The Washington times., 1904-01-18
Over One Hundred De-
post 81 at the Police
Stations.
UNCONSCIOUS VIOLATORS
Congress VIII Be Asked 10
Pass Old Bill for Re-
moving Snow.

Within the past ten days more than
200 'informations'' have been sworn out
i'm the Police Court against property
owners. agents. and tenants in wash
ington Tor the non-removal OF snow
frcm the sidewalks. In the majority
of cases. the persons served have lie
posted 81 at police station. and the
case was ended In the remaining cases
the persons accused went into the Po-
lice Court for trial. ana we're assessed
81 by Judge Kimball. in accordance with
an act of Congress.
The District prosecutor says most Of
these cases We're against property own
ers whose houses are ,noccupied. The
sidewalks around vacant lots were not
cleared of snow and the owners were
served with warrants for violating the
law 1t Is not asserted that any owner.
agent or tenant within the city limits
deliberately left the snow on the street
preferring TO pay 81. but in most cases
there appears to have been either an
oversight or an Inability To procure suf-
hcielt men to clean off the snow before
the expiration OF four hours, the time
allowed for its removal
Unconscious Violation.
Today more than 100 persons called
al the various police stations and de-
posted 81 for what is termed -uncon-
scious violation of the law''
An act Of Congress approved March
p 1897. provides: That the owner.
agent OF tenant OF each house or other
building or lot or lots OF ground in the
District Of Columbia shall. within the
first four hours of daylight after every
fan Of SNOW. cause the same 70 be re-
moved entirely from off the paved side
walks opposite each house. building. lot
or land. under penalty Of 81 for each
lot for every such neglect. 60 be paid
by said owner. agent or tenant
Section That in case where the
sidewalks are covered with ice the own
er. agent, or tenant of any building.
lot or lots Of ground. IN the District
Of Columbia. shall promptly cause the
paved sidewalks or paved portions OF
the sidewalks opposite his, her or their
premises. 70 be stre.gn with ashes. sand.
sawdust or some other suitable sub
stance that viii insure or contribute to
the safety of pedestrians. under the zen
atty of 81 for each lot. for each neglect"
Would Reintroduce i'll.
The District Commissioners today de-
termiaed TO request of Congress that
Senate bill $3.50. providing for the re-
moval Of snow ard ice from the side
walks of the District be reintroduced
Every effort viii be exerted by the Dis
trict authorities TO obtain it's passage.
This bill was first introduced by the
late Senator Mcmillan. during the first
session OF the Fifty-seventh Congress
il passed the Senate. but was killed in
the House
II provides that it shall be the duty
OF every tenant or occupant Of any lot
or lots OF ground in the District i'm
proved ley house or building adjacent
To any improved Sidewalk. within the
first four hours Of daylight. after the
ceasing OF any fall Of snow to cause
said snow TO be removed from the paved
sidewalk adjacent 90 such lot or lots
10 the extent in length TO which said
lot or lots abut thereon. and to the eN-
tent in breadth OF not less than six
feet.
"Must Sprinkle Walks"
Should the snow melt and form ice,
freezing 70 the pavement. the tenants
shall sprinkle the sidewalks with sand
sawdust or some similar substance. to
prevent pedestrians from slipping.
violation Of this act is 10 be pun
ished by fine OF not more than s.. or
Imprisonment in the worlyhouse for not
more than five days.
The bin also provides that the District
Commissioners shall keep clean the side
walks adjacent TO public buildings and
parks. and they are authorized TO clean
sidewalks I'm front Of unimproved lots
and assess TIE charge against the prop
erty. IN case "a compliance with the law
cannot be obtained from the owner OF