Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-04-02
TRACTION MERGER
HEARING GRANTED
Citizens Federation Gets Right
to Appear Before Public
Utilities Commission.

The Federation Of Citizens Associa-
tions. which has actively undertaken to
bring about consolidation of Washing
toms street railway lines. was informed
at its meeting last night that it will
be permitted to discuss this matter with
the public utilities commission Thurs
day. -
1t will be represented 1t thee bnfef-
ence by its public utilities committee, Of
which William NICK. Clayton is chair
mxn. Uniyersal transfers and other
questions related to street railway
service will be considered.
At meeting two weeks ago the
federation took cognizance of an opin-
ion rendered by Corporation Counsel
syme, which 1t considered to establish
a precedent under which the public
utilities commission could authorize
amalgamation of local street railway
lines. the impression hitherto having
could be granted only by Congress.
Through its utilities committee the
commission was approached in regard
to the matter, with the result that
Thursdays conference was arranged.
10 Determine Attitude.
Some of the questions which will be
brought up at that time were discussed
at last nights meeting. The paramount
feature, of course is to determine exact
ly what the commissions attitude is in
regard to amalgamation. Effort will be
made to ascertain what plans 1t has for
disposing of the universal transfer
agitation.
In addition. such questions as abolish
ing fire stops in the interest of speed
ing up schedules: half rate for school
children: ventilation in cars; dust pre-
vention methods, extensions and kim
dred subjects will be discussed
That the conference will be an
epochab one Is generally believed. The
utilities commission is drawing to
critics of Washingtons public service
corporations and soon will be in DO
sition to act upon some of the prac-
tical questions of public service in the
District. Because many persons have
not known that the valuation must be
the basis of any rate orders or other
requirements involving large expendi-
lures Of money. the delay of the COM
mission in disposing of matters that
have been the subject of popular api-
tation has not been generally under
stood. Thursdays conference is expect
ed to clarity the atmosphere considera-
bly,.
In Session Three Hours.
The federation was in session at the
Chamber of Commerce for nearly three
hours last night. during which time 1t
| referred number Of matters to COM
mittees and disposed of other business
Delegate Garret of the Pinehurst as
sociation sought to get through a reso-
luton favoring practically unrestrict-
ed speed between street crossings for
the Emergency Hospital ambulances, but
Dr. Bryant, delegate from Chevy Chase
sided with the position taken by the
police department in the matter, and
! the motion did not come to a vote be-
| cause of failure of Mr.. Garret to get
unanimous consent for it's considera-
ton.
w. f. Fowler of Chillum Castle
Heights spoke on the necessity of OBJ
| tanning a federal appropriation for i'm
! proving the wharves along Washing
tons water front This suggestion will
be taken up by the committee on high
| ways. parks and waterways, which will
I submit report at the next meeting on
| plans for interesting Congress in this
/ improvement.
Resolutions Referred.
/ Resolutions referred to committees
were submitted by the Brightwood asso-
citation for placing the Botanic Gorden in
Rock Creek Park. near Military road
committee on highways. parks and
waterwayS. Brightwood Park association
indorsing Commissioners bill to amal1a
| mate street crossing policemen with
members OF metropolitan force Commit
tee on police and fire protection), and
Brightwood Park association. indorsinR
Tinkham bill for extending the civil serv-
| ice to District government positions
| (committee on finance and legisiation).
| The federation admitted to member
ship the North Capitol and lexington
Citizens Association. which will be
represented by william G. Henderson.
| II appointed committee on mem
bership extension consisting of Her
man A. Phillips, William Nick. Clayton
land William e. Shannon.