The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-09
BLOCKED SIDEWALKS
MAY CAUSE LAW SUITS
Complaints Made Against
Furniture Dealers.
ALLEGED VIOLATION OF LAW
Merchants Say That Use Of Streets for
Display Of Wares Injuries
Their Business.

Many complaints have been made re-
garding the failure Of the authorities to
prevent the use Of the sidewalk on the
north side OF Louisiana Avenue north
west. between Sixth and Seventh streets.
for the display Of private wares. in al
legged violation Of the law. Several busi-
ness men in that section now contem-
plate an appeal to the Supreme Court
OF the District
Although the side gaIk at that point is
twice as wide as at any other point in
the city, it is alleged that customers
find frequent difficulty in reaching
stores in that vicinity
Think They Have a Case.
Merchants who are not using the side
walks for the display Of their wares say
that material injury is inflicted on their
business. After consultation with their
attorneys several Of them are contem-
plating suits against the offenders to re-
imburse them for the loss which they
have sustained. They have been advised.
they say, that such suit would stand
before the courts. and that it would be
but a question Of proving the amount OF
the damage.
The complaints are not only 10 be
heard from those doing business along
the block in question. On Seventh Street
complaint is made OF falling of IN
business as a result of what are called
the extraordinary privileges enjoyed ON
The Louisiana Avenue merchants.
W. VI. Redmond. who keeps a furniture
and stove store at 81 and 3I3 Seven I
Street, says he has appealed to .he po-
lice in vain. and now proposes to ipsti-
tute civil proceedings unless he ctr have
the police regulations enforced.
Law Not Enforced.
1t was bat a short while ago he
said. that the r. P. Andrews Paper
Company was fined SO for leaving its
cellar door open. But with the entire
sidewalk Uttered with second hand fur
niture and other stun for days az a time
1t has been impossible TO have the law
enforced against these people. I have
BEEN informed by Corporation Counsel
D'svaI that the law applies % these
cases. but it seems to be impossible to
have it enforced
Appeal after appeal has been made to
the District Commissioners, but no dis
position of the trouble has resulted
Several arrests have been made bv
Lieutenant Moore. Of the Sixth prec met.
and his men. bur continuances have
been granted in the Police Court and
no case, it is said has been finally
disposed of. IN view OF this fact the
police are reluctant to make further
! arrests. and the secondhand dealers
continue to occupy public space.
AuctioneeTs License
Just whore the responsibility lies has
not as yet developed. Some Of the
/ second bauG dealers are said TO have
| suctjoneer's licenses. which. under the
| law. permit them TO make use Of the
sidewalk At certain hours Of the day.
It is said the main trouble grows out
/ OF the question of the rights Of the
| offenders under the law under which
/ they secure their auctioneer's license.
| Those who are fighting the occupation
/ OF the sidewalks declare that even the
/ privileges granted under the most
| liberal construction OF this law are
/ exceeded. and that they propose 0
! ascertain where the responsibility resls.
/ and 20 take steps to obtain relief
!