The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-10-07
BRIGHTNOOD CASE
CALLS FOR ACTION
Blair Lee Replies to Dis
trict Commissioners.
SIX PERTINENT QUESTIONS
Wishes to Know What the Officials
Have Done TO Relieve Patrons OF
the Railway Company.

/ The statement Of the District COM
missi0nerB yesterday iu relation 60 the
letter Of the day previous from Blair
Lee TO the editor of The Times has
furnished the text FOR another letter
from Alr Lee. Il needs no comment on
explanation. and IS, tn fun. as follows.
ITO the Editor OF The Times
'Ihe question as 20 how a suit against
the BrightWoOd Railway Company can
be brought 10 compel it 10 live up to its
charter schedule is matter OF tech
nicaI detail OF course. the Comzals-
siOners have no legislative or judicial
power in themselves TO declare its char
ter forfeited. but they can. and ought
as the officers OF the District charged
with the supervision of this road, TO
start the proper legal steps 10 that end.
''lhe exact method OF procedure by
- hicn the Commissioners should bring
this matter into court was not intended
10 be covered by ms former letter. The
charter having been granted by the
United States. could probably be for
feiJed only by judicial or legislative ac-
ti0n, in the name OF the United States.
Should Make a Start.
but the main point in this matter is.
that any legal procedure against the
BrightwOOd Railway Company by the
United States would naturally emanats
from the Commissioner, and be. based
upon a showing of the facts and request
for relief. addressed to- the proper au-
Jhorides OF the United States. by the
District Commissioners. A case being
brought in the name of Jhe United
States. the Commissioners of the District
OF Columbia would be behind 10 with
their legal advisers and executive power
1T IS well known that there are two
proceedings for forfeiture of q United
State@a charter either by act OF Con
sitss OF recourse 70 lAe courts Tor re-
LIEF ~ the name of the United States
RELIEF DF the courts should be more
prompt and certain than by legislation.
Without having given any elaborate
consideration 10 this matter. 1 submit
To you the following categorical in
,=i ldlIles, which, II pursued. VIII. IN my
dcrstaudmg OF how 10 Is that this rail-
WY company SO calmly disregards tAe
law, the local press and public opinion.
Six Questions Asked.
First How long have the Commits
sioners Of the District of Columbia been
advised officially, or uuuhiCiaIIy. that
the Rrightwood Railway Company has
failed TO run cars according 10 the terms
OF the act Of Congress, which c0nsti-
tutes tho charter of that road?
ElEFr hLlt 1salll4l1Se aNLLEGS UGLlLEI
the Brightwood Railway Company that
1t must run It's cars according 20 the
charter. and that the Commissioners
will proceed TO secure the forfeiture OF
the charter, or otherwise seek relief in
behalf OF the community
'3- Have the commissioners of the
District of Columbia reported 60 the
proper authorities of the United States
the continued and defiant breach OF its
charter by this railway company Operat-
ing under au act of Congress of the
United States, within the Jurisdiction Of
the Commissioners, and asked for a pro
cedur= against the railway company, I'm
the name oil the United States for the
relief of the Commissioners and citizens
OF the District of COiumblaH
81. Have me Commissioners, AT any
time. reported the case OF the Bright
wood Railway Company 90 Congress.
that it fails to run cars as ifS charter
directs, and threatens 90 charge two
fares en- Jhe District Of Columbia If dis
tuFbed lu it's unlawful course and have
the Commissioners suggested TO Con-
ETess the forfeiture OF this charter by
reason OF the defiant attitude OF the
road2
IS. VIII the Commissioners explain why
they ask Congress for power TO regulate
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