The Washington times., 1908-07-02
Commission Will Endeavor
to Do Justice to Com
panieS and Public.
MAJOR G. S. HINE
DECLINES OFFICE
Executive Officer May Be Named
at Next Westinghouse Regu-
lations TO Be Adopted.

THE policy OF the new District Elec-
trio Railway Commission, Of which L
have had the honor TO be named as
chairman, and which was named by the
Interstate Commerce Commission yes
terday to supervise the street railroads
in Washington, will be 10 protect the
interests Of the public TO the utmost,
but not 10 crush the street railway
companies Whatever can be done 70
carry out. this policy, we will earnestly
strive to do We must OF necessity go
slowly at first that we make no mis-
take which might bring about labor
troubles between the companies and
their employees"
This statement was made today by
BriE Gen. John VI. Wilson. head Of the
District Railway Commission, just after
its first meeting. General Wilson, who
| is also president Of the Board of Trade.
was chosen chairman by Commissioner
West and Thomas W. Smith. the other
members Of the railway board, appoint
cd by last nights order
Marks Epoch in City's Life.
The appointment Of this board Of com
miss toner's. who will have advisory con-
! troll over Washington street railways
marks an epoch in the history Of the
city. in commenting upon the selection
1 Of the three men named Interstate Com
nerce Commissioner Lane said:
; THE Interstate Commerce Commits
sion has striven 20 choose three repre-
| sentative men from citizens Of the Dis
! trict who are best fitted for the ONCE
/ OF acting as an advisory body 70 the
/ Interstate Commission in promulgating
and enforcing regulations which are
/ meant 10 give 10 the To sidents Of and
| visitors 70 Washington the best possible
/ street car service.
| We have CHOSEN Washington men in
\ order 10 sive the city as much self
! government a. possible. That the men
/ named viii fuIGu the duties Of their
I Office faithfully and capably 1 am GER
| tain. and that they viii always work
! for the best interests OF the city is not
| 10 be doubted"
Declines to Be Executive Officer.
After formally paying their respects
TO Chairman Knapp. the commission
1 ers immediate went into executive
! session and decided upon several i'm
| pOrtant matters which were brought VI
| for consideration The frst question
| after naming Harry = Garner, Of the
/ Interstate Commerce Commission, as
/ temporary secretsry., was the selection
I Of an executive officer. the salary beine
/ nXed al s. so per annum- Major
! Charles :. Hiue. now receiver for The
! Washington and FANS Church Railway
/ Company, was offered the post, but
| owing TO a press OF business he va.
! obliged 70 decline.
The naming Of an executive Officer
has been postponed and VIII probably
| De done ~ The next regular meeting OF
the commission, when the body viii dis
/ cuss several complaints now In the
hands OF the Interstate Commerce Com
mission The most important Of these
! VIII be that sent IN by tie BrfghtWoOl
Citizens Association regarding an al
legged poor car service along BrightwooC
avenue.
Commissioner West submitted 10 hi
I colleagues certain sections Of the poliCt
/ regulations relating 70 street railways
/ BY an act Of the last SESSION Of Con
I gress these matters were put unde,
| the jurisdiction OF the Interstate Com
| merCe Commission on a motion by Mr.
| West u was decided 10 present rhesl
regulations 10 the Commission ant
ask for their adoption as tentative reEu
| lduOnS. II being the purpose OF tn
] railway commission to devise in In,
near future regulations which will en-
/ power the Interstate Commerce Com
! mission 10 institute prosecutions 70
possible violations of the speed laws
| etc These prosecutions were formerI,
instituted by the District Commissioner
in the Police Court
Want to See Schedules.
II was also DECIDED that the newI
appointed commission request the presi
dents of the local street railway com
panies 20 submit schedules Of all line
in the District. showing the number o
cars in use. the KIND used, and espe
tciaUy a complete sci of schedules o
the all-night car service.
| The present police regulations reIatin
to the use of tenders on cars. whee
I guards. and other appliances. speed
at different crossings and along thor
OuShfareS. were adopted withOu
change with one exception