The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-09-14
GAS MAIN TROUBLE
AIRED IN PETITION
Attacks Gas Company for
Not Supplying Rhode
Island Avenue.
Commissioners Looking Into
Case at Request of
Residents.

z. A. NJ Lawson. president OF the
Northeastern Suburban Citizens Asso-
citation, has issued a statement embody-
ing some OF the reasons why the Wash
ington Gas Light and Coke Company
should extend its service to the territory
lying on both sides Of Rhode Island ave-
nue..
The statement was issued at the re-
quest OF the Commissioners. who desired
additional information regarding the de-
mand for gas in that territory, with a
view Of determining the efforts 10 be
made and the action TO be taken on the
demand Of the citizens.
The report says in part: Under an act
OF Congress the gas company has been
held 10 be within the control OF the
Commissioners Of the District within
what is known as the old city limits,
which, however. now includes scarcely
more than half Of the population Of the
District
Limited Authority.
'"The Commissioners authority in the
suburbs appears 10 be limited TO the or
dering of gas mains for lighting the
public highways. only where such ex-
tension Of the gas mains is warranted
by an absolute necessity for street light
ing purposes. and, although the modern
use Of gas for heating and cooking pur-
poses is fully equal to the demand for
lighting streets and houses. the Com
mtssioners are precluded from taking
into action the private use and demand
for gas when determining the existence
OF necessity sufficient TO vibrant the
ordering OF the company TO extend its
mains,
For the past sixteen years the cid
zens OF the northeast section have been
trying to get gas for domestic pur-
poses as well as for the lighting OF their
streets, and the officials OF the gas com
pany have been importuned hundreds Of
times. both by private citizens and com
nittees representing the territory.
Made Promises.
The promises which have been made
have been uniformly broken. and the
little service that mas been grudgingly
bestowed only extends 10 a small part
OF the territory above mentioned.
In response TO continued INQUIRIES at
the onice OF the gas company the Off
clals would claim 70 be anxious to SUD-
ply the territory above mentioned bIir
on account OF their being unable 10 Law
their mains along Rhode Island avenue.
that they were compelled 10 lose the
business which, they admitted many
lines would be profitable and desirab Die
were they able 70 get it.
Avenue Graded.
Rhode island avenue Is now graded
10 It's fun permanent width almost 10
the District line and mains could be
laid as far as Twenty-oighth street.
Beginning with the early spring the
Northeastern Suburban Citizens Asso-
cation have been addressing letters ana
requests for the laying OF these mains
10 the Gas Company and calling their
attention 10 the fact that Rhode island
avenue was now graded and ready for
Cne mains They nave not only ignored
lheSe communications, but personal in
terVleWs or representative citizens have
been g1Vel scant courtesy, and no r,rolD-
Ises or information can be Obtained
which VIII indicate any intention OF The
par. OF the Gas Company 10 lay these
mains.
Rapid Growth.
During the past five years there mas
been a rapid growth ia this territory
and houses are going up all along this
avenue clear out to the District line. II
Is estimated that there are from 400 TO
600 houses now built in the territory
above named, and from fifty TO 100
houses are being added TO this number
every year.
That the company should be able to
disregard the demands Of such a pros
PSroos ana rapidly developing section
OF the District and at the same time
hold an exclusive monopoly OF the
franchise is inconceivab!e
II the Commissioners have not the
power 20 compel the laying OF PAS
mains, where, in their opinion, the pub
nc welfare justifies 1t, then il is high
time some enabling act should be passed
by Congress which would render the
sionsrs."