The Washington herald., 1906-11-21
NO RELIEF FOR STRAPHANGER
Gen. Harries Meets Citizens, but
Esthews Promises Of Reform.
After Failing To Hold Out Any Hope,
He Is Given Vote of Thanks
by PrOtesters.

Gen. George II. Harries, vice president
Of the Washington Railway and Electric
Company. last night attended meeting
of the Petworth Citizens Association,
called TO protest against conditions on the
Brightwood car line He made an address
promising nothing. and was given a vote
Of thanks for his appearance
A resolution offered by the Brightwood
Citizens Association. protesting against
the management Of the road, especially
with regard 10 the transfer Of passengers
at Seventh street and Florida avenue. and
calling for the appointment Of ten mem
bers each from the PetwOrth. Bright
wood Park, and Takoma Citizens Asso-
Citations and the Business Mems Assocla-
tion TO arrange an Indignation mass meet
ing within thirty days, was unanimously
passed
II is purposed TO adopt a resolution
calling upon Congress to abate this nui-
sance should officials OF the company
fail to accomplish the needed reform with
in the next sixty. days"
Many DenOunee system.
c. c. Lancaster, president Of the North
west Citizens Association, said the
BrightWood railway system was the worst
in the city and that the day and hour had
arrived when the people should move to
obtain relief from a situation that the
citizens and taxpayers of any other
municipality would not stand for twenty
four hours More attention. he said was
paid TO the complaints of the residents
OF Maryland. as they had a vote in Con
gress. and some voice in the granting OF
charters to corporations.
Louis 2 Shoemaker, president of the
BrightwOOd Citizens Association: W
Mex. Clayton, and Col. G. c. kniffin,
presidents of the BrightWood Park and
Takoma Park Citizens Associations re
/ specdvely. made short addresses.
In responding to the introduction of
President GUIDE. by whom he was referred
10 as tho piece de resistance" OF the
evening. Gen HaTTies said he could SYM
pathlze with the movement, but the peo-
pie must have forgotten the condition OF
the road ten years ago and to-day.
The company is at present S25,0l0 in
the hole, and there are numerous ques-
tions to be considered before a further
outlay can be promised" he declared.
Gen. Harries said he intended 20 make no
promises. as Mr.. McDermott. the presi-
dent Of the road, was III. and he had not
had an opportunity definitely TO arrange
with him such changes as might be de
Sirable.
Doesn't Want Through Service.
The experiment Of a through service,
he said, had once been attempted. and
had been found TO be not desirable, and
the question Of transfer. as well as others,
would require consideration.
With regard to the crowded condition
of the cars, he contended that It was not
10 be expected that a company should
furnish three times as many cars as were
necessary in order TO furnish seats for
all the passengers during the rush hours.
There was not a city in the country, he
said. where these conditions obtained
At the conclusion of his address, Gen.
Harries answered a number Of questions
regarding the road, and said the whole
matter would be presented TO his asso-
ciates on the board of directors.