Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-04-06
ACTION BY CITIZENS
Meeting of the East Washing
ton Association.
RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS
Committee Points Out Necessity of
Solving the Problem.
COST OF Constructive A SPUR
Remains for Government to Eliminate
a Short Stretch of Road
Model Playhouse.
RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS
COST OF CONSTRUCTING A SPUR

ings in the city was the question discussed
at meeting of the East Washington Cftf-
zens' Association last evening In Donnelly's
Hall. The question was brought before
the association in a report submitted by
Jesse c. Adkins chairman of the railroad
committee of the association After recit-
ing that the elimination of grade crossings
is the most important question that the
committee has to deal with at this time the
report reads:
1t viii be recalled that Congress, by acts
OF February H. 1901. and February D. 1903
provided for the abolition of grade crossings
in the city by the year 1873 The work of
building tunnels and laying new track re-
quired by this legislation has so far pco-
crossed in the southeast part of the city,
1t was added, that the western end of the
navy yard tunnel has been abandoned, as
mas the track on X street between that end
of the tunnel and New Jersey avenue
The Washington navy yard is now, and
for many years has been. connected with
the Pennsylvania railroad by a spur be-
ginning at 9TH and X streets and running
10 the northwest corner of the yard, the
report explained. This spur is still in use,
and VIII doubt continue in use until
some other railroad connection is provided
Tor the navy yard. This will prevent the
removal OF the railroad tracks on K street
substitute for the spur Is provided 1t Is
feared by members Of the association that,
unless congress very quickly provides for
a substitute for this spur. it will be allowed
10 remain after the other grade crossings
in the city have been removed.
Crosses half Dozen Streets.
While this spur is short, the report set
forth, 1t crosses half dozen streets At
tempted legislation to permit 1t to remain
eminent uses. and while so many millions
of dollars are being spent for the elimina-
ton OF grade crossings from the city. the
comparatively small amount necessary to
remove these crossings, it was suggested
should be willingly appropriated by Con-
Sress. Two methods we:e suggested by the
committee for the removal of these cross
ingS.
The first, which it was stated, has the
approval of the Navy Department and of
the District. Commissioners, provides for
the building of a spur of the Pennsylvania
railroad, beginning at a point near the
Pennsylvania avenue bridge, running along
the water front and under the new Ana
costa bridge and entering the yard from
the east This would necessitate the ac
QUESTION by the government of certain land
OH the water front between the Anacostia
bridge and the yard. and the Navy Depart
ment has estimated that the cost of such
land and of building the necessary. ira cks
in the yard would be $143000 Accordingly
the Secretary OF the Navy has requested
of the present Congress an appropriation
of this amount for this purpose. And at
the hearings before the committee OF the
House in January last the necessity for
this appropriation was strongly urged by
the chief of the bureau of yards and
docks of the Navy Department. 1t is
feared by the committee that the it4m will
not be included in the bill as reported
to Congress.
The other method of eliminating the
grade crossings is to put the present track
above or below the street level There is
no doubt. according TO the committee, that
it was the intention of Congress in the
legislation of 1901 and 1903 that all cross
ings at grade in the city should be aboi-
ished by the year 1908, including those on
this spur. One of the foregoing methods
must be adopted TO effectuate this lnten-
ton it is declared. The committee and the
association are indifferent between the two
methods. But the abolition of the cross
inys is desired and the committee ex-
pressed the fear that unless solution OF
the problem Is now found the crossings may
perhaps never be removed
Recommended Full Consideration.
The committee recommended a full con-
sideration of the matter by the association,
with a view TO the taking of such steps
as may be deemed best to procure the
abolition of these crossings along with all
others in the city at the time appointed by
Congress.
A short discussion followed the reading
of the report 1T was stated by members
of the association that the construction OF
n spur from the Pennsylvania avenue
bridge 70 the navy yard would not anect
the plans OF the parking commission. as IL
has always been considered that the strip
in question has a value for commercial
purposes. 1t was also stated that the
cost of constructing such a spur would
have TO he paid for by the United states
and that the District would have nothing
xxrit IA Mar hpr
the present condition of the spur connect
ing the navy yard with the pennsylvania
railroad, and reference was made to what
is known Dead Mans Curve, at "a
and l streets.
Mr. NJ l. Weller said that the railroad
company had fulfilled its promises In the
matter of eliminating grade crossings It
now remains for the government to elm
mate its short piece OF road and grade
crossings. He thought Congress would
make the appropriation that has already
been asked for that purpose The associa-
ton adopted the report with resolution
that the executive committee see that the
naval committees OF the House and Senate
be communicated with and urged to take
favorable action in the matter of inducing
Congress to make the appropriation re-
CURED tor the work.
Erection Of Model Playhouse.
Mr. f. G. coldren spoke OF the question
of the erection of a model playhouse for
children and said he hoped one would be
contracted in. the southeast section facing
the Fairgrounds at Georg and Virginia
avenues. He also told of the interest that
Is being taken In the project by the Com
missioners and others.
The association adopted a resolution or
the Death of Mr.. John w. Babson, who was,
Its president for many years. A copy OFT
the resolution will he sent to the widow OF
the deceased
President Smith referred to the death
OF James a. Moore. who was a lieutenant
OF police in this city. lie said ne had
known the lieutenant as an able ard ef-
ficient officer.