The evening times., 1899-10-27
The District Bu.ybody.

The District Busyb
The Evening Star starts out with one
grieyous error in its consideration and
discussion of the street car question. When
Congress grants the right to construct a
street railroad, it doesn't grant it to the
-'Star''-but to the incorporators-who are
presumed to incur some responsibility
both financial and legal when they accept
its provisions.
No sooner is a grant made, however,
than the Star jumps into the ring and
cheerfully yells: ''All right, Msssrs. Con-
gressmen. We accept the grant in the
name of the people whose guide, counselor,
and friend advertising rates made known
at the counter) We are; and well dis
charge the hattering trust with all our
well known ability. Passengers will be
entertained by choice musical selections
while en- route; landed on the side OF the
cross streets which we shall finally decide
to be best for them; protected from rude
drafts and rural impertinence by closed
windows, and whenever necessary, will
be taken off and have their feet bathed in
hot water. and, if deemed wise. will be
run into the Emergency Hospital for an
electric or medical bracer. Just rely on
u.s."
This would sound very Arcadian, and
might suit some people. but We are quite
certain il would not suit all of them. Some
passengers might not want to have their
feet bathed or have mustard plasterS ap-
piled to their chests because the star
paper thought they were catching cod
There be those who possibly thrive on
pnoumoniG-and even leaving the Phil
ippine discussion out of view, have the
constitutional and God given rigat O. TAX
ing it if they want %.
TO sum up the controversy in briet
phrase: II would be gratifying 10 see two
styles OF cars run on all the street lines,
both open and closed and thus enable pas
ssngers 10 suit their own taste or conven-
ience II such a service is demanded by
the patrons of the road reliance can be
placed Gu the desire of the company 10
crafty them. for pleasing them mems
more money. and displeasing them means
less In either event. the Star has no
more to do with it and should have no
more control over the decision than the
man in the moon.
When the star talks of Its habit Of
voicing" the wishes OF the people of Wash
ington where their health and comfort
are concerned" and of speaking for them
on all occasions. it simply draws up from
its capacious and well-filled reservoir an
other bucket of self-oonceit. II can show
neither prescription nor diploma for such
an assumption. II doubtless very often is
in accord with public sentiment and gives Il
expression. but 1t cannot show that it
originates, directs. or satisfies it.
\ representative OF the people must be
elected. He cannot be appointed by him
self or hoist to the position by machinery
OF his own construction and possess any
authority.
The Star man is not Board OF Health
nor is he the Mayor of the city nor Superin-
tendent of Public Transportation.
He is 4 fussy little chap who frequently
confourds superficality with knowledge
1t is rot probable that he has had an hours
practical acquaintance with one of the many
scores OF things he assumes to learnedly
descant upon and direct. But even if he
were many times as well informed as he is,
modesty would become him. Moderation
would also be jewel of adorument. Be-
cause he can make public his thoughts
crude or refined. every twenty-four hours
he has no right to direct them to the injury
or detriment of those not fortunate enough
to possess his ear or his sympathy. 1t may
be that he has a giants strength, but if SO
he has no moral right to use it like
giant. He should seem to be as pitiful as
he is.