Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-05-26
ANACOSTIA CITIZENS
PROTEST AGAINST CAR SERVICE
AT MEETING LAST NIGHT.

The recent discontinuance of through
street-car service to Anacostia and the
transfer instead of passengers at the north
end of the Anacostia bridge, with the op-
Grafton of four or five cars only for the
convenience of residents living in and adj
jacent to Anacostia. received attention last
evening al largely attended meeting Of
the citizens association in Haines' Hall, on
Harrison street. DR.. James A. Watson, the
president of the organization, was in the
chair, with DR.. R. A. Pyles serving as sec
rotary. Report Of a late call made by
committee of the association upon the
Commissioners to see what might be done
to remedy matters and the presentation OF
a mass of correspondence relating to the
subject between the railroad company and
the District Commissioners was made by
Thomas j. Moore. The substance of the
entire matter seemed to be that the Com
missoners will not permit the new equip
ment of the Anacostia Railroad Company
to be operated across the bridge. which Is
deemed in a dangerous condition under
some circumstances. DIR. Pyles desired to
know why the committee had not conferred
with the railroad company and was told
that the information given them at the
Commissioners office was of a nature as to
make such a visit unnecessary at that
time.
desired sent to the railroad officials. Mr..
Charles F. Roberts said If he understood
the question it was simply one of the COM
pany catering to the residents living along
its 18th street extension at the expense or
the citizens of Anacostia. Their equipment
had been taken away for this purpose. Mr..
James G. Leonard expressed the same view
of the situation saying some one had been
buncoed. He doubted If the Commissioners
had been made aware that the Anacostia
cars as now crowded i'll crossing the bridge
We're heavier than the cars being operated
on 18th street and which are not being sent
across. Mr.. Eugene E Thompson express
ed the same sentiments
The discussion in various phases was con-
tnued by MeSsrs George o. Watson, Wal
ter Lee, John j. Downey and Prof. Hosmer
Johnson. 1t was evident. said Prof john
son, that the cars now being operated on
the 11th street division are not the new
equipment. He inquired why the cars are
not run through. Mr. Charles F. Linger
thought that if the present cars were run
through there would be recurrence of the
difficulty when the new equipment was
placed on, which, it was stated. would be
about October 1.
Denounced Conditions.
Mr. Arthur B. Suit denounced the condi-
tons at the transfer point on 18th street
southeast, saying 1t was outrageous to
cause women and children to be subjected
to the prevailing state Of affairs at that
place. He said he understood the railroad
company intended to make it permanent
system even after the new Anacostia
bridge was built, If possible. Mr. ]. E.
Minnix spoke, asking for free expression
from all, and Mr.. r. B. Buckley suggested
that the cars might be run as far as Frank
lin street in Anacostia and special cars from
there to Congress Heights. as heretofore,
instead OF mingling the cars, causing ut
most confusion, as now.
After Mr.. o. S. Humphrey and Mr.. p. 8.
Quad had spoken of some Of the condi-
TONS motion was offered by Mr.. Charles
T. I.inger that a committee of five be APP
pointed to wait upon the railroad officials
and ascertain what they proposed to do to
make the car service adequate for the sec
ton affected, with power to report to the
Commissioners the conditions as outlined at
last evenings meeting. The motion was
carried and DIR. Watson appointed the fol-
lowing for this work Charles T. Linger.
Prof. Hosmer Johnson, James c. Leonard,
Julius w. Tolson. DR.. r. A. Pyles. DR..
Watson announced to the meeting that he
had had conversation over the phone yes
terday with Gen. George II. Harries. who
had assured him of the intention of the
railroad company to give the people of An
aeostia a proper street car service under
the new system.
The street car question disposed Of on
motion of Mr.. julius w. Tolson, amended
by Mr.. James C. Leonard the following
were named as d committee to confer with
the associations of Congress Heights, Hills
dale and vicinity for the purpose of check
ing boisterous crowds who attend col