan rail-
road into and through 1t. He referred to
the measure supported by the road yester-
day before the House District committee,
as published in The. Star, saying he had
suggested that the cars be propelled by the
overhead trolley from Kenesaw avenue to
Sherman avenue and thence to Florida
avenue.
Mr.. Ballinger's suggestion did not meet
the unanimous approval Of the associa-
tion. Mr.. c. A. Calhoun and several other
members saying that the association is
on record as being opposed to overhead
wires in the section for any purpose what
ever. They did not believe that an ex-
ception should be made in. favor of the
Metropolitan Company, although Mr.. Bal
Hnger and others explained that the COM
pany is not DESTROYS of using the overhead
trolley, and, if it did use it, would be will
ing to have Congress restrict it's use to q
certain period. under penalties, and only
until the compsny could introduce the
underground system.
Approval of Route.
Mr.. Chas. G. Porter offered a resolu-
ton approving the route suggested by the
company, and also the use of the over
head trolley on Sherman avenue. Mr.. Cal
houn moved to amend by providing that
under no circumstances shall an overhead
trolley be placed on Kenesaw avenue be-
tween 18th street and Sherman avenue.
The amendment was defeated, however,
and Mr.. Porters resolution prevailed
The route approved by the association
was as follows: From 18th street and Co
lumbia road by Erie street to 18th, out
11th to Sheridan avenue, to 14th thence
north to Howard avenue thence east
through Mattingly tract to Lydecker street.
thence east to 18th street, thence south
on 18th street to Kenesaw avenue and
east to New Jersey avenue by the under
ground system. thence by overhead trolley
to Sherman avenue, on Sherman avenue to
Florida avenue.
Mr.. Calhoun offered resolution appro-
priating the sum of IS for engine company
avenue. to bs used by the firemen in the
contest for the uniforms donated by the
managers Of the Masonic fair. Mr.. Bal
linger said the people of the section are
very proud Of the company, and very much
pleased with the manner in which it has
performed it's duty, and he trusted the res
olution would prevail. Mr.. c. B. Tanner
thought IS was too small a sum for the
boys, and on his motion the amount was
increased to $40, the appropriation being
then unanimously made.
Protection In Case of Fire.
Secretary George Simmons read letter
from Mr.. Clarence E. Allen. in which Mr.
Allen called attention to the fact that the
section is without adequate protection in
case Of fire, because of the delay invariably
caused by the late arrival Of a hook and
ladder company. The nearest truck COM
pany. explained Mr.. Allen, Is located SO far
down town that 1t is always several min
utes before the engine companies arrive on
the scene of a fire in the section. In the
event of a bad fire in one of the many tall
buildings In Mount Pleasant or Columbia
Heights, said Mr.. Allen. this delay on the
par. of the truck company would undoubt-
edly result in the loss Of life. The matter
was referred to the executive committee
for proper action. although President Bal
nnger stated he feared that as the District
appropriation bill has made no provision
for a truck company in the section, moth
ing can probably be done for year or
more.
DR.. Hasbrouck, the chairman of the spe-
cial committee to secure reduced express
rates, having left the city, Mr.. Todd was
appointed chairman of the committee.
Mr.. Simmons moved that the association
approve the bill for the remaining Of streets
recently approved by the Senate District
committee, but after some discussion, in
which it appeared that the motion would
not prevail, the resolution was withdrawn.