The Washington herald., 1907-03-13
AFFAIRS
Citizens DenOunce Attitude
of District Committee.
HEARING ON GAS A FARCE
z. w. Oyster Reports tO the Assoc
citation Regarding the Unsatisfae-
reSeHtafives by Chairman Bah
cocIS-Attitude of COngressmen.

Severe criticism was hcaped upon the
action Of the House District Committee
for what was deuominated its unsympa-
thetic and dictatorial attitude toward the
people of the city at the monthly meet
ing Of the Petworth Citizens Associa-
ton last night The meeting was held at
the houe Of William F. Goode. 1900 New
Hampshire avenue, and the business ses-
sion was followed by a buffet luncheon
and a social hour.
Discussion of the attitude of the House
Committee came up in report submitted
by r. w. Oyster. detailing his experiences
in behalf Of the association when he
sought a hearing upon the subject of
universal transfers and the reduction Of
the price Of gas. Mr. Oyster said he and
his ow-committeemen made an APP
pointment with Mr.. Babcock, chairman
OF the committee. asking to be heard
briefly on these two subjects as repre-
seutatives Of the association. They were
not only treated coldly. according to Mr..
oyster, but found little sympathy with
their pleas. Mr.. Babcock occupying much
timY(n talking. and adjourniug the meet
tunity to be heard Mr.. Babcock after
the meeting. was asked some pointed
questions by the committee. but little
satisfaction was derived therefrom.
The report started discussion over the
attitude Of the committees in Congress
toward the representatives Of citizens,
which was characterized as more and
more unbearable.
One Good Result.
It was decided that one good thing had
been done in requiring the gas company
20 make annual reports 70 Congress,
whereby the enormous dividends which
tie company is said to earn would be ex-
plained. This action. in q sense. was re-
gardcd as an ameIiofation 0f the treat
ment received at the hands Of Mr. Bab-
cock. The opinion was expressed that the
gas company would rather submit 90 an
investigation by Congress- than be forced
% make the annual reports.
General satisfaction was expressed after
the report of the committee on legisla-
ton. which reported several important
appropriations which would benefit the
subdivision Of PetW0rth
The secretary OF the association was di-
regted 10 call the attention of the man
agement ot the BrightwOod Street Rail-
way to the old practice of starting the
cars from the loop before the incoming
passengers have had opportunity 60 board
the outgoing ears At the point Of trans
fer. 20 was charged that the conductors
Of the ears started out without giving
passengers time 90 make the transfer
thus compelling them Co wait until the
next car making long delays i'm reach
ing business Offices in the morning and
their homes in the evening.
Want Relief from smokers.
The secretary was directed also to take
mp the question Of the crowding Of sm0k-
ers on the back platform Of the Bright
wood cars, and request the management
90 grant relief in reference TO that abuse.
The questions OF a sewer on Bright
wood avenue. between Upsurc and Tay-
/ Ioy streets; lamps ON the same thorough
. fare. between Shepherd and Tpsure
streets. and electric lights in various
parts of the subdivision. VIII be taken up
with the municipal authorities. The as
sociatiOn also wants relief from the deep
cutters on the sides of BriEhtwOod ave-
nue.. either by bridging them at the cross
| ings or by raising them so as not 90 en-
danger driving in passing over them.