Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-02-12
TO RULE PUBLIC UTILITIES
PURPOSE OF COMMISSIONERS OF
THE DISTRICT.
Prepare Draft of Bill for Submission
to Congress Clothing Them
selves With Powers.

! At the request of Commissioner Macfar-
land the corporation counsel, Mr.. Thomas
has prepared draft Of bill to carry
into effect the recommendation made by
the Commissioners I'm their annual report
TO Congress that they be clothed with
powers of public utilities commission. so
that. with the assistance of disinterested
experts, they would be able to settle all
questions as to the relations OF the gen.
eral public to the public utility corpor-
atoms operating in the District of Co.
lUmbia.
The draNt was placed in Mr.. Macfar-
lands hands today. He says he cOnsid-
ers it the most important legislation af-
fecting, the District of Columbia consid-
cred thus far this year.
Provision of Importance.
What is regarded as one Of the most
| important provisions of the proposed bill
is section prohibiting any public service
corporation doing business in the Dis
trict from increasing its capital stock or
issuing bonds. either directly or indirectly,
without first obtaining the consent and
approval of the commission, which shall
first determine the need for the increase
or the issuance of the bonds and the
any such action will be invalid unless
THIS commission approves it,
If the bill should be enacted it would
give the commission general supervision
OF all common carriers. railroads. street
railways. railroad corporations. street rail
road corporations. telephones and tele
phone companies. gas companies, electric
light companies, power companies and all
others of q public service nature. The
commission would have power to examine
into the affairs of such companies and
corporations to keep informed as to their
general condition. their capitalize ton.
theii' franchises and the manner in which
ihelr lines. owned, leased controlled or
operated. are managed. not only with
spect TO the adequacy, security and &C
commOdation afforded by their services.
but also with respect to their compliance
with the provisions of the laws orders
OF he Commissioners and charter re-
| quirementS. In addition to the reports
now required by law these various COM
panies and corporations would have to
report annually to the commission.
Power Of Revocation.
| The latter is to be given power and
jurisdiction to issue and revoke all neces-
sary permits and licenses at its pleasure.
TO make. alter or amend from time to
time. all reasonable rules and regulations
| which, it may find necessary. Each indi
yidual me moer Of the commission is given
power to examine -all books. contracts,
| records. documents and papers of any
person or corporation subject 20 its super
vision, and to require, by subpoena, the
attendance ami testimony of witnesses
and the production of documentary evil
dence.
1t is also provided that the findings of
this commission shall in all cases be prima
fncie evidence. 1t can grant re hearing
in any case. and can at any time amend
modify or alter or revoke any order made
by it. and. also, all persons and corpora
tons who shall violate, neglect or refuse
| to obey. or who procures. aids abets
any violation Of any order of the commits
sion shall be guilty of misdemeanor and
shall be punished by fine of no. more
than $1,000 or by imprisonment of not
more than one year or by both such fine
and imprisonment: and. also. in addition
thereto, the said commission may enforce
its order in any case by mandamus or
other legal remedy in any court Of COM
petent jurisdiction, or otherwise, as pro-
vide0 in this act.