The Washington times., 1911-10-12
WASHINGTON TIMES BUREAU.
ANACoSTIA, d. c., OCT. l.

ANACoSTIA, d. c., OCT. II.
The Anacostia Citizens Association is
now in the list of civic organizations
that are enlisted in the campaign for
universal street car transfers. 1t took
The association but short time at its
meeting last night to indorse the move
ment, for, as Charles r. Burr, the pres
ident, explained, the association has
been a pioneer in urging reciprocal
street car transfers. He presented tho
matter to the citizens present and an
nounced that the Federated Citizens
Association is now working toward the
same object. In response to the COM
munication from the Rhode Island Ave
nue. suburban Citizens Associate re-
questing the appointment of a delegate
to take part in the general meeting to
be held tonight In the rooms of the
Chamber of Commerce, President Burr
named Oscar H. Osterman, the secre-
tery-Of the association.
Maurice Otterback desired to go a
step farther, even, and in view Of the
reports that the street car companies
would rather issue transfers voluntarily
than be compelled to do so through
legislation, urged that the Washing.
ton Railway and Electric Company ana
the Capital Traction Company be ap-
preached in the interest of Anacostians
and asked to issue transfers between
their respective lines at Eighth ana -
streets southeast, a point where citizens
Of Anacostia have long desired to have
this transfer privilege extended to them
President Burr and others said the
question was in safe hands, so no ac-
ton was taken on Mr.. Otterbacks plan.
Denounce Water Rate Raise.
The association was unanimous in de-
the increase recently made in
the water rates of the District. Presi-
dent Burr outlined the policy Of the
son asserted that the water should be
as free to the people as the air. Hc
quoted Mayor Gaynor, of New York, to
show how the metering of residences
will operate to restrict the use Of the
water, with resultant uncleanliness.
John F. Earnhsaw. referring to the
methods employed by the Commis-
sioners in having the increased rates
adopted, declared they were high
handed, arbitrary, and without the voice
of the people having been heard" In
Mr.. Earnshaw's opinion there Is suf-
ficient money collectable for the pur-
poses of the water department without
any change in the rates, and he sG---
the increase was due to the fact thai
meters are to be purchased DR.. Wat
son explained that Washington city
uses more water per capita than any
city in the United States, according to
his researches. Mr.. Burr characterized
the present system of paying for the
water as unjust and inequita5le, and
ne advocated a plan that would better
meet the requirements Of the situation.
The motion of Mr.. Otterback that the
association record itself in opposition
to the increased rates and to the install
alton of meters as we'll was then passed
unanimously.
The members went into a thorough
discussion of the reports about the
threatened disruption of the organic
act, in that q different system of finan-
cling the District is to be adopted by
Congress. THE matter is too indefinite
at this time asserted Mr.. Earnshaw.
There seems to be only one Congress
man talking in favol of II, with the
others opposing his views. / think there
is no danger, and believe we should
waste no solid shot in that direction"
Ir view of the exDI esSiOns that the
report was unreliable and vague. the as
sGciation decided TO take no action in
the matter.
The quality Of gas furnished by the
Washington Gas Light Company in An
acostia on Sundays prov oked a debate.
and Secretary Ostermar related the
tr;als Of the women of the suburb. who
have extreme difficulty in cooking their
Sunday dinner. Albert Eeck then de-
scribcd the conditions with which he is