The Washington times., 1919-05-27
7-CENT FARE URGED
BY v. R. &E. HEAD

The Washington Railway and Elec-
trio Company must have a fiat 7-cent
fare If it is to remain out OF the
hands OF a receiver. The company
could not make money on a Scent
fare because the amount OF traffic
diverted TO the Capital Traction
Company would more than make up
the extra margin of profit made on
such an increase.
These two statements were the out
standing features of an address made
last night by william F. Ham, presi-
dent OF the Washington Railway and
Electric Company, before the Midcity
Citizens Association, at 1909 Seventh
street northwest A. J. Driscon pre-
sided.
"a 6-cent fare will not suffice" de-
clared Mr.. Ham, in discussing the
measures for relief to which he
claimed his company is entitled. II
the commission granted US 6-cent
fare many people would stop riding
on our cars and the number who
would switch over to the cars Of the
Capital Traction Company would
have the effect of offsetting any ad-
vantage we might obtain from a g.
cent rate II the company is grant
ed a fiat 7-cent fare, however, it will
make enough money to strengthen its
roadbed and rolling stock and provide
better service. 1t is the only method
by which the company can be kept
out of the hands of a receiver.
1T is purely a matter whether the
city wants a frst-class railroad, or
one with its nose down to the grind
stone.
The management of the company
is, in a measure, Indifferent as to the
methods adopted to render the COM
pany relief. But immediate relief is
necessary"
Mr.. Ham declared the question OF
the company's common stock is very
much misunderstood. Common stock
OF the Washington Railway and
Electric Company does not mean
Hwatered securities" he stated. He
said when the House and Senate
committees authorized the company
to put out $4,000, 900 in stock and the
necessary bonds they did not say
which should be preferred or common.
I'm the eyes OF Congress" said he,
"there is no difference between the
common and preferred stock OF the
company. The common stock, it will
be remembered, does not begin to pay
dividends until ten years after its
issue"
Mr.. Ham declared he cannot see
why the citizens Of a community
should object to seeing a railroad
prosper. He cited increases in prop
erty values along the lines Of the
company, said the road is responsible
for the increased values and declared
that the company has only made
about / per cent a year on the sub
urban lines.
His speech precipitated a debate on
the zone fare system. Talks on this
system were made by Louis Giclas,
John B. Geier. and NJ P. Sullivan.
Because Of the late hour it was agreed
this discussion should go over until
the next meeting.
The association reported the sale
Of $4,000 worth OF Victory bonds.
A ]. Driscoll left the chair OF the
presiding officer to introduce a reso-
luton indorsing the bill OF Congress
man Tinkham for the establishment
Of a home for the feeble minded in
Washington. Mr.. DriscoIl said the
last census taken by the police re-
vealed the presence here OF 1000 per-
sons Of feeble mind, and the number
IS probably greater now. The bill
was Endorsed by a unanimous vote.
Resolutions Of thanks were voted
for Mrs Newton D. Baker, the Rev.
DR.. James L Gordon, and Edward H.
Droop for help extended in the Vic
tory loan drive.
New members elected were John z.
Edward K Kelly. P. McCune,
Edwin c. Martens. and h z. Scherff.