The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-08-05

The first fruit OF the campaign favoring
a Rock Creek Park for the people," has
rIpened. A line OF automobile buses will
soon be put in operation in the reserve.
For the public It will prove a stepping
stone toward that greater day when Rock
Creek will be thoroughly identified with
the life Of the people OF Washington-a
realization which The Washington Herald
is now urging.
The bus line Will be a great Rock
Creek missionary. It will educate the
public In department which has hitherto
been strangely neglected II win GRE
ate enthusiasts for the park. and in effect
make the propaganda for adequate trac-
ton facilities stronger than ever.
Yesterday the bus line project came 20
| light, when a request for a permit to
operate was informally made TO the Dis
trict Commissioners. The applicant was
Samuel Gassenheimer head of one Of
the Washington sightseeing automobile
| companies. He proposes to run six cars,
seating 80 to 40 persons. from one Of the
traction terminals, on a circuit reaching
the heart of Rock Creek.
Ten-cent Fare Proposed.
For this round trip the operator plans
to charge 10 cents, with stop-over priv
ileges at any point along the route. For
NAL request for a permit viii be made TO
the Commissioners in a few days. and
there is little doubt II VIII be granted.
The Commissioners are ex-oficio men,
bers Of the board OF control Of Rock
Creek Park. the others being officials of
the Engineer Corps or the War Depart
ment
Plans OF the schedule and OF the route
have been informally discussed. Just what
schedule can be maintained by six-bus
system has not been ascertained. II IS
probable the route viii give access 10
the cars from both street railway lines.
II the traffic warrants Il the number OF
buses Will. Of course, be increased. Con-
ditions viii be imposed on the permit
holder insuring that the buses VIII In no
wise prove detrimental to the athletic
features Of Rock Creek. No advertising
signs VIII be allowed
When the plan was presented 10 Com
missioner West by Mr.. Gassenheimer. he
gave his cordial approval, and urged the
operator TO proceed with his proposition
as soon as possible. The Commissioner
is confident that the public VIII promptly
show appreciation OF the new opportunity
and demonstrate that more than six cars
are necessary to accommodate the traffic.
Begin on Half Hours Notice,
I'VE are prepared 10 go 10 work on half
an hours notice." said Mr. Gassenheimer
last night I'VE have confidence in the
project. which was first suggested 10 me
by the series OF articles which The Wash
lngton Herald had been running. With
our six busses we viii be able to carry
go passengers at one time. with a fifteen
minute service. More can be put on the
route IL necessary.
The six buses which we have ready
for this traffic were first used at Fort
Myer at the aeroplane trials. We pur-
chased them from company which had
been operating them in Fairmount Park.
Philadelphia When this line was discon-
tinued we had the opportunity TO buy
them in cheaply.
Whenever the Commissioners saw the
word, We viii go ahead The circuit viii
be two or three-mlle trip. tapping all
points which VIII afford convenient stop
overs for visitors and pleasure seekers
Through its campaign, The Washington
Herald has awakened the public to the
advantages OF this service. and I am
glad to be concerned in its Inauguration. "