The Washington herald., 1909-08-15

The unwinding Of official red tape is
the only obstacle that now stands be-
tween the installation Of bus line serv-
ice through Rock Creek Park.
The formal application OF the Touring
Washington Automobile Company for
license to operate cars through the park
Is going the rounds OF the District au-
thorities. and no official notice Of action
has yet been gwen 20 the transportation
company Meanwhile the people are
anxiously waiting FOR the granting Of a
privilege which will be the means OF
furnishing access TO thousands who now
have no way Of visiting the beautiful
forest reserve.
Frederick scawab. president OF the au-
tOmobfe company, said yesterday:
waiting for Action.
Upon the request OF both the authori-
ties and many citizens we applied for
a license 20 run cars through Rock Creek.
Though we have received no reply TO our
application. we sill stand behind st. and
only await the action OF the park COM
missioners.
81 read in the papers that the park
engineer. l.. r. GrabiH. had recommended
that the service be not permitted unless
small cars were used.
III the authorities adopt this recon-
mendatiOn. we will comply with their
ruling. and operate our smaller cars.
though naturally, we should much pre-
fer TO run those which seat thirty or
forty persons. However, as We have re-
ceived no reply 10 our request for a
license, we can do nothing toward estaO-
fishing this service
"Of course. the bus service through
Rock Creek would be an experiment, the
outcome Of which Is uncertain. But We
are ready 20 install II at the earliest
moment. and give IL a fair trial It's
success depends upon the people them
selves.
our company IS glad 20 do anything
which lies within its power 10 give access
10 the beauties Of Washington and its en-
vironments both for its own advantage,
and Tor that OF the residents of the Dis
trict, and the thousands Of visitors 20
the Capital City"
Citizens OF Washington have expressed
their approval Of the movement inau-
gurated by The Washington Herald, 20
ipopularize Rock Creek Park. and the
transportation company has stated its
willingness 70 take the first step toward
accomplishing the desired end. Only the
prompt action Of the park authorities
IS needed 20 place the scheme in opera
ton.
:. Kann Indorses.
The full significance Of better means OF
access TO the reservation. as affecting
the lives OF thousands OF working peo-
pie I'm the city. is revealed in the words
Of simon kann. OF the firm Of s. Kann,
Sons & CO. He said yesterday:
AS an employer Of 1209 people 81 our
store. I stand most heartily in favor OF
the movement 20 bring Rock Creek Park
nearer TO the people who most need its
benefits.
"The great majority of our employees
are girls and young women. Indoors and
on their feet the greater part OF six DAYS
IN the week. the benefits which they
would derive by a Saturday evening or
Sunday visit 20 this beautiful natural
park cannot be overestlmated- Yet, un-
der present conditions. this is an impos-
sibility 20 the great majority Of them.
Nothing counts for so much IN q sales
woman as alertness Of manner and good
temper They are Invaluable assets TO a
n.
is nothing equal TO q visit 90 nature az
frequent intervals. a day out OF doors
freshens the mind and renews the physi-
cal vigor. which becomes tagged after
the strain Of dealing with hundreds OF
buyers.
In conversation with my employees, !
have discovered that a great many OF
them have never been 20 the park. and
some had not even heard OF H. Yet,
these are the people who need II most
FavOrs Bus Line.
'T am personally IN favor OF bus line
through the park. but do not believe II
wise TO allow the immense cars admission
10 the forest roadways. They would be
detrimental 20 the convenience OF other
vehicles in the park. besides endangering
the good condition OF the roads them
| selves.
let the bus line be Installed as soon
as possible. and give the working people
| OF the city and the visitors an OppOrtu-
nifty Of enjoying the privileges Of this
/ public reservation. But by all means. re-
strict the automobile company 10 the use
! OF the smaller cars"