Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-07-30
CITIZENS PROTEST
PROPERTY OWNERS ON NORTH
CAPITOL STREET COMPLAIN.
Commissioners Grant Hearing, but
Give Citizens Little Encourage
ment-Lesser Of Two Evils.

Property owners and residents on North
Capitol street appeared before the Com
missoners this morning to urge the au-
thorities to revoke the permit for the con-
struction Of the narrow-gauge railroad by
the Brennan Construction Company from
the site of the House Of Representa- tives
office building to the union station plaza.
After listening to the arguments the Com
missoners stated they would consider sug-
gestions offered with reference to lessening
the Inconvenience that might result to the
residents by the operation of the road. The
Commissioners. however, indicated that
they consider the proposed railroad neces-
sary. and will not revoke the permit
Mr.. A. l.. Richards on behalf of the prop
erty owners said that they think the citi-
zens interest should De considered before
that of private corporations. He objected
to laying the rails on the west side of North
Capitol street. Mr.. Richards argued that
If the road is laid on that thoroughfare
it should be placed in the middle of the
street. The speaker also declared that the
tracks across c street would interfere with
traffic on that street.
Mr. Richards questioned the authority of
the Commissioners to issue permit OF
the kind granted to private corporation.
The railroad. he said, is not for the benefit
OF the District He suggested that the
dirt be handled in wagons.
Not an Inconvenience.
Commissioner mcfarland mentioned that
the Commissioners had not granted the per-
NIT because it would cause the greatest in
convenience to the citizens, but. on the
trary, they had permitted the construc-
ton of the road because 1t would reduce
the inconvenience to a minimum.
Commissioner West explained to Mr..
Richards that 1t was necessary to remove
L,,f 3i,,rr CIT IN
union station plaza. and that 1t Is very de-
sirable to have the work done before con-
gress meets. 1t seemed best to use modern
methods in removing the dirt, and, besides,
the operation of the railroad Wouiu save
great deal of time.
Edward B. McGetrick urged that other
quarters be provided for Truck Company A
If this road is built, and he insisted that
the tracks be laid in the middle of the
street He declared that the construction
of the road will eliminate truck A from the
re-fghting force.
Commissioner West suggested that the
fire engine company in that vicinity ana
truck a exchange quarters temporarily.
Mr.. Brennan Explains.
Mr.. P. J. Brennan, on behalf Of the con-
tractors, said that the idea of constructing
the narrow-gauge road originated with the
District officials. 1t being considered that
the operation of the road would entail the
least inconvenience ON tne cltlZelis. Ahi.
Brennan stated that the company has ex-
pended $4,000 and one months time in
buying a plant and making preparations
for laying the tracks. By means Of the
railroad he said the dirt can be removed
in much less time than would be required
If wagons were employed.
Mrs. Boyer, a resident North Capitol
street stated that some of her tenants are
intending to vacate their quarters in the
event the railroad is constructed. She de-
sired to know If she would be compensated
for any loss.
The Commissioners mentioned that the
permit for the road provides that the con-
tractor is responsible for any damages &C
cruing from the construction of the road.
Several other ladies present who conduct
boarding houses in the vicinity told the
Commissioners that their tenants propose
to move in the event the railroad is built.