Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-12-10

for safeguarding the public against
accidents. Here in Washington, he
said, we are trying to bring about a
better feeling between the owners of
automobiles and pedestrians. 1T is an
educational campaign and we are espe-
Cially DESTROYS that pedestrians cross
the streets at regular crossings IN
stead of in the middle of the squares.
With the cooperation of the motorists
much valuable assistance can be rem
dered in connection with this educa-
tional campaign
Capital Autos Number $4,000.
while there was very slight in
crease in the number of accidents over
the previous year. there was a decided
falling off in the number of accidents
due to street cars. There are at the
present time about 10000 automobiles
in the National Capital, with a pros
pect that there will be about $4,000
next year. This number will continue
Detroit there .s0m are
and the handling of traffic is a serious
problem The list of accidents daily
is appalling and the authorities are
doing everything in their power to
eliminate accidents.
The Detroit police department is
two-thirds again as large as the WASH
ington force and nearly the entire force
this city, the question of parking cars
is receiving the attention of the city
authorities. Fortunately, Washindton
is not quite SO crowded for space as
some of the other cities, and for this
reason it is desired to give the local
motorists all the space possible in or
der that machines will not be damaged
while being parked: In Detroit nearly
every machine displays a bent fender
due to a great extent to the crowded
conditions at the parking spaces.
Work Of Crossing Policemen.
"In Washington we are trying to
work out a system as near perfect as
possible. The crossing men are doing
excellent work and while engaged In
this line of work cannot be shifted to
patrol duty. There are now five reeu-
lar members Of the department doing
duty at specified crossings, the other
crossings being taken care of by men
paid for by the railway compsniest 1t
is hoped that this condition soon will
be changed by making every crossing
man member Of the police department
and under the supervision Of the de-
partment.
In my opinion. New York has one Of
try. The men composing the franc
squad are the cream OF the depart
ment and have to pass an Examination
fitting them for the duty required Of
them.
The electric vehicle makes II easy
Tor the crossing men, and less trouble
occurs with this type of vehicle and
laws. AiAe
In trying to make the street. y,
Washington safe spaces for pedestrians
are being painted where street car,
SOP; Later stanchions will be erected
al either end of these spaces, inside Of
which the pedestrian should stanS
while waiting for car. This win TEND
10 prevent accidents and will assist ma
terially in making the streets safe.
farkine spaces are being provided
throughout the city with a view 10 re-
lieving the congestion, especially IN the
business center. In conclusion. I wish
10 urge you to instruct purchasers Of
electric vehicles and members of their
families to obtain permits to onerate
vehicles and to study the tra6ic 1910.
tons Oftentimes younger rnemhsr,
OF families of the owners Of cars an.
crate them without permits and become
sShtused In the downtown trafic In
liable assistance"
Business Meeting Held First.
He thanked the association for tn.
resolution adopted expressing appre
citation Of the services rendered by the
police department on the occasion of
the recent electrical vehicle parade dur
ing Electrical Prosperity week and
wished the Washington section nfty.
two weeks Of prosperity. Maj. Pull
man was accorded q rising vote Of
thanks.
The business meeting was held prior
10 the speakers address. The associa-
ton voted thanks for tho excellent po-
lice arrangements throughout the pa
rade during Electrical prosn>rftv u,aaL
r. l. Gimmell. r. A. Israel and Noel
Roscoe were elected to membership in
the organization.
Secretary Charles M Marsh reported
for the executive committee and ].
Bartram for the entertainment com
mittee II was announced that C. A.
watson, chairman OF the entertainment
committee. had arranged for a special
Christmas party Tuesday. December al,
at o'clock. with the regular business
meeting January "a. 1915. The meet
ing ended with several reels Of motion
pictures.