Evening star., 1898-02-11

Sherman avenue is accepted does not con-
Germ me or the territory west of l4th street
neither does ii interfere with the principle
of a railroad system or circuit. Only this:
BY the Sherman avenue route Ho!mead
would be furnished with better facilities
and many people along 18th street with in-
proved facilities. An intermediate street
should have existed to have fairly divided
this territory. but as TO that the die must
be cast. route must be decided upon now
1he territory en- the west side of 14th
street is much longer and in all respects
much more in need of railway facilities
bCth for private and public ends. 1t has
the main entrances both to the Geological
and grand PARKS, and no other satisfac-
tory or adequate entrance is possible in
view of all the environments. Both rail-
ways should furnish direct and easy ac
cess to this end for all the people of the
District, and no makeshifts i'm this drec-
ton should be allowed that does not
squarely and promptly meet this view or
requirement. While the various make
shifts and temporizations might meet with
the approval of some people-some limited
localities and perhaps the railroad COM
p&nies. clearly such action would not
meet Nith public approval, nor be able to
perform in proper and satisfactory man
ner the functions Of needed transporta-
ton. While the Columbia read and 10th
street route. proposed by the Metropolitan
Company, might be equally satisfactory to
rae and a large locality. which it would
he, L doubt that it would be as satisfac-
tory to the public, though better than no
route west of 1ith street.
The second inference would seem to be
that the Traction Company should extend
its route from its terminus on lith street
through Howard avenue and 18th street
to connect with its present line on Colum-
bia road. for substantially the same rea-
sons as are set forth. viz: The public needs
and systematic plan of railroad trans
rcrtation. The incident of partial consoli-
dation must be necessary occasionally
end should not be considered as an objec-,
ton If the greatest facilities should be
afforded with the best obstruction or occu-
patton of streets.
Another inference is that, with a COM
pleted circuit for both roads, with double
track, or with a complete circuit for the
Metropolitan, with double track for the
whole system, the proposed loop at Mt
Pleasant on Park street could have no use
for the purposes of transportation, but only
for the purpose of operating the stub end
of the Traction line, which, If the COM
pany wants and needs. and the people do
not object, it will not be very material 10
other localities, provided that it will not
be deemed such increased facilities as
would in any way impair or interfere with
the adequate circuit or system suggested
through 18th street and Howard avenue.
AS stated by The Star, the companies
should be required to at once extend their
lines through to the 18th street terminals
on Columbia road, grading and bridging at
their own expense. The route by 18th
Park at its intersection with Kenesaw
avenue. and also with the general park
which no other route proposed can do and
thlS is condition that should be required
that authorizes any extension to the north
ward whatever
The 18th street route is perfectly feasible
and most desirable. While a little undu-
lating, its grade is easy. and. being the
most direct and shortest line, will! give the
quickest and most satisfactory transit
Ihere are no engineering difficulties what
ever relative to such corporations, or to
the immense value of such a franchise
The drainage is natural and easy nd
put one short bridge mot to exceed 10 to 10
feet)-across Quarry road-will be required.
simply the width required of Quarry road:
the approaches to the abutments can be
graded easily. The Commissioners of the
District have recommended or expressed a
preference for this route. The limited pop
ulation along portion OF this route at
the present time has but little materiality.
ana is eXp!ainable by the fact that the
street mas been but recently laid out and
mas no proper transportation facilities
with these the population will duly ap-
pear However. in the meantime the mark
travel on this side will far exceed all of the
local travel of the whole suburban line AT
this or any other time For the promo
tlon OF the general prosperity and wealth
or the city and District this permissiye
legislation, that costs the public nothing.
should be had without delay. Such inn
provements are material sources of in
creased population. and the investment of
foreign capital. A city without commerce
or manufacture will be financially feeble
and hopeleSsly limited I'm its sources of
Observation-Disclosures and intellectual en-
ergy. Too much pink tea will not pro-
mote the Weil-being or glory of the Dis
trict. DONALD McPHERSON
February 4 1S.lS