Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-08-11
Letters to The Star
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OF Broadcasting on Buses and Streetcars
To the Editor of The Star:
AS one of those to whom the recent IN
stallation of loudspeakerS in streetcars Is a
calamity, should like to give expression 10
nv INDIGNATION at such further dlmlnua-
ton of the little comfort that Is left IN WASH
inetor's crowded transport. But lndlgnatlon
probably is not any worry to the Capltai
Transit Co.
Undoubtedly the perpetrators of this ag-
erayation have examined the legal aspects OF
It: and it is disqueting to learn that this
same method of advertising has been estao-
lished in the transportation systems OF otner
large cities.
II is not possible to know in advance that
principles will be used to decide the allow
ability of these loud-speakers IN the near
ing recently announced as being held oy
the Public Utilities Commission on August
IL The Transit Co. claims the support OF
a large number of it's riders, and In these
DAYS when ethics is matter OF the counting
of noses this we'll might be effective.
Undoubtedly there is large BODY Oh pro-
test in Washington among citizens VINO are
compelled to use streetcars and buses ana
to whom the recorded music and advertising
of cheap merchandise is anything but an
amusement But it is important that sucn
protests be heard
The writer does not know OF any organ
lied effort to prevent the permanent IN
stallation of these loudspeakers. but sug-
gests that those who feel that 1t Is an in
fringement of personal rights make 1t known
to the PUG in advance Of the hearing.
ONE OF THE VICTIMS.
To the Editor OF The Star:
The recent letter by Robert Emmett Burke
protesting against radios IN buses ana
streetcars Is commendable. These olar-
ing radios are a menace to safety and an in
junction should be gotten out, restraining
the Capital Transit Co. from operating
public nuisance.
The safety Of public conveyance depends
upon the operator. and distractions OF any
kind ieopardize this safety. This Is crystal
clear by the warning posted in conspicuous
place above the operator which reads, OPP
orator is not permitted to converse with pas
sengers while vehicle is In notion
The warning so expressed is not for deco
rative purposes but Is intended as sa1e-
guard against distractions. With this IN
mind, what degree of safety is there in
public vehicle where the operator Is sub
iected to the incessant blare of radio?
MRS. M. L. WALKER.
To the Editor of The Star:
want to express my enjoyment OF the
lovely sweet music which has been Installed
in some of our streetcars and buses. Even
the brief ads are interesting and informative.
I think it adds UNNECESSARILY to the attrac-
lions of our city. and several visitors have
remarked to me "Why, you even have free
music in your Buses" and expressed their
pleasure in hearing 1t.
A few days ago was straining my ears TO
catch the sweet strains OF III TAKE You
Home Again, Kathleen" with disappointment
when the noise Of the gears in starting and
stopping drowned it out. BY the time the
bus reached its destination gay and happy
tune was playing, and every one stepped from
the bus in a lively manner humming and
whistling A joyful beginning to the day!
MUSIC LOVER.
To the Editor Of The Star:
Transit News of this week states: ION an
average week day, Capital Transit carries
something over a million passengers. During
rush hours we operate about 1910 streetcars
and buses to take you and your neighbors to
and from work"
The ,nastermind that figured out this sta
tistical item omitted the number Of serious
complaints they have received from Gus
toners of those 1910 cars and buses regard
ing the "broadcasting racket" that gradually
has been forced on us passengers until today
1t is impossible to find q car or bus minus
the disturbance. Nor does the Capital Tran
sit statistical or intelligence department
mention the complaints registered regarding
the lack Of transportation on New York
avenue.
Just for a change, why not give us both
sides of the statistical items?
MRS. MARY E. SHAW.
To the Editor Of The Star:
The numerous protests against the null
sance of radio advertising in the Capital
Transit Co.'S vehicles do not sufficiently
stress the point that this is essentially the
exploitation Of passengers for private gain.
The Transit Company does not install the
radio equipment. 1t hires out to broad
casting company the privilege OF setting up
in its vehicles the mechanical means OF i'm
portuning passengers to buy advertised goods
or services This hiring Is no part OF 1he
public transportation business which the
Transit Company Is 4icensed to conduct and
should not be forced UPON any patron.
Some passengers may tolerate and some
may even enjoy the music which masks the
mercenary purpose Of the broadcasts. But
the attitude of these people cannot justify
the carrier in going beyond its function as
a common carrier to participate for private
gain in infiicting upon others OF its pas
sengers what is to them discomfort and
sometimes actual nervous harm.
GEORGE H. ENGLISH.
Tells Why He Regards Senator Byrd
As True Progressive Leader
To the Editor of The Star:
"A Virginia Voter" in The Star OF August
takes your paper to task for seeming sat
isfaction" in an editorial Virginia Holds
the Line" where you commented on the re-
suits of the Virginia primary election OF
August 2. -.
In calling The Star ultra conservative II
it did receive considerable satisfaction from
the election results, he fails to take into con-
sideration its fair and objective news &C