Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-03-22
REPORTON R.R. CHARTER
DISCUSSION OF ENTERPRISE IN
EAST WASHINGTON.

A comprehensive review of past, present
and probable future transportation condt-
tons in the southeastern section of the Dis
trict of Columbia has been made by the
Commissioners In the course of their re-
port on Senate bill 1854, ITO incorporate the
East Washington Heights Railroad Com
pany." The bill provides that the route
of the proposed trolley road shall begin at
the terminus of the line constructed by the
East Washington Heights Traction Railroad
Company and proceed thence along Pennsyl-
vania avenue extended to Branch avenue;
along Branch avenue to the Bowen road and
along Bowen road to Good Hope. The mo-
tive power is to be overhead trolley, or such
other electric o. mechanical system as the
Commissioners may approve, steam power
excepted.
Before reporting on the proposed meas
ure the Commissioners offer their review OF
the history Of the railroad situation In the
extreme southeastern portion of the District,
stating that the East Washington Heights
Traction Railroad Company was incorporat-
ed by act of Congress, approved June 49,
1898 and that the ncorporators were prac-
tically the same as those proposed in the
pending bill The routes authorized by the
original charter included that proposed by
the bill and several other branches to the
District line, along Minnesota avenue 10
Anacostia, etc.
The time for the completion of the pro-
iected road was extended on several occa
sions. but, 1T is stated, is now about to eX-
pirc by limitation.
Desirability of the Road.
There can be no question to the desira-
bilty of street car line through this sec
ton" the Commissioners declare, ''as it is
believed to be very desirable for residential
purposes. The principal question for de-
cisiOn would seem to be whether il is best
pa arta iolf- lF tla N.a5+
Washington Heights Traction Railroad
Company or to give new charter to the
company proposed by this bill. The Com
missioners rule have favored the ex-
tension of existing lines of railroads rather
than to Incorporate new companies to con-
struct such lines, as II is believed the exist
ing companies could give a better service
and in this particular case the existing
company seems to have material on hand
sufficient to warrant this course. On the
other hand the company proposed TO be
incorporated by this bill agreed in hear
ing granted Dy the Commissioners to the
representatives OF both companies men
toned, TO widen Branch avenue, which
widening is estimated TO cost about $4,000.
| If the charter is amended so as to make
this requirement obligatory the COM
pany ii would seem to indicate that prefer
ence should be given this company
The fact that two companies wish to
build this road indicates the value of the
| franchise and the need Of the road. 1t
would seem proper. therefore TO require
| that certain money guaranty should be
| given that the road will be constructed. and
also there should be a.requlrement that the
estimated cost of widening of the roadway
of Branch avenue should be deposited with
| the collector of taxes of the District of Co
| lunbia. that the work could be done by
the District, which is preferable TO having
It done by private corporation If both
| of these requirements made the COM
rnissioners are In favor of granting this
| charter
New Bill Proposed.
After giving the general synopsis the Com
missioners take up the form of the bill as
introduced in Congress and forwarded to
them for report, and declare that il is a
mere skeleton of what is required They
have, accordingly. prepared the draft of a
new bill which will bring the charter of the
proposed company in line with the charters
of existing street railways
The Commissioners recommend that the
East Washington Heights Railway Com
pany' Gas they have named the proposed
corporation in order to distinguish 1t from
the East Washington Heights Traction
Railroad Company') shall be required to
buy the small spur track now operated by
the latter company across the Pennsylvania
avenue bridge.