Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-12-15
THURSDAY EVENING. DEC. Is, 1905

THE MEETING of the patrons OF tbs
electric railway last night was not as well
attended as had been expected, and,
apart from the expressions of few, there
was a lack Of spontaneous action, esre'
ciaIly on the part of those most directly
affected by the delay of trains, the want
NJ nrnper heat. etc. 1t was suggestive
TACT that more people were packed into
one souihbound car between six anu
seyes O'Clock yesterday evening than
we're at the meeting, There was
marked absence of patrons OF early
morning trains. which are often delaye'
ged. cut out altogether
,ral complaints, although
g facts were presented
them might have been
act tortb-that il. if all the discomfoI,s
ono hears of be correct. While there
ara two sides to all things, there can be
no doubt that people compelled to travel
between Alexandria and Washington on
the electric trains, especially 10 winter
have much to complain of in the way OF
delay, lack of heat in the cars, etc. FOR
;ostauce it is said that the motor OF one
of the early morning trains burned OUT
on the Long bridge early yesterday morn
log. The car was filed with smoke, and
the occupants, including many young
women, we're compelled to walk to their
places of employment in order to reach
them on time. They we're told that a
train following would soon come along
and push the stalled train over the bridge
The passengers could not take the risk OF
waiting for the arrival of the other train
and were forced to finish their journey
on foot and on snow in the biting cold
The delay in reaching home at night Is
not only vexatious but dangerous where
people have to sit ia cars minus heat for
an hour or more at time. The trains
between five and seven O'Clock are gene
rally crowded to overlooking. Over one
hundred people, it is asserted, we're on
one car yesterday evening between SIX
and seven o'clock. The seating capacity
of the car is fiity-two. 1t is charged by
people who are compelled to patronize
the earlier trains that their arrival IN
Washington is often uncertain, and that
trains are occasionally cut out entirely.
These things, it was expected would have
been stated at the meeting last night,
tut for some reason they were not. NOW
that Council has taken the matter IN
hand, the Corporation Commission Will
act. In the meantime sll who have conf
plants TO make should prepare the same
in writing. noting dates and facts, IN or
der that something tangible can DC pre-
sented to the commission. Otherwise
the aims of the patrons of the road Will
miscarry. With no desire to reflect on
the electric railway management, 1t Is
apparent that it is up to them to remedy
the alleged defects in their service or
refute the charges. Such action will be
for their own benefit as we'll as for their
patrons, as it is evident that should num-
bers of Alexandrians be compelled to
remove to Washington the revenue of the
road will be lessened. If the rolling
stock needs attention, it should receive
it Immediately, and every effort be put
forth 10 remedy any defectin the service,
IS all realize that the road is an import
ant adjunct to Alexandria which under
normal conditions is justly appreciated
convenience.