The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-11-06
Observation-Disclosures Move
ment to Have Congress
Create Commission.
COMMITTEE NAMED
TO TAKE UP MATTER
Association Indorses Play Space
Idea and Elects
Officers.

Impetus was added last night 20 the
movement for a public utilities COM
mission IN the District Of Columbia by
the Federation OF Citizens Associa-
lions, which unanimously decided TO
exert every effort to have Congress
pass a bill creating such a body.
The agitation comprised the prin-
cipaI discussion at the annual meet
ing. at which all the officers were
reelected. and several new move
ments were formally launched. Presi-
dent William Mex. Clayton, Of the
association, led the discussion on the
proposal to urge Congress to estab-
lish a utilities commission Not only
was the plan Endorsed, but the presi-
dent was authorized 70 name COM
mittee to investigate and report on
the question at a special meeting to
be held within the next few weeks
Remedies for Evils.
Control of the public service cor
porations and a reasonable regUla-
tor Of rates and charges are the
remedies for the present evils, and
the means OF improving the service in
many ways" said Mr.. Clayton cit IS
we'll nigh impossible 10 have compe-
tition among the public service cor
porations IN Washington, but II is
altogether possible 70 gain control
"A public utilities commission
would solve many questions that now
confront US. Hardly a meeting OF
any one OF the Improvement societies
Is held but some grievance against
one OF the corporations is aired, but
there Is neither redress nor remedy
under present conditions. Closed and
uncomfortable street cars would be q
proper subject for the commission
as would the question Of cheaper
street car fares for school children
Would Rule All.
mot only would the commission have
power over the street car companies
hut it would have control Of the gas
company, the telephone company, and
the telegraph companies, and, in fact
all corporations that receive franchises
from the public and serve the public.
IT would favor Just such a commits
sion as Is now in effect in New York
State, as then nearly all abuses per.
petrated by the corporations could be
| remedied. II would not be possible IN
der such a commission TO work these
! frenzied finance deals as have been dons
In Washington.
Mr.. Clayton then explained that q
| certain company had obtained q fran.
chise from Congress and by expending
only $500 is now Offering TO sell Tbs
system or company for SZ50.000-
At the conclusion OF President Clay
! tons remarks there was a general dis
/ cUssion Of the subject. there beinE & diff
/ ference Of opinion only as 20 where tn
| power to govern OF regulate the UTILIZE,
corpora tons should be placed. II wa
| thought advisable by some, for econom
/ ical reasons, 20 vest the power in th'
/ District Commissioner, while a few be
Iieved that an Independent commission
should be established and that the bod
| should be clothed with full authority
I to really control.
Committee to Investigate.
| The result was that the principle o
/ a public utilities commission" was in
/ dorsed and the president was authorize,
to namo a committee 10 investigate tn
/ subject. Subsequently a committee vii
| be named 10 draft a bill creating II,
| commission. and the bin will be pre-
sente5 to Congress.
President Allan Davis, Of the South