Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-21
THE G. AND o. CANAL INQUIRY
WORK ON ELECTRIC LINE.
peciai Correspondence of The star.

lenged by Senator Moore the administra-
ton leader, disclaimed any intention of
rejecting on any state official.
Another yelled thrust at the administra-
tlon was the introduction of the order re-
Questing the board of public works to re-
port to the senate on the sale of the Chesa-
peake and Ohio canal to the Western Mary
land railroad, and other debates about state
printing The introduction. of this order
caused lining up of the Warfield forces
and they succeeded in securing a postpone
ment of its consideration until the day
following, when these senators withdrew
their objections, and the adoption of the
order followed
If the machine leaders have calculated
upon catching the governor. they were
grievously in error, for the state executive
had in readiness a complete report of the
proceedings of the board of public works
for the past year and directed that all in
formation desired should be sent to the
senate without delay. While the machine
leaders fully realize that nothing against
the governor can be found in the documents
asked for, the passage of the order was
merely for effect and sort OF slap at
Governor Warfield for his vigorous denun-
citation of lobbying and lobbyists. Close
observers of politics here assert that the
introduction of the two orders Indicate that
the machine will let no opportunity pass to
embarrass the governor and that any meas
ure which may have his support will meet
with solid opposition from the machine
forces in the senate.
Sale of State Stock.
The real test of strength between the
two forces will come with the introduction
of J. Ill providing for the sale of state
holdings in the Baltimore and Ohio and
the Northern Central railways. The gov
ernor, in his message to the legislature,
recommended the sale of these interests
at a figure not less than $4,Go3,0O0. Presi-
dent Seth of the senate, however holds
that these interests are worth at least
$6,00O000. and has taken a stand in. favor
of the sale of these interests at this fig
ure.
Gen. Seth places the value OF the North
ern Central mortgage at $3000,O0o. This
mortgage, he said, was given to the
state in 1856 for 81 100000 at per cent
redeemable at the expiration of ten years
When the time for redemption arrived
money was at a high rate and the COM
pany concluded to let the mortgage remain
The mortgage, therefore, became perpetual
and very valuable investment for the
state. In my judgment, this mortgage Is
as good as government bond. The gov
eminent can borrow money at 2 per cent
and get a premium. The state mortgage
ought not, therefore, be capitalized at less
than 21s per cent, which would be So, GOO OoO.
las to the state holdings in the Baltimore
and Ohio Washington branch, it is more
difficult to give idea of their value. The
holdings consist principally Of real estate.
The state holds $500 shares of the Wash
ington branch, which acquired at Washing
real estate which then had only small
value 1t now comprises city blocks very
near the national Capitol and Congress
sional Library, and when the depot and
freight sheds are removed 1t will change
the whole character of the holdings and
convert 1t into very valuable building sites,
the value of which cannot now be fixed, but
well be imagined
This is, strictly speaking, an investment
In real estate which is increasing in value
daily. From what l can learn of the hold
ings in the Washington branch I believe
the states interest is equal to 100000.
With a proper handling of both the North
ern Central mortgage and the Washington
branch stock the state of Maryland should
realize not less than $1,000, 0C0, which
would wipe out the entire state debt and
leave good surplus to turn into the state
treasury
Work on Electric Line.
Plans for the resumption of construction
work on the electric .dilway between
Washington and Baltimore are nearing
completion. The company has secured a
block in the heart of the business section
of this city, on which will be erected the
terminal section and the general offices OF
the company. The property has frontage
of forty-five feet on Fayette street IT'S feet
on Liberty street, $50 feet on Park avenue
and 100 feet on Marion street The prop
erty needed for the right OF way from the
southern terminus of the city proper to the
chased, and all the deals will be closed
the coming week.
The city council committee on railways
will meet next Monday afternoon In the
second branch council chamber to consider
the joint ordinances of the United Railways
and the Washington, Baltimore and An
napolis Railway Company, granting these
corporations franchises tor the joint use of
specified city streets. Chairman WarfieId
of the council committee does not antici-
pate any opposition to the measure in COM
mittee and it is possible that the ordinance
may be favorably reported and given Its
first reading In the council at the session
Monday evening.
At the offices of the Washington, Balti-
more and Annapolis railway in the Mary
land Trust building 1t was stated that as
soon as the ordinance is passed by the
council and signed by the mayor the actual
work of building the line would be begun.
It is planned to start two gangs at work
at point midway between the two cities
and to work from this point both toward
Washington and Baltimore. Much of the
grading work has already been completed
and operations, when begun, will be rushed
to completion. 1t is the intention of the COM
pany to have the road In operation between
the two cities early in the spring of next
year and to run fast express service every
fifteen minutes from either end.
Statue for Washington.
Announcement was made here this week
that the National Polish Alliance is en-
erecting statue to Kosciusko at Washing
ton. Each member of the alliance through
out the United States is contributing two
cents per month toward this end, and 1t
is expected that the $4,000 needed will be
subscribed by September. 1907. when the
national convention of the alliance will be
held in this city.
II has been practically decided that the
Jubilee celebration in commemoration of
Baltimore's complete rehabilitation from
the great fire of February, 1904, will be
held here on September 10 to IA next. The
celebration will open with thanksgiving
services in the churches on Sunday, to be
followed by three days carnival to be
held on Center Market space. which is to
he converted into midway. pyrotechni-
cal display to include reproduction of the
Cumming of Baltimore will be great
night feature of the jubilee. while the bed
of Jones Falls at Center Market space is
to he converted into reproductions of Italian
sunken gardens. It is estimated that the
cost of the jubilee would be about 100000.
In connection with the jubilee there will be
a home products show or exposition
]. NJ. d.
Mrs. Dukes Answer to Divorce Bill.
M