The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-05-12
AFFAIRS OF BRIGHTWO0D
sMonthly Meeting of the Citizens
Association.
Preparations for Decoration Day
Ceremonies nj Fort Stevens-Reso-
lutiou. Concerning the Extension
of street. md Alleged Bad Car
Ser>icc-Other Matters Discussed.

The Brightwood Avenue Citizens Asso-
citation last night held its May meeting in
Brightwood Hall. Five residents were
elected members of the association, as
follows: W. Clifford A. L. Angel. August
Law. James F. Dart, and George w. os-
borne.
W. V Cox Chairman of the Historical
Committee. reported that his committee
had made some progress in the way of
preparation for Decoration Day at Fort
Stevens. 1t was stated that the committee
had several speakers in view, and hoped
TO secure the services of prominent Rep
resentative in Congress from Maryland.
The committee, Mr.. Cox said. had in view
the agitation of the question oil reservins
Fort Steven and the line of entertainments
from Rock Creek as national reserva-
ton. They hoped that a bill would be
introduced in Congress this year, appro-
priating money for carrying out the plans
in preparation by the Engineer Commas
sioner of the District. The subject by
vote of the association was made the spe-
cial order of business at meeting to be
held the first Friday evening in June
Blair Lee reported TO the association the
result of the efforts of the Committee on
Extension of Streets in securing pledges 10
the dedication of land for the opening CT
Thirteenth and Fourteenth Streets north
west He stated that much of the property
on the line of both streets was ready for
dedication, and he hoped that at least by
fall the committee would be ready with
bill to go to Congress and say that the
land question was eliminated and that the
streets could be opened.
With reference to the matter of assess
ments and cost Of opening the street. Mr..
Lee explained that the committee hoped
to revive the apportionment idea and not
limit the cost to 200 feet of property on
either side Of the improved highway. Mr.
Lee also advanced the opinion that the plan
which his committee advocated would bring
to light what forces are at work to hinder
the progress of the Northwest suburban
section.
R. NJ johnson offered resolution that
the secretary of the association be in
structed to write to the President of the
Washington Traction Company to protest
against the car service on its Brightwood
line, that the cars are not suitable, and
that the community is outraged by the de-
lay experienced in reaching the city. In
the same line a second resolution offered
BIZ n E. Robinson was adopted, as fol-
lows:
Resolved That this association regards it as
matter Of paramount importance that the cleo
tric cars of the Brightwood line should run di-
roctly down Ninth Street, and 1t IS believed
that to divert these cars to any ctner line
north Of G Street would work great Inconvenience
to the very large majority OF the patrons of the
line and act adversely TO the prosperity OF our
section Of the District.
Resolved. That the chairman OF the Commit
fec OF
proper officers of the Washington Traction Com
pany and endeavor 10 secure the adoption OF the
desired route.
Much time was spent by the association
in the discussion of street extension, re-
sulting in the introduction OF the follow
ing resolution by W. ]. Lambert, and
after discussion, a reference to the Com
mittee on Resolutions:
Whereas ten years of time and large amount
OF public money has been expended in effort
TO establish arbitrary and rational plan o:
street extension in the District of Columbia by
Congress, wholly at the expense OF the few tax
payers of the District; and
Whereas the landowners in order to prevent
the appropriation of their lands to the public
use without Just compensation as provided by
the Constitution. and also to prevent the actual
confiscation Of their holdings have been Obliged
TO give much of their time and attention, spend
ls-ge sums of money, and sustain great los:
and damage to their property by reason CT map:
which have been filed clouding their titles, year,
in advance OF the necessity for streets throngt
their lands, which has prevented them IRON So
curing loans and efectng sales, thereby seTiousl,
impairing. II not destroying their rights Of ov n
ershp; therefore he il
Resolved by the Brightwood Citizens Associa
ton in public meeting assembled, this 18th da
of May, 1900 That the Commissioners Of tn
District of Columbia be respectfully requested t
urge such action of Congress at this session a
will secure the establishment of necessary street
fer which have long suffered and upon
plan which will be fair and Just 10 the land own
ers, e., that when private property is take
for the public use. the value thereof shall be as
ccrtained and paid in money from public treas
ury. one-hslf OF which should be charged to III
nited States and the other half to the Distric
of Columbia, and that a fund should be raised 70
this purpose by bond issue, thereby, not onl
enabling us to establish these necessary publi