The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-01-28
Leasing Of Sidewalks.

Commissioner Macfarland said that
the statements made 10 the effect thar
the public sidewalks are leased to sub
tenants by lessees Of abutting property
was news 20 the Commissioners, and VIII
form a pertinent feature Of the Inquiry
GA its uuaI consideration As TO the
sanitary condition Of that market. D.
must De- stated, he said. that the Health
Department and its Inspectors have ms
matter uHdeT consideration, ana VIII
r.gidiy enforce all laws and regulations
10 make the place saultarlly perfect.
Attorney T. &. Braudeuburg raised
the question that Mr. Siddons was a
legal representative of the Washington
Market Company and that that corpo-
ration. operating the Center Market,
based its opposition 10 lIe privilege en-
joyed by dealers on Louisiana avenue
and B street, not on sanitary grounds,
bat by reason of the sharp competition
OF dealers IA that section with dealers
iu the Center AaTket-thaI prices on
Louisiana avenue and b street are con
siderably less. lie argued against
the revocation Of the privilege.
James Laf0ntaine. for hity years a
dealer in Center Market favored the
repeal OF the special privilege.
The Harrison Realty Company, ep-
reseuUiug nine properties IN louisiana
avenue. showed that the advance IN
rentals was based GA natural advance
OF saleable Nlues.
John 5. Miller. for tlirty-eight years
"a commission merchant ON Louisiana
avenue, made al appeal Tor granting
every possible privilege TO dealers who
handle perishable goods, and opposed
Ihc repeal OF the special privilege now
and so long enjoyed. He stated n
taken away from them 10 would break
up the commission business.
James N. HOge said that the streets
In question were seVenty-nve feet from
curb 10 curb, with payements forty-iiYe
feet. that tie section was devoted
strictly To- business purposes, that the
paVemeuts are used for handling per
ishabie goods. and n deprived OF the
use OF IaEsmelts the business would
bee ruined
James L. Barker. owner OF property
AT Ninth street and louisiana avenue,
thought The opposition was the result
OF jealousy on the part OF Center Mar
krt dealers. because dealers outside OF
that market. on Louisiana avenue ana
B street sold goods cheaper. he
thought that IT the labor orgaui III tons
whose members form the bulk or
patrons Of the outside stalls. knew OF
this attempt 20 break up their market
a strong protest would result.
Attorney F. c. Brandenburg raised
the point of law that If the Commission
ers saw Mt 10 repeal the regulation
under which commission merchants and
others ON louisiana avenue and p
street have the use of twenty-five feet OF
make b. equitable 10 all the use OF three
feet Of pavement which is general all
over the city. should be denied to all
This proposition would be q hardship
10 merchants In all sections OF the city.
and IL passed IL is thought will act as
a strong influence 10 induce the Retail
Grocers' Protective Association TO with
draw their opposition 10 the enjoyment
by dealers iI the old market Of the use
OF the public pavements.
Attorney Henry b. Davis. representing
the dealers oH Louisiana avenue and b
street. opposed taking away the three
foot privilege
Commissioner Macfarland. In closing
the hearing. said that the Board Of
Commissioners would weigh with deep
consideration the alleged subrenting Of
pavements or public space by renters
of property that such public space may
front on. and If II is found that such
allegations are true steps Will be t4ken
10 secure all such revenue for the Dis
triCt tax or license income.