Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1855-11-01


the fullest extent by high prices.
THE MILL CREEK BRIEGE.-The fol-
lowing communication will enlighten
the public as to the present state of this
new structure. We have always been
of the opinion that the county should
build all bridges, and the Commission
ers at their next session should appro-
pirate a sufficient sum to cover the con-
struction Of this Bridge. A certain
portion of our citizens have heretofore
subscribed literally to building OF brldg-
es, while others equally interested and
just as able. have refused to donate a
cent. We think it unjust that the liber-
al and best portion of our community
should thus be subjected to double tax,
when it can be equalized by the Com
missioners levying tax suitable for
Bridge purposes:
[For the Gallipolis JOurnall
The Bridge, now in course of con-
struction across the mouth of Mill Creek
is so far advanced, that the public might
use it without embarrassing the work
men. All that's necessary for that pur-
pose is to build up aprons to the ends
the work of day. But under present
circumstances. the special Commission
ers would not be safe in thus dedicating
it to the public use. Only $500 were
appropriated by the county Commis-
sioners for building this Bridge-a sum
which was known to be insufficient,
with the understanding that the balance
would be raised by subscription. About
one hundred dollars had already been
subscribed, aAd it was believed that one
hundred more, or total Of one thou
sand would be sufficient. This, how
ever, was the lowest estimate based up
on the mere cost of materials, and the
labor required in construction-without
allowing anything for superintendent.
No time was to be lost, as the old bridge
was rotten and dangerous, and the peo-
pie crying aloud for new one.
Believing that the balance could be
raised, when required, the special Com
missioners proceeded with the work.
When the abutments were to be built, IT
was found to be necessary to lay the
foundation deeper than was at first an
tieipated, which added nearly one hun
dred dollars more to the estimate. The
subscription paper was then resorted to,
without resulting in anything but talk
Everybody thought it was the duty oI
the county Commissioners to build the
bridges, and long argument on this
subject followed every application.
At their September session, these
facts were laid before the county Com
missioners, who said in substance, "we
gave you eight hundred dollars-ad
vancing four hundred of it to enable
you to begin operations-you agreed to
get the rest from the people-if they
won't subscribe we can't help it-sorry
if you are in difficulty-you should not
have commenced till you had the re.
quired amount made up-you can gel
the balance Of the $500 already appro-
priated phen The acork as completed"
Now it was impossible at first, to tel
the precise amount which would be re-
quired-and it Is still difficult as that
depends upon contingencies-but it is
supposed that about two hundred dol
lars will be sufficient. The special
Commissioners are conscious, so far, Of
having done their duty to the public,
and would now do their duty to them
selves by keeping the Bridge in their
own hands, till there is some assurance
given that the amount required will be
made up. Will the people subscribe?
Or will the Commissioners appropriate?
Vide0imus. ... r.....-.-