Evening star., 1954-08-19

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politan Police acted to relieve
what is expected to be the most
serious problem of congestion in
the history of downtown WASH
ington.
Deputy Chief Howard v. Covell
said it had been agreed to shep-
herd pedestrians across the line
Of march at four intersections
whenever the opportunity pre-
SentS itself. This means at times
any unscheduled gaps occur in
the long parade.
No Other Solution.
wen simply have to let them
through from time to time, -
Deputy Chief Covell said.
There's no other solution to our
problem"
The crossings on foot will be
limited to the intersections at
Seventh, Ninth, Twelfth and
Fourteenth streets. All other
intersections on the parade route
will be roped of to prevent
crossings.
Deputy Chief Covell said the
increasing rule was modified
after it became clear that Gov
ernment workers would get no
half holiday for the parade.
The officer said police sta
toned at the intersections will
exercise their own discretion
when to let the crowds cross the
street. The spectators will be al
lowed to move only zen rnasse, -
he said.
The announcement came as
District officials struggled with
arrangements to control traffic
and transportation on the day
of the parade. It came in the
midst Of q controversy over who
should-have-done-what to spare
the Capital a traffic snarl of
king-Size proportions.
Regulations Adopted.
Involved in the debate were
Federal and District officials,
members of the American Legion
convention staff and just plain
citizens.
In preparation for the To-
hour-long parade, the Comuis-
sioners yesterday adopted aNset
of special regulations, including
a ban on street parking in a big
downtown area from midnight
August 80 until 6 am. Septem-
ber i.
It was disclosed, meanwhile,
that the District will sponsor q
series Of radio and television
broadcasts designed to help the
public cope with the traffic situa-
ton.
Educational Programs.
Traffic Director George E
Keneipp and Brig. Gen. Louis w
Prentiss, the Engineer Commits
sioner, said the programs are set
for August 20 and 80.
Mr.. Keneipp said District Of
flcialS will outline the special re-
strictions and explain the need
for them. Route changes for
buses and streetcars will be
given and the location of taxi
cab stands will be reported.
The officials also plan to rec
omInend the better routes be-
tween downtown points and the
outlying residential areas. They
expect to cite examples.
Furthermore. an effort will be
made to acquaint visitors with
the special problems Of traffic
and transportation. Signs for
their guidance will be placed at
strategic places, such as in hotel
lobbies. Gen. Prentiss. who ex-
poets to participate in the broad
casts. said he is very anxious"
for visitors. as well as residents,
to be fully informed of the
difficulties. /.
Begins At 2 PM.
The parade, which will be held
on the second day of the Legion
convention, begins at 2 pm. It
will move from Fourth street
NV. along Pennsylvania avenue
to Fifteenth street, turn south to
Constitution avenue and then
proceed west on Constitution.
The dispersal area is west and
north Of Seventeenth street.
The only vehicular traffic that
will cross the line of march will
be streetcars operating on Sew
enth and Fourteenth streets.
Policemen will wave the street
cars through whenever there is
gap. All other traffic will have
to skirt the parade as best it
can.
Street Parking.
L. B. Doggett, jr., president Of
the Washington Parking As
c0nio fioy1 rNn;r%nra -,,k 49, n