The Washington times., 1918-05-27

month show great numbers Of unop-
Grated runs. The headings OF the
daily reports are mot operated on &C
count of lack OF crews" In one day
in April 445 trips were not made.
The Capital Traction lines are hav-
ing the same experience. but to a
much lesser degree.
The reports do not include tied up
and delayed runs. Where the cars do
get uninterrupted opportunity to run.
they make far better time than before
the "sktp-stop plan was inaugurated.
The public believes in the "skip-stop.
Director General McAdoo Of the
Railroad Administration has had
doubts whether the President could
take over electric lines under the law
covering the nations railroads. but
broad authority has been conferred on
President Wilson under the housing
act to do this in any place where the
interests OF the United States Govern
ment are vital enough to warrant.
Every Utility Included.
Herewith is printed the enacting clause
OF the housing bill. giving President vii
son authority. IL he felt that It should
be exercised. to operate not only the
street railways OF the District. but every
public utility in the city: That the
President, for the purpose OF providing
housing. local transportation. and other
general utilities for such Industrial work
ers as are engaged in arsenals and navy
yards OF the United States and in Indus
tries connected with and essential. to the
nationa defense. and their families, and
also employees OF the United States whose
duties requires them 10 reside in the
District OF Columbia, and whose services
are essential to war needs, and their
families. only during the continuation Of
the existing war. is hereby authorized
and empowered, etc"
Then follows his power to purchase,
lease. construct, requisltion or condemn"
not only houses and lands. but local
transportation and other general com
munity utilities and parts thereof"
He is authorized to manage, main
tain.' and do many other things
upon such terms and conditions as
he may determine.
Washington the Dynamo.
This city is the great enEine-room
and dynamo OF the United States Gov
ernment in this war. Its employees
are essential TO war needsT beyond
all doubt. II today has the biggest
navy yard or gun factory in the
United States, and the Washington
Steel and Ordnance Company Is a
prime war Industry at this time.
Thousands of additional workers are
to be taken on at the navy yard and
steel company can work 1000 more
men II 1t can get them One of its
chief difficulties today is transporta-
tion, the Eleventh street line being
It's main transportation artery. Both
these places are calling for housing
10 accommodate men, and both fire.
quently point out the necessities for
adequate transportation.
The Government can find crews for
cars, and would find them even II
drafted men had TO be put to work.
Private management admits its fail
ure in this direction.
Suggestions continue to be made to
the Utilities Commission that women
conductors be put on the car lines.
and the latest suggestion is that col
ored man be put to work as motor
men and conductors. Leading colOred
men who are working for the Gov
ernment say that II the Government
took charge OF Washington roads
colored men above the draft age
could be found who would work faith
fully and efficiently. The railroads
have been trying to get high school
boys for extra runs. but have not
made much headway. All the suEges-
tions are open TO criticism, officials
say. and the railroads are in doubt.