The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-05-08

Arthur ". Harrison recently wrote to the
District Commissioners making formal
complaint against the operation of the
street cars on the Seventh Street line in
not stopping before crossing the tracks
steam or electric railroads.
ION several occasions writes Mr.. Har-
rison, I have noticed that said cars do
not stop unless TO take on or let off pas
sengers before crossing the steam railroad
tracks at Virginia and Maryland Avenues,
nor at the electric road crossings at F, C,
Ninth, and Eleventh Streets. On recent
occasion a car that l was on made no
stop, but shot across within less than half
a block In front of an express train on
Maryland Avenue. about 1910 p. m. The
conductor when l asked him about it, said
he did not know whether there was any
order or rule about stopping
Mr.. Harrison states TO the Commission
e-s that he has a record of the cars and
tbs times of violations of the rule, which
he is able to furnish if evidence is re-
urired. He stated that he did not wish 10
cause arrests. as the frequency of the oc-
currence led him TO believe that 1t was
not the fault of the men in charge OF the
car, but that the management was in some
way to blame, TO save the small expense
of stopping and starting the car.
Mr.. Harrison suggested that the matter
be Investigated by sending an official in
spector TO observe the supposed violations
of the rule.
The complaint of Mr.. Harrison was re-
ferred to the Police Department. and Lieu
tenant Hollinberger reported the results
of the investigation, saying he had made
enquiry of the sergeants. the patrolmen,
and also the bicycle men on duty along
the Seventh Street car line, and all had
practically the same thing TO say. Their
testimony was that the electric cars would
slow up as they approached the tracks of
the steam railroad just enough TO come
within the letter OF the regulation.
Lieutenant Hollinberger stated further
that he had ordered the policemen to give
the matter special attention but Eli had
reported that there was no specific viola
ton OF the law. He said that he had
been informed that two conductors and
motormen had been laid off for week be-
cause OF failure to stop before crossing
the steam railroad tracks. Since then it
was reported that all others had been
careful to stop as provided by the regula-
tions.
The Major and Superintendent of Police
in reporting the matter back to the Com
the investigation it was made TO appear
that the operators OF the electric cars
have occasionally been reckless as to TAX
ing proper precautions at the steam rail-
road tracks in the Southwest. Major Syl-
vester, however, says he is informed that
such employees have been disciplined, and
that there has been no noticeable Degli-
gence of late.
AT the corners where special policemen
are posted the Superintendent informs the
Commissioners that he has personally
observed the conduct of the railway en-
ployes, and he says that he is 10th to nc
cept the charge that the specials employ
ed at these crossings are negligent in
enforcing the regulations. Continuing,
Major Sylvester says:
There is no question as TO violations
occurring from time to time in different
parts of the city. but the records Of this
department show that directions have
been given repeatedly to strictly enforce
the laws, not only those applying TO cars,
but to vehicles, bicycles, and automo-
biles."
Commissioner Wight has advised that
the complainant be informed OF the in
yestigation and its results in accordance
with the report of the Superin tendent Of
Police.