The Washington herald., 1911-10-07

Declaring that the proposed universal
transfer system would rebound to the
benefit of the railway companies as well
as the people of the city, the Citizens
Northwest Suburban Association, at
meeting last night in the Masonic Tenn
pie at TenaIlytown, adopted a resolution
favoring the introduction of the transfer
system.
The resolution was introduced by Cur
tbs Smith, who supplemented the reading
OF the document with vehement address
in behalf of the proposition.
A resolution, introduced by DR.. John
w. Chappell, wasNadopted, strongly op-
posing the increase in water rates. Sew
eral speeches were made on the question,
the speakers denouncing the action Of the
Commissioners in ordering the increase
and imposing upon the people of the city
the additional expense.
Strong opposition was made to the pro-
posed change in the system of assess
ments in the District. In a resolution.
which was introduced by Mr.. Finch, It
was stated that there was no need for
the proposed semi-annual instead of an
nual assessment of real estate in the city.
I'VE publicly protest" reads the resolu-
ton. against the recommendation OF the
District assessor to change the present
law Of assessment, as the interests of
the taxpayers are better safeguarded by
the law now in force"
Louis P. Shoemaker introduced a reso-
luton, which was unanimously adopted,
favoring legislation requiring the street
railway companies to extend their lines
in and through Rock Creek Park. Mr..
Shoemaker said that now many residents
of the District are Prevented from enjoy
ing the park because Of the lack OF trans
portation facilities.
THE park is for the health and recrea-
ton OF the people of the entire country"
said Mr.. Shoemaker That is what
Congress stipulated when the money was
appropriated for the purchase of the
territory. But now the park is enjoyed
by practically only those who possess
automobiles and carriages. The reser-
vation is inaccessible. This park should
be for all the people, and by running
railway lines through il we can make 1t
such.
The Lancaster Plan.
"Of course, some persons Immediately
object, and say that the plan would de-
stroy the beauty of the park. I admit
that the beauty would be destroyed to a
limited extent, but the question of util-
ity, in my opinion, should transcend the
question Of beauty
A plan was proposed by Col. c. c. Ian
caster. president of the association, and
indorsed by the organization, for holding
great weeks celebration similar to the
Mardi Gras, but on a much larger scale.
at the next Presidential inauguration.
Col Lancaster said that heretofore many
persons in various sections of the coun-
try had refused to attend the inaugura-
ton because Of the fact that the festivi-
ties have lasted only one day, and because
of the possibility of that day being dis
agreeable and stormy. Col Lancaster
proposes having the celebration continue
for a week. with parades, and balls. and
ornate professions.
John G. Capers, a prominent member
of the Washington bar. and former
Commissioner of Internal Revenue, ad-
dressed the association on the value Of
citizens associations. Mr.. Capers point
ed out that as the residents OF the Dis
trict are deprived of the ballot, the pc
tftion and the protest are their only
means for redress of existing wrongs.
Mr. Capers expressed his belief that
the District should be governed by
common council of ten representative
members chosen from the residents Of
the city.
co6aa Was Arst taken 10 Arabia in 1900 but dio