The Washington times., 1912-09-04
CONGRESS HEIGHTS
PEOPLE TO DEMAND
ALL NIGHT SERVICE
Improvement Association
Launches Campaign for
Changes in Suburb.

The Public Improvement Associa
tion OF Congress Heights will de-
mand that the District Railway Com
mission order an all night street car
service to be maintained by the
Washington Railway and Electric
Company for the people of that sub
urb. Determination to make a Wig
orous campaign for the all night serv-
ice was manifested at the meeting
last evening of the association, which
resumed its sessions for the new sea-
son in TIE town hall.
After Edward Blaine and A. E. Nc
Kay had described some of the diff
fculties encountered by residents OF
Congress Heights in returning TO
their homes at night and in leaving
at an early morning hour, due to the
failure of the street car line to be in
operation at the hours referred to, II
was agreed that the railway commit
tee Of the association shall visit
similar committee in the Anacostia
Citizens Association and request CO.
operation in the campaign for an all
night service. Anacostians are now
seeking to have this service estab-
lished between their suburb and the
city, and the Congress Heights pco-
pie. It was pointed out. think their
suburb is entitled to the benefit of
such a service as we'll as Anacostia.
Hence. 1T was decided that II coop
GRAFTON between the two associations
Is not feasible, then the Congress
Heights citizens will conduct an in
dependent fight for the all night sys-
Another matter affecting the street
car service was that of having special
cars for colored people who desire to
attend the parks across the Eastern
Branch. By having special cars for
the colored excursionists, 1t was ex
planned. many disagreeable conditions
on this line will be avoided 1t was
suggested that the cars be run to and
from the parks, thereby keeping the
excursion crowds away from the reg;
ular cars. The railway company will
be communicated with on this point.
Street Car Service Condemned.
There was general condemnation Of
the street car service to Congress
Heights. Edward Blaine related
criticisms of long delays and the
switching back OF cars that should
have gone to Congress Heights.
Hearty Endorsement Of the report on
the system of taxation followed in the
District as exemplifed by Representa-
uve Henry George, jr.. was heard from
A. E. Mckay and several others, who
proceeded to cite local instances that
are In accord with cases referred to in
the report. These instances had to do
with property owners who had painted
their premises or kept them clean and
tidy, finding as a result that their taxes
had been increased. Mr.. Mckay said
the report should be indorsed by every
citizens association in the District. AL
though the sentiment OF the members
was plainly favorable to Endorsement,
action was deferred.
DECLARING that Congress Heights is
entitled to al least SO, 900 or S12, 900 worth
or street improvements in the next Dis
trict appropriation bill, A. E. Mckay
presented a list of highway improve
nents which he desired to have inserted
in the next estimates made by the Com
missioners. They include the grading
graveing, and guttering of Portland
street from Nichols avenue to Eighth
street: Eighth street from Portland
street to Alabama avenue; Fifth street
street and Savannah street from Fourth
street to Randle place:
Chairman Milton ]. Fillius advocated
uniting with the Oxon Hill Citizens Asso
ciation in trying to have Fourth street
between Washington Highlands and
Congress Heights made into a passabI;
highway, This is the land that Con
Saess, ,to took Iron from the The farm Of the Asylum
but It has not been improved yet.
Gustave Bender reported that money
has been collected by citizens to build 6
bridge over Oxon creek. Pedestrians
use the road, but wagons cannot. Con
gressional appropriations will be sough
to have 1t put in proper condition fol
traffic.
Lighting System Needed.
Complaint was registered about the
darkness on Nichols avenue the princi
pal thoroughfare between Anacostia, st
Etzabeth's, and Congress Heights. TIL,
need OF a system of proper electric
lighting will be brought to the attention
OF the Commissioners.
The street car company is to be asked
TO place more macadam along Nichols
avenue, as the road has become danger
GUS in places, caused by the washing
away of the material between tn,
tracks.
On motion of A. E. Mckay it wal
agreed to write to the Commissioner
to request the immediate expenditure o
the money, stated to be over $4,000, TO
the improvement of highways in Con
gress Heights.
The erection of a portable school hous
at Congress Heights, report on whicl
was made by Edward Blaine, the com
mittee chairman was greeted as a vic
tory for the association. Its efforts t
secure this school were described by Mr
Mckay and Mr.. Blaine. A vote of thank
Will De BlNCIl u SdpldlIl OySleT, OF TN
Board of Education, for his assistanc
in procuring the school house. Tn
committee of the association receive,
the thanks of the organization also
The school has been erected within tn
last few days in the northeastern par
of the school reservation, and 1t Is
long, one-story building which will re
lieve the oVercrowded conditions in tn
two buildings at Congress Heights.
According to Gustave Bender, the Dis
trict owns a perfectly good windmill a
Congress Heights, which. as II is nov
useless, he believes ought to go to som
community where II would be useful 1
pumping water from wells. The wind
mill, with iron framework and grea
Wings, was In service at the well of tn
Congress Heights section of the fire de
partment. Residents complained of tn
noise made by the whirring of the bi
wings, so they have been taken dowr
The windmill is useless because the Dis
triCt has extended its water system
the Heights. The attention of the Com
missoners will be invited to some bene
fiCial disposition of the big windmill.
In the absence of President w. "
Prioe, the chair was filled by Milton .
Fillius.
Forty-one Killed by