Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-11-11

Mn EoiroR-The following dialogue between farmer md
lawyer who is retained against the bridge, contains points
both amusing and instructive Please pint.
FARMER-S Squire, hearing you talk the other
day stoutly against the right and propriety of
bridging the lake, thought would ask you to
90 into particulars next time ito give valid and
us,ifying reasons
LAWYER Why, friend, as to the right of the
thing have changed my mind; Vermont and
New York are competent to give permission, and
If Congress does not interfere, the bridge may
be lawfully made. But as to erpefiency remain
unchanged. Such a bridge would very materi-
ally embarrass navigation.
ESQ you said the other day, and this is the
general hue and cry from interested quarters. |
want more than bald assertions | call for proof.
L-Wcll, then, the navigation from Rouse's
Point downward is beset with difficulties enough
now. The channel s narrow water shallow,
the bottom in places rocky, and besides the wind
is frequently high and sqnally, so that it is diff
cult TO control vessels under sail. Your bridge
would complete the work OF obstruction. Steam
ers also would be seriously impeded. Why, sir,
throw your bridge over this empestuons spot, so
as to compel them to work through narrow
passage walled with huge masonry, and you
would, for much of the time, virtually put an en-
barge upon navigation. The effect would be 10
increase the price OF freight. There are reasons
for you.
F-But let US sec, Squire. You say that nav
lgaton is so bad that vessels can hardly get on
| in fair weather?
| L-Yes.
Every well; now how is it in toul weather !;
| am told that steamers and sailing vessels are
! frequently compelled 10 lie by on account ffog.
$50 am told.
F--Well, the bridge would not deain any
vessel under such circumstances, would ii:
/ L-No.
F--Can vessels pass the Point and 90 on safe
ly when the wind Is high, or ftlul? or DO they
lay to?
L-They lay to- what then?
F-Why, think the bridge would not obstruct
them while laying 10.
L-Of course not.
Zone question more: have you not heard il
stated, again and again, by the best sailors, that
when it is safe to 60 on AT ALL vessel can pass
the draw without any serious difficulty? Nc
lodging if you please
LII suppose have, ard that it is SO.
F-Well, Squire if the bridge will not reart
? vessels in toggy or tempesluous weather, mol
5 ia fair weather either, the question is simply
this-how long will it take a steamer, and how
long q sailing vessel, to pass the draw?
III give up the steamers, though have i'm
e Piled to The contrary. II is conceded by expert
" enced steamboat captains that they can 90 RICH
Z through draw "wllhout doing any thing more
e than 10 slack up little" But the sail vessels
81 "there's the rub"
Every true, have examined that point
IS and learn that retractile draw as they call it
o Opening upwards, suppose,) over the Schvlkil
e is opened or closed in minute, by two men
p. and with extra exerlion in 35 seconds. The piy
II OF draw of road bridge, on Long Island, is op
s. Grated by a woman, and is opened or closed b
s. her in minute.
II LII know these draws can be opened quic
st enough, but how long will it take vessel /
/ pass
at F-Thal's it. Now mark $50 saiGlag vesse
er have passed the Schuykll bridge in ons da!
Of "Thc draw remained open on an average fol
te and half minutes for each vessel" Here al
= the facts. Now, Squire, is il possible any bod
~ really believes that the occasional detention OF
ea vessel for FIVE minutes, will percepllbly afie'
~ navigation or the price of freight There al
ne now no less than twenty railroads in the U,
Is each with one draw-bridge or more over navlg
OF BILE waters; and defy you to point to sing
n instance where bridge has increased the prlt
n OF freight, above or below. At Fairhaven, Con
lie with BRIDGE the price differs not from NeS
IN Haven without a bridge. Steamers are fir
mi .quently detained at each end OF the ake--oth
on vessels are almost always detained at the Elbo
III and yet the navigation you say Is glorious!
ire II not very singular that men OF standing, intel
81 gence and reputed integrity, grayely malnta
Is that navigation is to be ruined and freight afe
ION ted, by the occasional detention of a vessel
TIC five mnutes9 Common sense men would sn
Ps' at such brayado, were there not kind of moi
me melancholy lnterminged, that turns ridicule r
regret