Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1922-02-02

Company until Congress enacts law
authorizing the two roads to 'consol-
idate.
Mr. Ham made this statement in an
swer to a direct question by Commits
sioner Oyster as to whether or not he
is opposed to a consolidation, of the
two systems. When the head of the
Washington Railway and Electric
Company said action by Congress was
needed Commissioner Oyster replied
1T looks as though Congress is
waiting on u.s."
Mr. Ham answered that he did not
think Congress is waiting upon the
commission, but is waiting upon it.
self. --,.
The Commissioner asked the presi-
dent if capital was easier to obtain
now than six months ago.
Capital is easier for gas. telephone
and electric light companies. but not
for the street railway company" he
answered.
Labor Troubles Unlikely.
Danger of labor troubles on the
local car lines this spring was almost
entirely removed by the testimony OF
BILE to lower the trainmen's wage scale
at this time. He said it would breed
discomfort and dissatisfaction among
the men to. establish wages lower
than those on the other system.
Mr.. Ham evidently presumed that
the Capital Traction Company. in its
present prosperous condition. would
make no move to cut wages next
month, when that company's agree
ment with its union men could be
opened for revision.
While the commission could disal-
low as an item Of expense the sums
now spent by the companies for train
20 10 m q
that they will do so with the COM
pany on record against reduction in
pay.
sci Regular Tfaihmen.
According to Mr.. Hams testimony,
the company has 56t regular trainmen
and 2S7 extras" The regular men,
he said, earn an average daily wage
of 1851, which, figured on a, working
year Of 800 days, would be Sf,76S.20
per annum. :. - - -.
approximately $1,473 a year. The
highest wage paid traiman last year
was slightly more than $4,000 to the
operator Of a one-man car, who pick
ed out an exceptionally long run.
The testimony disclosed a striking
reduction in the turnover among mo-
company employed only 2S5 new
trainmen, as compared with 667 In
1920 and 1870 in 1919.
Mr., Ham testified that during 1921
the company effected economies In
certain departments Of the company
that will result in an annual saving
Of $12s.0oo. as follows: Department
sS1, 900, and transportation. $4,000.
The president of the Washington
Railway and Electric Company told
the commission that last year the
company carried 7S,0s6,60s pay pas
will carry only 76,223,s92, he esti-
Track Extensions Planned.
On the subject of track extensions
the witness said there were two de-
velopments his company felt should
be made, namely: Extension Of the
18th street line to Spring road, Kan.
sas avenue and across upshur street
to Georgia avenue; extension Of ths
18th street to serve the new Eastern
High School and Gallinger Hospital.
Mr.. Ham also told the commission
his company expects to buy ten new
cars and to remodel ninety-six e1-
listing pay-as-you-enter cars Into
longitudinal seats.
The company proposed, he said, to
make the 18th street and Eastern
High School extensions with overhead
instead Of underground construction
II the commission approves The
lower cost Of overhead trolley at the
present time is in the public interest
he believes.
According to the witness, the 18th
street development would cost $107,-
$40 and the East Capitol street prof.
cot, $97.250. The first figure. he said
does not allow for any assessment
against the company for the opening
or widening Of 18th street extended
He said he presumed congressional
action would be necessary to open
the street.
The company, he testified, is anx.
ious to make these extensions pro-
vided'it is allowed to earn q reason
able return on its valuation.
SQniszed by Col. Keller.
'Mr. Ham. do i understand you tt
mean that the rate Of fare should b.
such as to cover the cost of these ex'
tspsions?" Col. Keller asked.
nat o. At4 IA N1tnAU SoW1led