Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-22
OWNERSHIP OF RAILROADS
Divergence of Views on Resolution
Favoring Government Control.
ABATING THE SMOKE NUISANCE
Demand for Legislation Reducing the
Hours Of Labor on Railway
Plans for Branch Library.

Government ownership of steam rail-
roads. resolutions urging Congress to re-
duce hours OF labor of railroad employees,
and commencing the District authorities
for the prompt manner in which the inves-
tigation into the causes Of the Terra Gotta
wreck was conducted: demand for legisla-
ton on suppressing the smoke nuisance,
with particular reference to locomotives in
the District, were the principal subjects
discussed at the meeting Of the Takoma
Park Citizens Association. held last even
Ing In Takoma Hail.
The meeting proved to be one of the most
lively ever held In the history Of the asso-
citation. the commotion being brought about
by the Introduction Of resolution suggest
ing government ownership of the steam
railroads. When the interest had reached
an acute state the president of the associa-
ton. Col. G. c. Kniffen. who was strongly
opposed to measure. retired from the chair
and the secretary, Martin, took his place.
For time the excitement manifested re-
sembled that which at times attends the
dabateS in ConfreSs.
The resolution in question was presented
by Mr.. LIE Clerc. who. after calling atten-
ton to the recent catastrophe al Terra Cot
ia and the wreck at Fowler, Ind, Saturday.
said that 5000 people are killed in this
country annually and over $1,000 injured in
railroad wrecks. He said a large number
of these accidents were preventable. and
could be prevented were it not for the mer-
cenary greed of the road owners: that the
companies hold human life to be of less
Importance than dividends, and that in
countries where the government owns the
railroads such accidents are of rare occur
renee.
Alleges Existence Of Lobby.
Continuing, MIR. lie Clerc said:
at Is generally known that the railroads
in this country maintain Hobbies In all OF
our legislative halls, both state and ma
tional the object of which 10 to look after
the monetary interests of the roads. re-
gardless Of the public good. These railroad
interests are constantly being accused
which accusation Is rarely denied-of de.
bauching and corrupting legislators and
the judiciary and of thwarttng the will OF
the people. The railroads are one of the
chief causes leading to oppressive monopo-
lies. They give secret rebates. make dis
ordinations. carry on prtvate-car graft
and demand switching charges. They are
continually lodging taxes and compelling
the people to make for them their excess
sive charges, freight and passenger high
rates Of interest on their watered stock.
and compelling or allowing their employees
to work excessive hours. thus making them
incapable of properly caring for the safety
of the travelling public"
After quoting Judge Holt of New York
on the management of railroads and calling
attention to the fact that private owner
ship and management of railroads has con-
sistenty shown itself to be incapable of
looking after the interest and welfare Of
the people, he presented his resolution pro-
viding that the association, irrespective of
party allegiance, place itself on record as
being in favor of legislation leading to the
government ownership of the great rail-
road lines in this country.
Comment of Members.
Mr.. L. NJ. Mooers said that according to
| a statement in an English paper the per-
centage of deaths resulting from railroad
accidents was five to one In favor of the
United States. Mr.. Albert F. Woods In
| formed the meeting that according to the
| interstate commerce commission there
one In England. DIR. H. NJ Bennett said
that for a number of years he had opposed
government ownership. but he now believes
| It Is the only solution and that the gov
roads. but that the people could control
the railroads in each state.
President Kniffen strongly opposed the
resolution, saying that lit was a crude and
| ill-def1ned resolution
"It Is beautifully worded resolution. II
/ do say II myself" replied Mr.. La Cierc
"If we put It of for a few years." said
Mr. ]. H. Clark. who was the next speaker.
Hartman will own all of the railroads
and then It will be an easy problem to
| solve. with the citizens on one side and
1 f1dTTlIndT ON tne OlTeT
After the excitement provoked by the DE-
bate had subsidized Col. r. 8. Brown said
he supposed the objection to the resolution
was due to the fact that it was too broad
and could not be very we'll digested at this
time.
Mr.. H. F. Tar took the floor at this
juncture and moved that the resolution be
tabled. A vote was taken and doubt was
expressed as to the result. President Knif-
fin, who had previously expressed his dis
approval of the measure. left the chair.
The vice president of the association being
absent the secretary was directed to take
the chair and call for vote. The vote
resulted In a tie.
Mr.. George !. Kelly rose to a point Of
had caused a tie. Mr.. Woods moved that
the matter be postponed until the next
meeting of the association.
After Mr.. Griffith had risen to a point Of
order, which was that the original resolu-
ton was still before the meeting Mr.
Woods reconsidered his vote and the mat
ter finally went over to the next meeting
During the discussion there was a stren-
| uous haif-hour or so and the president Of
the association threatened to retire from
the presidency. but amid much laughter
and applause he resumed his position In the
chair.
Branch Library.
Mr. T. P. Culley. one of the trustees Of
the branch library of the Washington Pub
lie Library at Takoma Park. reported that
members Of the committee would visit the
Capitol today and urge the passage Of the
bill authorizing the acceptance Of money
and land for the establishment of library
at Takoma Park. The association adopted
q resolution presented by Mr. Culley re-
questing the subcommittee on the District
| to make a favorable report and tie House
Of Representatives to pass Senate bill 6408
which was passed June Is. 1868. authorizing
the Commissioners to accept donations Of
money and land for q branch library. in be-
half of the cause Of free and public edHca-
| ton. The secretary was directed to send
copies of the resolution to the Speaker Of
| the House, the chairman Of the subcommit-
| tee on education and the chairman of the
committee on the District Of Columbia. The
citizens of Takoma Park have subscribed
\ the money and have purchased q site. It
was stated. which Is acceptable to the trus-
tees of the Washington Public Library for