The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-07-03
Changes in Railways Plan
ned For Benefit of the
Public.
RULES OF POLICE
STILL IN FORCE
Others viii Be Adopted AS Need
Arises-Ofhces In Westory
Building.

General expressions Of approval and
satisfaction were expressed today by a
number of Washington's leading bust
ness men and officials of the Govern
ment regarding the recent appointment
by the Interstate Commerce Commits
sion Of three residents Of the District
as street railway commissioners. In
Gen. John NJ Wilson, who IS president
of the new board; Commissioner West,
and Thomas W. Smith. the city is as
sured, so think these men, Of able
supervision of its transportation facil-
tiles.
That the new board intends TO delve
Immediately into questions which have
been raised at numerous times regard
ing the local street car systems, was
evidenced at the first meeting yester-
day when several important matters
were discussed. one change made In the
present regulations. and plans outlined
for the lettering Of conditions IL pos
sible.
The present police regulations regard
ing equipment Of cars. the speed allow
ed and the schedule OF running cars at
all times Of the day or night were
adopted tentatively.
New Rules Planned
The commission, after making an ex-
haustive investigation into the methods
which now obtain in a half dozen or
more Of the largest cities. win promui-
gate a code Of regulations to control
the local situation.
The start along these lines was sug-
gested by Commissioner West, whose
nod Ia
Of cars from the presidents of the local
roads was adopted.
The one change made in present reEu-
latiOns was suggested by Mr.. Smith.
who moved that al street cars in all
parts Of the city be required TO stop
on the near side OF the street to let on
and take on passengers. This new or
der, which Will become a law as soon
as the Commerce Commission acts upon
II VIII enect only cars Of the Capital
Traction Company east OF the Capitol,
since cars in all other parts OF the city
stop on the near side at present.
Immediately after tie meeting yeSter-
day. General Wilson outlined the gen
eral policy ~ his commission by saying
that the newly created body would do
all in its power 20 give the utmost con-
sideratiOn 10 the demands and needs
OF the people without crushing the
railroads.
Need an Executive.
Major Hines. who is now receiver coT
a local road. having been compelled 20
refuse the offer Of the position of execu-
tive officer OF the commission at a sal
airy of $3.50 per annum. II was decided
to postpone the selection or a man for
the place until later This probably
VII be done at the next meeting. which
takes place on Monday.
The officers OF the commission will be
on the ninth floor Of the Westory
building. Fourteenth and r streets
northwest All complaints made by In
dividUals or citizens associations viii
divlduals or citizens associations viii
be received at this place and acted
upon at the regular meetings OF the
board, after thorough investigation OF
existing conditions has been made
The action taken bv the commission
ers In all cases then viii be referred
10 the Commerce Commission. which
will approve or reject as Il sees fit.