Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-09-25
Some Merger" Questions.

At meeting Of one of the local citizens
associations the other evening a resolution
declaring opposition to the proposed mer-
ger of public utilities in the District was
resisted on the ground that the reports
regarding the purposes of the Maryland
Virginia company published in the news
papers were not true, and it was urged
that committee be appointed to investi-
gate the matter before the association
took action. When asked by member
what such committee could accomplish
the leader of the opposition to the resolu-
ton said he felt sure that it could get
at the real facts and that in any case it
would be courteously treated.
II a committee of this character can
get at the real facts-if they have not in
truth been thus far disclosed-by all
means 1t should be named and should
proceed without delay with its inquiry
Despite all that has been printed. as a
result of persistent investigation by the
local newspapers, many things remain to
be learned regarding this corporation. the
objects of which have been variously
stated but which has unquestionably
direct and vitality important bearing upon
the future management Of the public serv-
ice companies Of the District if it is to
continue without check.
For an example. the investigating COM
mittee of this citizens association should
seek answers to the following questions:
Was it the purpose of the promoters OF
the Maryland-Virginia company to keep
their plans secret pending the accomplish
ment of their objects?
II this was not their purpose. why did
they not make public announcement OF
Of utilities
months ago?
II they did not propose the merger OF
public utilities, but merely intended to
provide funds for the execution of certain
projected improvements. why did they
adopt the unusual expedient of seeking
foreign corporation instead of applying to
Congress for authority to increase their
capital stock or bonded Indebtedness?
Having decided to seek a foreign incor-
poration, why did they not state their
purposes explicitly and give their plans
distinct definition instead of concealing
their objects under blanket charter the
only tangible object of which was to build
a short stretch of railroad in Virginia
with a possible physical connection with
the local traction system?
Why was this Incorporation made at the
beginning to provide only for 100000 of
capital. with a later enlargement to
$3OOOO,OOO plainly far greater than the
immediate purpose Of the Incorporation
could require?
Why, indeed, was the Incorporation OBJ
tanned in Virginia if the primary purpose.
as one of the officers has explained, was
to provide funds for the improvement of
District of Columbia utilities system?
Why were the incorporates mere dunn
miles, while the real promoters of the en-
terprise remained unnamed and unidenti-
fed until they were accidentally dis
closed?
Why are the headquarters offices OF this
corporation, formed at Richmond for the
purpose of refinancing If not merging
certain of the public services of the Dis
trict of Columbia, located at Camden,
n. j.?
Why is there an unwillingness on the
part of those who have thus far been
found TO be responsible for the promotion
of this enterprise to give the names Of the
stockholders?
Who are the stockholders Of the Mary
landFirginia Company?
IL the investigating committee of the
Piney Branch Citizens Association can
get answers to these unquestionably per-
tinent questions in the course OF its
courteous treatment by those who repre-
sent the movers in this interesting work,
IL will have performed a service of in
valuable importance to the citizens of
the District.