Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-08-14
Hanna Declares Record for
Economy, Despite Handi-
cap, Is Enviable.
COMMISSION MERGER
PLAN ROCKS HEARING
Proposal for Unifcation of Carriers
Follows Harley Wilson
Proposition.

President John H. Hanna Of the Cap
ital Traction Co. entered a detailed de-
fense Of the economical operations of
his company at the morning session Of
the hearing before the Public Utilities
Commission on the companys request
for an increase of carfare.
He said that in comparison with COM
panies In other cities, the Capital Trac-
ton had an enviable record for econon-
ical operation. In spite Of the expensive
handicap Of the underground trolley
system under which 1t labors.
After completing his testimony on
this subject, Mr.. Hanna submitted him.
self to cross-examination, and G. P.
Young, representing the Iowa Thomas
Circle Citizens Association. asking
number of questions as to transfers IS
sued by and to the company's cars and
other matters. Many Of the questions
were overruled by the commission be-
cause they called for conclusions Of
law from the witness, who Is not
lawyer.
Hearing Is Quiet.
8. r. Bowen entered an objection In
behalf Of the Washington Railway g.
Electric Co. TO the introduction by the
commission yesterday on a new merger
plan. The objection was overruled.
Other than this. there was no reference
to the merger during todays discussion.
The hearing this morning was ex.
tremely quiet and there was little ref
erence to the commissions merger
plan. Before the hearing started, how
ever, Mr.. Hanna told newspaper men
that the merger plan, which created
cfi rlnyy
cussed informally by the railway COM
pany offcials yesterday afternoon and
again early this morning. but neither
discussion had led to any decision as
to the future course of the companies
with respect to the plan. He indicatedj
that the matter would be taken up ful
ther at a later date and course Of ac-
ton decided.
Protests Merger Plan.
The hearing today began with an OBJ
lection made verbally by s. r. Bowen,
vice president and counsel of the
Washington Railway q Electric Co., to
the consideration of the commissions
merger plan as part Of the present
rate case. The objection was overruled
by Chairman Patrick. and an exception
to the ruling was noted In the record
by Mr.. Bowen. This is the procedure
which has been followed by the street
railway companies and the commission
in the case of similar objections to con-
sidering unified operation in connection
with the present hearing.
John H. Hanna, president Of the
Capital Traction Co., then took the
witness stand and continued his direct
testimony, with special reference to the
relative economy Of operation Of the
Capital Traction Co. and street railway
companies in 20 of the largest cities in
the country He further analyzed an
exhibit heretofore placed in evidence
showing the comparative cost Of opera.
ton on a car mile basis, excluding de-
probation.
Eighth From Lowest.
In total operating expenses. he said
the Capital Traction Co. ranks eighth
from the lowest among the 20 cities
given. Excluding trainmen's wages. ne
said. the local company ranked sixth
from the lowest per car mile.
Trainmen's wages, he held, snoulo De
excluded, because. to a large degree.
they constitute an element that is not
under the control of the operating ON
cials of the various street railway COM
panies.
In gross operating revenue. he said.
the Capital Traction Co. ranked lower
than any other company except the San
Francisco Municipal Street Car Co. In
cost of power, he said, the Capital
Traction Co. was third from the lowest,
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