The Washington herald., 1907-03-16
IN new DEPOT MAY 1
Baltimore and Ohio Will Use
Station Soon.
SUDDEN DECISION REACHED
Engineers Of the Company Examine
Structure and Decide TO Make the
Transfer in II Few Weeks-OId
Building WIZ BE Torn Down at
Once-AnxiOus to start Grading.

The Baltimore and Ohio viii begin using
Washington's new Union Station on
May T.
This decision was reached yesterday
afternoon after a consultation between
d. d. Crothers, OF Baltimore. chief engi-
neer of the Baltimore and Ohio: T. p.
Temple. assistant chief engireer of the
Pennsylvania Railway f. r. Graham,
representing u. II. Burnham & Co, the
depot architects; W. r. Slrouse, assistant
engineer of the Baltimore and Ohio. and
r. Farnham. assistant engineer OF the
Pennsylvania.
The meeting yesterday was held IN the
Offices Of the architects just north Of the
new structure. After considering whether
IL would be possible to begin using the
depot at such an early date. and many
deciding that it would be, the engineers
we're shown through the building AMI
about the II lnds by Edward Wilman, in
charge Of the work for Burnham & Co.
All Of them left for their respective
homes last night
Anxious 90 start Grading.
The change las been under considera-
ton some time The depot of The Balu-
more and Ohio now i'm use. and which
has acted as the terminal for the company
in this city for r,any years, lies in a hoI-
low only a block 10 the southwest of the
new station. 6H is 20 be made where
the depot is at present. and the engineers
are desirous Of getting TO work on the
grading as soon as possible.
The approach To the Union Depot viii
include the ground which is to be aban-
doned by the company.
AS soon as the transfer from the old
station to the new depot is made the
work of tearing down the structure win
begin. The engineers are anxious TO get
this task completed as soon as possible, to
allow the completion Of the approach and
other additions to the building.
Six tracks viii he utilized by the Balti-
more and Ohio when it begins running the
first trains into the Union Station. As a
result of yesterdays meeting. these tracks
will be put down at once and every prepa-
ration made to receive the trains as
scheduled.
Temporary Quarters Planned.
The east wing. in which are to be Io-
Gated the Presidents room and the state
reception quarters, is to be put in readi
ness for the accommodation of the public
beginning the 1st of May. a temporary
waiting-roQm viii be arranged. as viii
baggage apartments. Quarters for the
express companies and other necessary
rooms will also be fixed for receiving the
people.
As far as is known. the opening of the
new Union Depot on May 1 will not be
accompanied by any ceremonies. The
transfer will be made as quickly and as
quietly as possible. and the railroad COM
pany will be the first to enter one OF the
finest buildings of its kind in the world
It is estimated that the entire structure
will be ready for occupancy next Decem-
Der. when 1t will be turned over TO the
railroads and the public In general with
appropriate ceremonies, attended by the
best-known men in public life.
All of the engineers expressed great
admiration for the work on the depot
and are gratihed because o. the nearness
Of its completion.