Evening star., 1949-10-29

Poll Shows Big
Capital Transit
The Public Utilities Commission
today had one of Capital Transit
Co.'S main arguments for music
on streetcars-a poll which show.
opinion samples Of over $500
persons.
It also has. for weekend null
ing:
l. The ponster's unqualified
confidence in its accuracy.
2. Capital Transit's announce
ment that 1t plans virtually to
blanket its system with radio
equipped streetcars and buses
with. of course. the appreciation
of PUG.
3. A musical program directors S
assurance that Washington trans
it riders are getting the best music
available for the purpose.
(. A charge that the whole idea
is unconstitutional.
S3.4% Unopposed.
Those highlights, topped by the
polls disclosure that 1914 per cent
Of the opinions sampled early this
month are not. opposed to the
musical transportation. featured
yesterdays hearing on protests
against music while you ride.
End of the public hearing in
the District building was in sight
as the session recessed for the
weekend. 1t will be resumed at
10 am. Monday. opening the
third day with at least six more
witnesses scheduled.
Yesterdays day-long session
was listless. The 100 stationary
seats were never more than half
filled. compared with the ap-
plauding. jeering throng which
packed it for the opening Thurs
day. There was no response when
Chairman James H. Flanagan
asked If any one wanted to be
heard.
Thursday they were standing
in line to get at the witness
chair. and Mr.. Flanagan had to
designate the witnesses by rows.
Yesterday. a woman went to sleep
in the second row.
Presents Results of Poll.
Edward G. Doody. head of the
Edward G. Doody and Co., mar
ket opinion and radio research
firm of st. Louis, and his director
of research, Andrew Sarkady,
poured out results of the poll,
after objections by Attorney
Franklin S. Pollak. Mr.. Pollak is
a Justice Department attorney,
but he emphasized his appearance
in protest against the musical
cars is strictly unofficial as far
as the Justice Department is con-
cerned.
II represent only myself" he
said.
Mr.. Pollak, who cross-examined
almost every one of the Transit
company's witnesses, made the
! charge that the music is uncon-
stitutional.
1T is an invasion of privacy -
which is a property or liberty pro-
tected by the constitution.
If the commission approves
this radio plan. it is lending Gov
ernment authority to compel me
to listen to music, news and ad-
vertising I don't want to hear
for profit of the company" he de-
clared.
Results of Survey.
Boiled down. the results of the
April and October surveys show
this:
Opinions were obtained from
2,524 in April; 94.1 per cent were
not opposed to the radios.
Opinions were obtained from
2,o24 in October, with 1914 per
cent not opposed.
Active opposition" rose from
IL per cent in April to 3 per
cent this month. but Mr.. Doody
expressed confidence that the
relative percentages would re-
main the same, even II 1.5OO
vehicles we're equipped with radio. "
Examples Listed.
The questionnaires listed time
of day, age, color and sex. fire.
quency of public transportation
rides and then broke down the
opinions to fine points. Example:
Under objections, nuisance
value" drew 149 adherents in
April; 1873 this month, or ST. per
cent in April and 4S.9 per cent
this month. This, they said. is
nuisance value-"want to think,
read, study, relax and sleep; too
much noise, confusion; annoying
nerve-wracking, irritating"
They don't like radio; not
properly adjusted SETS"
They resent being forced tt
listen; it intrudes on their privacy
and isn't necessary" OF the per.
} centages, 2.3 per cent had nj
particular reason"
Eight out of 10 find their ride!
s more enjoyable by virtue of tn,
: : radio. the poll says-78 per cen
! casting this ballot.
= streetoa55 and bus operator