Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-09-24
SPLIT OVER MERGER
Piney Branch Citizens Indulge
in Heated Discussion.
REFERRED TO Committee
Resolution Opposing Public Utilities
Plan Excites Association.
PROGRESS IN STABLE FIGHT
Authority Given Committee to Col
lect Money for Possible Court
Action Against w. L. Gerry.
PROGRESS IN STABLE FIGHT

A resolution proposing to place the
| Piney Branch Citizens Association o..
record as the determined opponent OF the
reported pending merger of the public
utilities of the District Of Columbia pro-
voked q heated discussion at the first fall
meeting Of the organisation last night in
Iowa Avenue NJ. e. Church. The reselu-
ton was finally referred to committee.
| Tho membership Of the organisation
split on the proposition. Advocates fought
hard for its adoption and presented aIgu.
ments along the line Of popular prejudice
against great amalgamation Of wealth
and power. The opposition consisted OF
those who questioned the truth Of the re-
ported merger plan. of some few who
were not convinced that the plan would
be a detriment to the interests Of the
people and others who did not wish to act
hastily.
The resolution was introduced as new
| business by r. b. Tuley. Mr.. Tuley and
i Edwin s: clarkso n. supported It Ill. In s sew
| mated discussion. g. r. Bowen voiced
| the principal opposition to action, declar-
| ing that OF his own knowledge the facts.
| as given in press accounts. regarding the
merger were not true, and urging delay.
He proposed commitment Of tho resolu-
ton.
Bowen and Clarkson Clash.
| Mr.. Bowen started to resent the ex-
| pressed opinion of Mr. Clarkson that the
committee would be told by the corpora
| ton officials that 'it was none of its bust
ness and assumed that other remar IS
| made by Mr.. Clarkson were reflection
upon his own declaration that the facts
had not been truthfully told in the press.
what right have you to assume, said
| Mr.. Bowen. addressing Mr.. Clarkson di-
rectly, that the committee will not be
| given audience. What right have You to
question the assurance given you by a
member of this body?
| Mr.. Clarkson explained satisfactorily, |
but asked MIR. Bowen on what authority
he gave the assurance to the organiza- |
| ton. Mr.. Bowen could not say. but did
not want to be put down anything but
a member Of the association. as regards |
! the expression of his views.
Frank Morrison, secretary of the Amer |
lean Federation of Labor, a member of
the association, took part in the discus
sion, and had several sly digs at the judi |
ciary and bar.
You never can tell how law case will
CO. he commented, "or how the judge
will look at it,
eff the merger is violation of the
antitrust laws, Attorney General Wicker
sham would have to dissolve it-wOuldn't
he?" he asked of another man.
Attempt to lay the resolution on the Ia |
BILE failed. 1t was finally voted to refer
it for investigation and report at the next
meeting to the committee on railways and
public service corporations.
"Vigilance'' Committee Proposed.
| The special committee created to deal
with the question of supposed infringe
ment of the covenant Of the deeds of
property in Saurs addition, restricting
the use of buildings erected thereon to
home purposes, and barring all business
enterprises, was made into a standing
committee, authority to name it resting
with the executive committee.
The names Of vigilance ''law and or
der and judiciary" committee We're
terest Of the residents of the reservation
and especially safeguard it against in
fraction of the rights and privileges con-
tanned in the covenant of the deed.
The committee reported progress in
investigating the charge that w. L. Gerry
was having erected on his property a
stable in which to keep horses for bust
committee to collect money for expenses
| in the understanding that it would per-
haps be necessary to proceed by suit for
| injunction to stop construction of the
| stable.
Opinions of number Of lawyers re-
gardng the rights OF the lot owners I'm
der the covenant in the deed We're pre-
sented to the association by various men,
bers. These legal opinions seemed agreed
that the construction of the stable could
be enjoined under the covenant. Warning
was given against delay. inasmuch as the
only recourse then would be by suit for
da mages it was contended.