The Washington times., 1912-01-12
TRANSFER ISSUE
BEFORE CONGRESS,
MEETING TONIGHT
Senate and House Commit
. tees Hear Arguments BY
Darr and Others.
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NA OAAN
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transfers, and that there was no law
providing for them. He cited the recent
opinion af Judge Wright, which turned
down ~ petition for relief under the law
OF 1894
Peculiar Situation.
Mr. Darr explained that the street
railway system of the District was pc
ouliar. and that the Washington Rail-
way and Electric Company controlled
various other lines, and also the Capi-
tai Traction Company controlled other
lines. President George f. Hamilton
denied this was true of the Capital
Mr.. Darr then took up the Gnllinger
bill and emphasized as q defect that 1t
did not require company to, transfer
as often over its own line or lines con-
trolled by It, and then to another road,
as many times as necessary to get the
Senator Curtis thought the Gallinger
read @ the the language language % Of Section a W. i Of the
Gallinger bill. or the Commissioners
bill. to show that 1t did net
A discussion occurred whether the
plan advocated by. the citizens would
circle continuously. Mr.. Darr said this
was done now in some cases.
Never according to integrity" said M
President George e. Hamilton, OF the
Capital Traction Company.
Mr. Darr said he did not advocate
any legislation that would permit q
want legislation that would curtail the
privileges the citizens were enjoytng
today. He contended this bill of the
Conf aissioners would actually do this.
in ono direction allowed" said Senator
Mr.. Hamilton said he did not object
to- q legal requirement. for transfers
ON htS own lines. In fact, he insisted.
Company now required this to be done.
Mr.. Darrg said the Washington Rail-
way apd Electric Company presented
the most serious problem. Its COM
panies did not transfer from one COM
pany to another, and there should be
specific provision for 1t in the law. Fte
insisted the public should be allowed
such transfers even IL they did not
exercise the right.
Special Instances.
In response to objections raised by
Mr.. Hamilton as to how this plan and
that would work out in special in
stances to give passenger the power to
ride continuously, Mr.. Darr said this
would be done in any event only In ex-
ceptional instances.
''The innocent should not suffer for
the offenses Of the few said Mr.. Darr.
Were discussing legislation for the
benefit Of the many, and the railways
can regulate the transfers SO that the
railway companies should avoid such
contingencies. BY refusing transfer
On q transfer, the companies do wrong
to the great masses Of the public.:"
Senator Pomerene raised the point
that In the summer, when reecpie were
good deal OF continuous riding II there
were no restrictions.
Mr. Darr did not take this suggestion
"Mr. Darr knows that there are
thousands of people who do get out on
hot nights In the summer and ride as
far as they can, and who would be
likely TO avail themselves ms OF such an
II do not know whether there are
thousands. There may be some," said
MIR Darr.
committee put a specific requirement in
the bill requiring each company to
transfer from one of its lines to an
bther, and then to give reciprocal trans
Ss HsossrD the DoSa wSSs get ns pse
upon by Mr.. Darr was the lack OF what
ne regarded as proper provisions TO:
the division Of fare al between the com.
panies In case Of universal transfers
He pointed out that unless this was
made clear and definite the, companies
would go into court and htigate ovel
this question, and because OF 1t would
mot put universal transfers into eject.
Keating Speaks.
p. ". Heating also spoke for the citi.
Eens' conference. He said the District
Commissioners were opposed to a trans
fer on transfer, whereas there were
some conditions here that require 1t.
William Nick. Clayton, for the Fed
Grafton Of Citizens Associations. took
the position that public utilities com.
mission act should be passed, and the
transfer question left to It.. He sug.
gested a transfer on a transfer on pay.
ment Of one cent AS between pending
bills. he favored the Commissioners
bill.
Commissioners Judson spoke for the
Commissioners bill. He held the public
in q city like this had an inherent right
to universal transfers.
Asked whether he had done mission
afy work to bring about consolidation
OF the railway companies here, Major
Judson said he had spoken for IT be-
fore committees of Congress and other
wise. Be believed the street railway
system here should be consolidated and
said the Commissioners favored uni
versal transfers as step to that end.
Commissioner Rudolph. as well a.
Major Judson, was present, but die
not speak.
President Charles p. King. of the
Washington Railway and Electric
Company, followed Major Judson. HI
opposed universal transfer legisla
tion. and he warned the COMMITTED
that years OF litigation would follow
the passage of either bill. He SALE
the companies had to make large
improvements to meet the demands q
the public into the future. With thi'
large expense on hand he said hi.