Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-06-07

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no funds to pay for such a costly un-
s sEt b 1sgs a to wenss s hest shs
about the engineer
Finally. Maj. Enais removed the cloak
Of mystery and announced that Hansel
was the engineer, that Hansel would
bear the entire expense and present the
result Of his study to the federation as
his gift to the city.
The result of this extensive trans
portation study was a voluminous re-
port containing plan for consolidation
of the transit facilities.
Unlimited use of one-man cars uni
versal transfers and a general rerout-
ing of car lines were the cardinal fea-
lures. The plan also provided for the
creation Of new corporation to take
over and operate all Of the transporta-
ton agencies on a 50-year franchise
basis. This new corporation was not to
be holding corporation. but would own
and operate the transit facilities. buy
ing them outright. All ipterurban troll
ley lines, as well as motor buses and
taxicabs, were included in this plan Of
merger. The profitable Potomac Electric
Power Co. a Washington Railway e.
Electric subsidiary, was left out.
- Assisted by Owners.
Ownership in the new company was
to be figured out on q triparte plan,
modelled after the Mitten MANAGEMENT
of the Philadelphia transit lines The
District government was to be given
the option of purchasing one-third of
the capital stock and the remainder
was to be divided between private own
ers and company employees.
Hansel had plenty of assistance in
making the survey. In the preface of
his report he expressed appreciation
for the cooperation of Wilson, the
North American Co., which controls
the Washington Railway &. Electric
Co., McClelland q Junkersfeld, Inc,
the Public Utilities Commission and
the National Capital Park and Plan
ming Commission.
Hansel pointed out in the report,
however, that had he known Wilson
had come to Washington to initiate
merger negotiations, the transportation
survey probably would not have been
undertaken. About the time Of Will
sons arrival. he explained, the pre-
liminary studies had been completed.
His Data Aids Company.
McClelland and Junkersfeld were the
engineers representing the North
American Co. The report disclosed
that at the instance of F. W. Doolittle,
VICE pLcSlOCllt VI NULL
Co., they were directed to cooperate
with Hansel in making the survey.
What part, II any. Hansel played in
the plan of merger that Wilson framed
and had approved by the transit COM
panies and their owners, has never
been disclosed. Information was given
Hartman, however, that much valuable
financial data were furnished the mer-
ger sponsors in a separate and con-
fidential report which the HanSel &C"
countants prepared at the time OF the
transportation survey.
Holds Split "Own Business"
At any rate, Hansels merger plan
never got anywhere in particular.
Copies of the voluminous report on his
survey were furnished the federation,
the Public Utilities Commission and
the Senate District Committee. The
commission still has its copy on file
and uses it sometimes for reference.
Why Hansel wanted to block Hart
mans reappointment by releasing con-
fldential letters Is a puzzle now. So is
his reason as to what has happened to
turn him against Hartman and to seek
his removal from a commission that
has been notably watchful Of the pub
lie interest.
Hansel. in response to q question,
says: ITS my own business"