Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-06-06
OPPOSED TO THE LOOP
James B. Cook Protests Against Granting
Permit to Capital Traction Company.
Declares the Matter VIII Be Called
to Attention of Congress-
His Suggestion.

The District Commissioners have received
a letter from Mr.. James B. Cook of 2514
University place. in which the writer adds
his protest and that OF his sister. Mrs J. H.
Dykeman, to those made against the con-
structiCn by the Capital Traction Company
of loop at the Mt. Pleasant terminus of
its 14th street line. Judging from recent ar
ticles in The Star, Mr.. Cook says, there
seems to be little doubt that the Commits
sioneIs will eventually grant the cOmpany's
application for a permit to build the pro-
posed loop, notwithstanding the earnest
protest of nearly every property owner and
citizen of Columbia Heights, with the eX
ception of Mr.. Mattingly.
Mr.. Cook complains that at is not at all
clear just how The Star Is able to so con-
fdently forecast the action of the Com
missiOners in this matter. If says Mr..
Cook, we who are interested are to believe
that ii has not been determined in advance,
and we surely desire to so believe, we are
left to the conclusion that the articles are
Inspired by the railroad )mpany, which de-
SlreS to draw us out much as possible,
and 10 educate the people in such a way
that any usurpatiOn of what we are pleased
to term our rightz will not excite any great
amount of comment
Makes Suggestion.
1t is suggested by Mr.. Cook that the COM
pany take the lot along 14th street. or. if it
must go to the middle of the square, at
least go inside the pavement. instead of
down Ken ,On street. Referring to the
opinion of the attorney of the District, who
advised the Commissioners that under the
law of 1862, they are authorized to grant
the permit, provided it be clearly shown
that the interests of the public require the
erection of the proposed passenger station,
Mr.. Cook asks. if such is the case, how is
1t that the convenience of the people
quire the erection of a passenger station at
this terminal only, and that with possibly
an isolated exception or two there are no
such stations either here or in Baltimore.
Mr.. Cook says ii seems clear to him that
the company desires or is willing to build a
loop, and merely urge the necessity of
passenger station as an excuse for doing so.
He also asks, if the convenience of the pub
lie Is to he considered, why it is the popula-
ton of Mt. Pleasant is required to walk to
the present terminus of the line instead of
the line being extended where there Is am
pie patronage to Justify such extension.
Asks for Postponement
Il trust says Mr.. Cook, In conclusion,
that the disposition of this matter will at
least be deferred until Senator Mcmillan
and Chairman BabcOck have an opportu-
nifty to consider it. for it will certainly be
brought to their attention soon as Con-
gress cOnvenes. If what the company de-
mands is legal. just and right, let it at
least be authorized by Congress In regu-
lar way. and so remove any suspicion that
a corporation is being backed by the Com
missioners as against the common people,
whom | know it to be your duty. and trust
that it Will be your pleasure to protect.
My sister, Mrs. j. H. Dykeman, and myself
are TIE owners of the west half of lot T.
block ), Hence this protest"
Mr.. &C 1ks communication has been noted
by the commissioners and placed on file,
but. as has been heretofore stated in The
Star, in view of the fact that their at
tOrney has advised them that they are au-
thorized by law 10 grant the Capital Trac-
ton Company's application, the Commits
sioners seriously doubt whether they can
deny 1t, provided the plans of the pro-
posed passenger station meet the require
ments of the building regula lions, and they
are convinced that the interests of the gem
eral public require such a convenience.