The Washington times., 1901-08-19

h. T.
tenden called Mr., burrows attention to
the fact that the bus service conducted
by Mr.. Burrows for the free use of
park residents was anything but what it
should be. Mr.. Burrows is reported to
have said that If Mr.. Crittenden didn't
care for the bus service being operated
he (Crittenden) could walk to the Tenley-
town cars twice each day. At this point
In the conversation, so say the neighbors,
Mr.. Crittenden grew red in the face and
described the geography of the park to
Mr.. Burrows in pointed language.
do you think | want to walk three
miles day over muddy road?' Mr..
Crittenden is reported to have said. II
might as well live in the country and be
done with it. No, I'll sell my house;
that's what I'll do. l won't live here
any more. Moreover, III sell it to
colored man with a family of pickannies,
who'll raise cabbages on the front lawn"
Mr.. Burrows turned pale at these words
He thought Mr.. Crittenden was trying
TO brighten him. 1t couldn't be possible
that Mr.. Crittenden would introduce
family of colored persons into the ex-
elusive society of the American Univers-
ity Park What would the neighbors
Think" unused Mr.. Burrows. "and be-
sides, we couldn't sell any more lots. 1t
would be very dreadful" He concluded
that Mr.. Crittenden was making an idle
threat
What-was his establishment. therefore,
on the second night afterward, when MT
Crittenden arrived. bearing beneath his
arm a huge wooden sign. The curiosity
of the neighbors was elevated to the
highest pitch, and speculation was rife as
to what might be meant by the sign, an
ordinary wooden one. such as real estate
people generally use in the advertisement
| of suburban property.
After dinner Mr.. Crittenden went out
| In the front yard dug hole, and plant
| ed the sign in conspicuous place lie
| then returned to his domicile, and the
residents of the park Immediately had
| business in the vicinity of his residence.
! They passed the sign, and read, printed
in big black letters upon an expanse OF
white:
For sale on easy terms, to colored peo-
| consultation OF American University
Park residents was Immediately held,
| when the action of Mr.. Crittenden was
| discussed. some thought that 1t was
| good joke on TAFT and Burrows. Many
| held up their hands in horror. The idea
| of a negro family being introduced into
the exclusive society of the aristocratic
suburb was preposterous, and must not
| be allowed. Mr.. Crittenden was SEEM and
| able arguments were brought TO bear upon
| him. but he remained obdurate, and the
! next day he had inserted among the ad-
| vertisements of suburban property in a
| local paper the following:
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY PARK N.w.-To color
ed people only-Will sell my new house on easy
| terms or trade for city or suburban property.
| A. ". CRITTENDEN, War Department.
| The advertisement appeared three times,
much to the disgust Of the park promo
tiers and the residents of the suburb.
| Mr.. Crittenden has not yet found a pur-
chaser. but he is hopeful that he will do
! so soon. and those who know him well
declare that he will abide by his origI
| mai determination. ana sell his house to
a colored man He is willing to give easy
| terms on thu property, in order that a
purchaser may be soon found.
! Mr.. Crittenden lives on Forty-eighth
Street near the corner Of Chesapeake
Street, American University Park Under
| the new system Of naming thoroughfares
! one of the avenues of the park is to be
rechristened "Crittenden Street" appar-
| emily at the suggestion of the park pro-
| motors. for the purpose of conciiiating
| cate that ii will be a hard matter to
concliatc him. He has lived at the park
for about fifteen months According to
| the stories aflodt at the University Park.
he has concluded that he can no longer
wait on lonely roads for the spasmodic
trips OF buses and cars.
The Tenleytown cars are supposed to
run at fairly frequent intervals" said Il
resident Of the park last night, explain
ing Mr. Crittendens action. but If one
is met with In any fraction Of half
hour the man wishing to 20 to Wash
ington is lucky. Part of Mr.. Crittenden's
disgust IS due to this fact" reporter
spent nearly an hour waiting for a car
last night at the River Road" after
| having walked twice ever the road Of
which Mr.. Crittenden complains so bit
terly Personal experience thus proves Mr.
Crit5endens grounds for complaint.
James l.. TAFT, of the firm OF TAFT ~
Co.. is out of the city at present, AS is
Alr. Burrows. Upon their return some in
terc sting developments are expected.