Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-06-19
FOR AND AGAINST
Citizens Give Opinions to
Commissioners.
POLICE AT CROSSINGS
HEARING ON BILL PENDING IN
THE SENATE.
Favored by Gen. Harries and MI. Dun
lop Of Local Railways-Oppo-
nents Of Measure.

A hearing was granted today by the Dis
trict Commissioners in connection with
Senate bill 6092, recently introduced by Mr.
Mcmillan, to require the street railway
companies in the District of Columbia to
station uniformed flagmen at designated
track intersections The bill provides that
the several street railway companies OPP
Grating in the District Of Columbia shall
station at such track intersections as may
be designated by the District Commission
ers uniformed hagmen, who shall, under
the direction of the employing companies
perform the duties Of the special policemen
provided for heretofore. The Senate bill
provides for the repeal of all acts or parts
of acts in conflict with it.
In opposition to the bill, Mr.. P. NJ. Snow
den first took the floor, explaining that he
appeared in behalf of the citizens and prop
erty owners Of this city. High tribute was
paid by the speaker to the efficiency of the
street crossings policemen. He designated
them "the sentinels of the public welfare"
In the opinion of Mr.. Snowden the removal
of the crossings policemen would be step
ping backward to the unsafe conditions OF
the past. Further more, it was added, the
substitution Of flagmen would not meet the
requirements.
General George H. Harries, vice presi-
trio Company, the next speaker, urged that
the Commissioners submit a favorable re-
port on the bill. He first gave a history of
the legislation providing for crossings po-
licemen. He said the law was not the re-
suit Of any public need, but was a purely
political and wholly selfish measure with
the enactment of which the railway COM
panies had nothing to do.
Gen. HarrieS declared that the CROSSINGS
policemen serve the community to far
greater extent than they do the companies
for they perform general police duties 1t
was further explained that although the
traffic here is light, Washington Is the only
city in the world where the railway COM
panieS are required to maintain such
police service. The companies, further
more. have nothing TO say regarding the
appointment of the policemen. but are re-
quired to pay the salaries of the officers.
Taxes Feature.
In addition to paying extraordinary taxes
not common 10 citizens, said Gen. Harries
the railway companies are required to pay
additional taxes in the form Of salaries to.
the crossings policemen. In closing his
argument in favor Of the bill, Gen. Harries
remarked that 1t will not be denied that it
is more to the interest Of the railway COM
panies than to any one else, perhaps, to
diminish. much as possible, the number
of accidents.
to the bill. He said that no reason exists
for doing away with the present admir-
able system Of crossings policeman. The
men at the crossings, said the speaker,
should be entirely Independent of the COM
panies. Mr.. Ryan made the assertion that
the companies desire the power to appoint
the crossings employees in order to control
those employees when the latter were called
into court witnesses in damage cases
against the companies.
Mr.. George T. Dunlop, president of the
Capital Traction Company. asserted that
the act providing for crossings policemen
was conceived in malice and carried out in
ill-will 1t was declared by Mr.. Dunlop that
no precedent exists anywhere for the pay
ing Of policeman by a corporation. Speak
ing with spirit. Mr. Dunlop denied the init
ma ton his company would endeavor to
influence the statements Of any witness
Gen. Harries also resented any insinua-
ton that the company he represents would
put anybody on the witness stand to tes-
tify falsely
Mr.. Willard who uses crutches, con-
that 1t takes away the protection to which
he Is entitled.
Secretary James B. Lackey of the Wash
ington Railway and Electric Company
spoke in favor Of the bill.
Among others who expressed the opinion
that crossings policemen should be retained
in service were R S. Lacey, John W. Stone
and Alexander 8. Scott.
The Commissioners took the matter under
consideration.