The Washington times., 1912-07-21
Praises Street Car
Men of District.

To the Editor OF THE TIMES:
Just few lines in reference to the
street car service. Others have had
their say. I may as well get in my
bite
have had the good fortune to visit
quite a few cities In the United States
and a few in Canada-most all OF them
large enough to support a street car
system.
In Ottawa, Canada, i remember one
evening a crowd of young sports getting
aboard a Rockcliff car; some of them
got fresh and started to act rowdy with
the conductor.
Had the same thing happened in
Washington, d. c., no doubt the con-
called a cop. Did the Canadian street
car man do that? No, stree; he simply
swung strong right arm loaded with
cash-box containing. 1 suppose. the
company's money he collected, and
landed a knockout, to the surprise Of
all Had that happened here no doubt
the street car service would be thought
to blame.
In this little comparison I simply
invite attention to the fact that the
men in the service are In most part
solicitous in regard to the comfort OF
In Montreal. Canada, the conductor
used to Issue a transfer, and the next
man would punch IT. then the follow
Ing man take 1t up, allowing two rides
on the transfer.
Not satisfied with that, I remember
distinctly a fellow scrapping with the
conductor on one of the cars because
marks on the transfer, the person
holding the transfer contending for
what he thought his right to ride around
town all day because he was . city
! salesman and around town every day. I
mention this case to illustrate how both
ersome these transfers are-always a
source Of trouble.
Just what would happen were all we
Washington folk to land in a busy city
like New York and attempt to carry
ourselves along there as we do here!
But, of course, that isn't going to hap
pen; but l must admit We are a nice
easy-going people; never in hurry,
except when we have some one else
working for us.
In Minneapolis they have a fne line
OF large cars. and on good schedules,
yet, owing to the regulations limiting
their number OF passengers to be car
ried, a person Is often put to great in
convenience through having to wait for
a second, or possibly third car and at
that you pay cents straight for your
| ride-they do not sell tickets. but they
issue transfers. And 80 1t is from one
city to another. If 1t isn't one thing
Washington street car service may be
poor II may be rotten, to some, to me,
however, 1t rides about as good as any.
The suburban lines are getting fine serv-
| ice, and l really cannot see what is to
| be done to better the downtown lines.
II, by kicking and knocking any great
or lasting good can be brought about let
us kick and knock. II there Is any way
| to loosen up and distribute portion OF
the annual dividend in the shape OF
| cheaper rides or, perhaps, universal
transfers, let us get to 'em.
If. after good. honest trial 1t is
found impossible to convince the street
railway companies that they are be-
| hind the times, then why not start
something along lines which will be
satisfactory, and. in accordance with
common sense and reason?
Own our own street railways. The
present system Is not in any sense a
philsnthr9pic one: Its II is operated tS tor
other fellow to divide up under the
In ali fairness to the men in charge
twelve wears riding in and about this
city have yet to experience the first
offense which I can honestly charge
against the conductor or motorman on
the sentiment as expressed regarding
the men in charge. On the contrary.
believe them far more concerned as
regards the comforts of the patrons
regards the conductor OF fellow pas
sengers, who are a bit rough. but !
suppose they are selected as best fitted
to serve that particular line.
That Georgetown line is certainly not
verv much to boast about. nor could l
ever see any particular attraction to
that section OF the city. The cars GER
tainly go through there a-fying; just
as though they were afraid OF being
caught out after dark. The short cars
are easy to handle when making those
sharp curves. and no doubt many
childs life has been saved tust through
H those small cars and the easy way the
motorman can stop them. Were those
large cars running on some lines In this
citv there Is hardly a doubt but that
accidents to children would be much
more frequent. I have always believed
that to be the reason why the large
cars are not used more than they are
not only here, but in other CUES:
602b Park road.