Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-05-17
SUBW Az. PLANS FIXED
AGREEMEHTa SAID TO HAVE BEEN
~ REACHED.
Commissioners and Terminal Officials
Hold Conference at Dis
trict Building.

From information obtained from reliable
sources today it seems that the District
Commissioners and the officials and engi-
neers of the Washington Terminal Com
pany have reached a satisfactory agreement
in regard to the construction OF the sub
ways in connection with the terminal pro-
ject in this city. It is expected that actual
work on the subways, which has been de-
layed for several months pending the set
Element of questions relating to the method
of construction in the subways. VIII be-
gin early next week and possibly by the
latter part of this week. In view OF the
reported agreement as to plans. the prob
ability of legal proceedings against the
Commissioners by the terminal company
TO compel the District authorities TO APP
prove the company's plans for the subways
has been averted and the differences have
been OF Will be amicably adjusted out OF
court.
The District Commissioners and the en-
gineers of the railroad company held a
conference at the District building late
yesterday afternoon, when, 1t is understood,
the engineers of the company consented to
make changes in their subway plans to
conform to the plans insisted upon by Col
John Biddle, Engineer Commissioner, and
other district officials.
At the close of the conference the rail-
road engineers took with them the draw
1ngs submitted to the Commissioners last
week, and said they will make the changes
required by the District officials. 1t Is an
ticipated that but little time will be con-
sumed by the engineers In making the re-
quired changes in their plans and the de-
tailed drawings will probably be submitted
for the approval of the Commissioners
within few days.
Authorized to Proceed.
In the meantime, it is said by Colonel
hoo hoo In
formally authorized to proceed with the
preliminary work incidental to the con-
struction of the subways.
The questions relating to the plans for
the construction of the subways, it is said,
have been the most intricate that have
arisen in connection with the whole union
railroad terminal work, and In reaching a
satisfactory and amicable agreement IN
the matter 1t Is considered that one or the
most important difficulties in carrying out
the project has been overcome. The plans
for this particular feature of the terminal
work have been discussed at many confer
ences and every little detail has been gone
over with the greatest care and considera-
ton. All the principal subways In the
various cities of this country nave been IN
spected by experts, and the District engi-
neers in reaching their conclusions nave
had the advantage of previous experiences
in the matter of subway construction.
The subways are to be constructed across
public streets on public space, and 1t has
been the desire of the Commissioners to
provide within reasonable bounds for the
convenience. comfort and safety OF the
public in this particular feature Of the ter
minal work. s-1
The subject Of the style of waterproofng
to be employed tn the building of the sub
ways has been decided for several weeks,
but differenceNof opinion arose as to the
method of lining the tunnels.
Lining With Air Space.
The terminal company, 1t is understood.
desired to employ what Is commonly known
as good railroad construction" on the in
terror Of the su],ways. Col. Biddle. how
ever, insisted that the H street subway.
which is to be about 800 feet long, should
be lined with a Mght-colored brick, with an
air space behind. Commissioners Macfar-
land and West Upheld Col. Biddle in his
contention. fForsa long time the matter
was discussed, sand no. agreement was
reached between the parties in interest. 1t
was anticipated that the railroad company
would institute proceedings, with the idea
Of securing a writ Of mandamus compell-
ing the Commissioners, II possible, to ap-
prove the company's plans for the subways.
The conference held at the District build
ing late yesterday afternoon, however, was
the engineers Of the company have agreed
to proceed with building the foundations Of
the subway walls, including tina foundat alton
for the lining wall The lining wall Of
light-colored brick. with an air space be-
hind, it is said, will be constructed II the
Commissioners continue to insist upon It,
1t is understood that the detailed plans
for the work to be submitted within few
days will provide for the construction of
the light-colored brick wall with the air