Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-04-13
The Commuters.

To the Editor of the Alexandria Gazette
The representatives of the press pre-
pared an excellent account of the report
made by me to the COmmuters' Asso-
citation at its meeting Monday evening.
except that | was partially misunder-
stood as to the number of trains ON
which third car would be run and the
number which would be composed of
extra length motor and trailer did
not intend to give the impression that
the arrangement was to be an inhexible
one, by which long cars would be used
on two trains morning and afternoon
and three cars on three trains. / stated
that the experiment had been COM
menced by running third car on three
of the afternoon trains that day.
What the railway officials have promis-
ed is to watch the reports as to the num-
Der of passengers, and to soIarrange their
long cars and three-car trains as to ac-
commodate the travel in as satisfactory Il
manner as practicable
In order that the plan now in opera
ton may not be misjudged, enclose a
copy OF the letter written by Mr.. Colyin,
on the strength of which the association
asked the suspension of the order of the
State Corporation Commission.
We have been met courteously and in
spirit of accommodation, and do not
wish any misapprehension to interfere
with fair and impartial estimate of re-
suits. I. II. NETHERLAND,
President, A. & w. Commuters
Protective Association.
The following letter explains itself:
Mr.. 7. II. Netherland, Pres. A. & w. Com
muters' Association
Dear Sir Referring to the conversation
with your committee yesterday, the sugges-
ton made by YOU is satisfactory TO our com
pany. Ny understanding of this suggestion
is as follows: That if the State Corporation
Commission at the request of your association
will suspend for time the order under which
TINS company IS operating additional trailers
on certain trains between Alexandria and the
Potomac river we will then carry out so far
as we are able the suggestions made by your
committee as TO arranging our largest cars
Seating 52 passengers on certain trains and
hauling additional trailers on others between
Washington and Alexandria, as we did last
summer and fall, except when conditions win
not permit it. If this arrangement should
not prove to be satisfactory we will on request
from your association return TO the present
manner of operating additional trailers be-
tween Alexandria and the Potomac river.
We will at any time be ready to confer with
representatives Of your association or any Of
our patrons.
This company desires to give to its patrons
as good service as possible because we recog-
nize the fact that this is the best method u
increase our business, but in this we are Sc
riously handicapped by the conditions exist
ing at the bridge over the Potomac, in all Of
which your association has had sufficient ex-
perience to make you thoroughly familiar
with the situation. When the new steam
railroad bridge over the river is completed
we hope TO be able to improve our service by
putting on additional trains.
Regarding the matter Of cleanliness Of ears
we will improve conditions, and in this respect
| would ask the assistance of your association
in enforcing the law Of the State of Virginia
and the police regulations Of the District Of
Columbia against splitting ON the floors Of
cars. Yours truly, J. COLVIN,
Superintendent.