Evening star., 1920-12-15
FIGHT FARE RAISE;
URGE CAR MERGER
Labor Unions and Women's
Clubs Enter Street Rail-
way Controversy.

Organized labor and a number OF
women's clubs in the District will
unite with the Federation OF Citizens
Associations in opposition to the ap-
plication of the Washington Railway
and Electric Company for a straight
fare of cents after January l.
This cooperation was pledged to
| the citizens at a conference in the
boardroom OF the District building
! last night Of the public utilities COM
| mittees of the various ghborhood
associations.
w. W. Keeler, president Of Central
Labor Union, announced that the thou
sands Of organized workers in Wash
1ngton will oppose the Scent fare
more vigorously than they have the
previous increases in fare.
Mrs Mary Wright johnson. rep
Heights Citizens Association, told the
meeting that number of prominent
organizations with which she is iden-
titled Will cooperate in the movement
to keep the rate Of fare from going
higher.
Street Car Merger Urged.
After three hours of discussion of
every phase of the traction situation
the meeting adopted a resolution Of
fered by William Henry White of
Mount Pleasant. favoring a merger of
crease in fare to either company at
this time
Vincent L. Toomey offered a resolu-
ton providing for the leasing of one
company to the other pending a
merger. The motion was defeated
after several dele gates had spoken in
opposition to it.
A delegation from the Mount
Rainier, Md. Citizens Association,
headed by Charles ]. Peckham, presi-
dent. attended the. meeting and
pledged their support to the citizens
of the District. Mr.. Peckham declared
that If the people of Washington have
legislation introduced in Congress to
remedy the street car situation his
organization will endeavor to get the
Maryland senators and representatives
behind it.
Make Plans for Hearings.
The meeting adopted a resolution
authorizing William NICK. Clayton of
the Federation Of Citizens Associa-
ings. which begin at the District
building at 10 o'clock tomorrow morn
ing on the petition of the Washing
ton Railway and Electric for an
eight-cent fare.
Mr.. Clayton urged each association to
have large representation at the hear
ings. The Organizations, he said, should
show the commission by their presence
that they are sincere in position to
higher fare
The delegation from Kenilworth an
nounced that at the next meeting of the
federation they will introduce a resolu-
ton directing the federation to consider
the adWsability Of taking court acton
to prevent a further increase in street
car fare
Mr.. Clayton told the delegates the
commission has power to order joint use
of the street railway tracks by both
companies. He urged that the associa-
tions fight for better service by such
joint usage of the tracks.
Would Seek Aid Of Congress-.
Rev. DR.. Aiken Of Catholic Univer-
sity opposed proposed raise in fare, as
one Of the delegates from Brookland. He
suggested that the people prepare a petit
ton to Congress signed by as many
citizens as possible. urging action on
the street car problem.
George A. Ward Of Columbia Heights,
and Maj. D. s. Fletcher Of Takoma Park,
spoke vigorously in opposition to any
further fare increase. Jesse C. Suter
acted as secretary.