The Washington times., 1911-10-22
CITIZENS TO LEAD
. FIGHT IN CONGRESS
|. FOR TRANSFER LAW
Federation Declares Itself
/ for Two Resolutions of
Support.
PUBLIC UTILITIES BODY
FOR CIVIC QUESTIONS
District Representatives Unani-
nous in Approval Of Agitation
for Universal Exchanges.

The Federation Of Citizens Associa-
tons will be among the leaders in the
fight in Congress for universal trl1s-
fers. Two resolutions committing the
federation to the universal transfer
proposition were adopted unanimously
at the best attended meeting in the
history of the federation, which was
held at the Chamber Of Commerce last
night.
The first resolution, offered by Will
liam NICK. Clayton. representing
Brightwood Park Citizens Association,
has couple with 1t declaration for
the creation of public utilities COM
mission. This was carried without op-
position after Mr.. Clayton argued for
the commission as the solution Of most
Of the problems now arising out of the
relations of the people with the public
utilities corporations
The second resolution was offered by
Allan Davis, delegate from the South
east Washington Citizens Association,
who moved that the federation reaffrm
its action OF last spring in faN yr Of
universal transfers, and instruct its
committee to take every step possible
to further the cause. This, too was
carried unanimously.
Other transfer resolutions from as
sociations, which already have been
reported, were filed with the secretary
Declaring that the agitation for uni
versal transfers had gone a long way
toward creating a sentiment for gen.
eral remedial legislation, as provided
in the public utility commission bills,
c. c. Lancaster, delegate from the
Citizens Northwest Suburban Associa-
ton. welcomed the efforts Of the unis
versa1 transfer conference of chairmen
of railway committees, which was held
last week.
Attract Public Attention.
The centering Of public attention up
on one object, universal transfers. he
pointed out, will serve to show Con-
gress that the people of the District
are aroused and dissatisfied with the
way in which the street railways Of the
District are operated.
Mr.. Clayton pointed out that there
is good hope for legislation at this ses-
sion of Congress. To his own knowl-
edge. he said. all but three members Of
tho House District Committee are ready
to vote for q utilities commission, and
he gave it as his opinion that such q bill
could now be put through the Senate.
Little hope OF relief from the courts In
the pending transfer suits was ex-
pressed.
A resolution. which carried unani-
mously. deplored the "untin;ely. unwisc
and unnecessary agitation over the
tions Of the District OF Columbia to the
United States. and declared confidence
in Congress to accord the District fair
and honest treatment"
the f1remen's and police pension fund is
based. particularly as to the revenues
received from Police Court fines. as a
declaring in favor Of putting the fund
upon a more proper and sounder basis
Other Questions Discussed.
The question Of hearings to be grant
cd by the District Commissioners
brought out letter from the Comms-
sioners in reply to one from the presi
dent of the federation. In which the
former refused to admit that 1t is any
Fart Of their duties to base their reports
to Congress upon the approval or dis
approval Of a majority CT the residents
and taxpayers Of the District. The
Commissioners politely agreed to give
hearings wherever necessary, but said
| IL hearings upon every bill were given.
their entire time would be monopolized.
Wilton J. Lambert, of the Brightwood
Citizens Association. pointed out that
the system of the Commissioners for
mally approving recommendations Of
subordnates without giving hearing to
those to be affected Is vicious one.
The whole matter finally was referred
to a committee consisting of 4. s.
Clarkson. d. A. Edwards, and James w.
Dyer.
Other matters favorably acted upon
and referred to committees were;
Extension Of the street railway lines
through Rock Creek Park; half fares
| for school children on the street rail-
ways; consideration of the District ap-
preparation bill by the House and Senate
District Committees; representation In
Congress for the District by Delegate;
| change in the form of the District
government: establishment of public
stadium, drill ground, and athletic park;
more artesian wells; week Of celebra-
| ton at Presidential inaugurations.
The next melting of the federation Will
be Saturday. November 4, at which Of
| ficers will be elected for the ensuing
year. william NICK. Clayton presided
at last nights meeting, and twenty-four
delegates and alternates were present.
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