Evening star., 1925-06-07
FAVORS BUS ROUTE
FROM CHEVY CHASE
Federation of Citizens AsSo-
Citations Approves Plan
for De Luxe Cars.

The Federation of CITIZENS ASsoCl-
tions cleaned its slate and adjourned
for the Summer at its final meeting
of the 1924-1925 season last night In
the District Building. The closing
session was marked by protracted
and spirited debate over the proposed
establishment of a de luxe bus service
from Chevy Chase into the heart of
the Capital.
Many of the delegates removed
their coats, rolled up their sleeves ana
proceeded with the numerous matters
brought before the federation, appdr-
emily obliViouS of the weather. 1t was
one of the organizations longest seS-
Sions of the year, lasting from t:5o 10
II o'clock.
The animated discussion over the
contemplated de luxe bus line was
precipitated by a report submitted by
William Nick. Clayton, chairman or
the public utilities committee, hatly
opposing the applications filed with
the Public Utilities Commission by
the Capital Traction Company and the
Washington Rapid Transit Company
for permission to operate Pullman
busses into the city from Chevy Chase.
The committee. held that there is no
real public need for such luxurious
bus service and that the additional
busses would only serve to increase
traffic congestion on the streets.
Difference in Rates.
Mr. Clayton pointed out that the pc
titions of the two companies were
strikingly similar, except that the
Capital Traction Co. planned to
charge a rate of 25 cents and make its
Washington terminus at the Capitol,
while the Washington Rapid Transit
Co. proposed a straight 10-cent fafa
and would extend its route beyond tie
Capitol to Fifteenth street and Mary
land avenue northeast. Both com
panies. he explained, guaranteed a
seat for every passenger in buSses
representing the last word in refine
ment and comfort.
Contending that there is a serious
need for additional transportation fa-
cilities, especially in the Northeast,
David Babp offered as substitute to
the committees report a motion IA
voring the establishment of the Wash
ington Rapid Transit Co.'S de luxe
line. After a series Of parliamentary
maneuverS, the motion was ultimately
adopted by a vote of 25 to 9.
Jesse C. Suter, president of the fed
Grafton, left the chair and actively
engaged in the debate, opposing the
Babp substitute. IF the Washing
ton Rapid Transit Co. proposed in
good faith" he declared, why didn I
II provide a seat for every passenger
on it's short haul lines? The company
knows it can't do it for 10 cents.
Mr.. Suter then offered another sub
stitute for the committee report. favor
ing the Capital Traction Co.'S de luxe
line. but James G. Yaden raised a
point of order. 1t was promptly over
ruled by Acting President George
Wales. but Mr.. Yaden appealed the
decision and the chair was overruled
by a vote of Is to IL.
When the discussion gave indication
Of waxing warm over the wide differ
lence in the rates of fare suggested
by the two companies, Delegate Clay
ton said that the underlying reason
for the proposed creation of the par
lor car bus service was not for the in
come but to keep off the busses the
undesira bles with Rolls Royce appe-
tites and Ford incomes"
Want More Bathing Facilities.
The shortage of bathing facilities in
Washington was deplored in a resolu-
ton adopted on recomme ndation of
Allan Davis, chairman of the COM
mittee on public health. The resolu-
ton urges the Commissioners to make
certain to include in the estimates for
the next fiscal year adequate pro-
visions for increased public bathing
facilities, and asks further that they
make every use of their powers and
money now at their disposal properly
to supervise bathing beaches. Mr..
Davis was instructed to follow up his
resolution and see that it is made eff
fectiVe. The proposed use of fire
hydrant showers was indorsed as one
means of cooling children during
warm spells.
The old controversy over the make
up of the Citizens Advisory Council
was revived again near the close of
the meeting when George H. Yeat-
man of the Southwest Citizens As
sociation attempted to steer through
the federation an amendment to the
constitution of the council to increase
its membership from TO 10 men
bers with the four divisions of the
city represented as follows: Three
members from the northwest, two
each from the northeast and south
east, one from the southwest and
two from the Federation of Civic AS
sociations.
The amendment also proposed that
the chairman of the council be elect
ed. AS now organized the president
OF the 1ederatlon Is eA-OIlClO chairman
Of the council.
There was comparatively little de
bate over the amendment, and when
Proctor L. Dougherty of the Chevy
Chase Citizens Association appealed
For a fair trial for the council as now
constituted the federation tabled it.
President Suter at the outset of the
meeting presented his initial report on
the work of the Advisory Council, indi-
eating that the only matter so far
submitted to it for advice is the Dis
trict's budget for the next fiscal year.
The Commissioners, he said, have in.
dicated an intention of submitting
other matters.
q Decline Members Check.
The report also contained a request