Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1856-04-10
TADvERTISRMENT.

PoToMAc BRIDGE The selection of site
for bridge across the Potomac, which has so
often been discussed by Congress, has recently
been before the Senate. There is certainly
considerable Importance attached to the prop
or loo alton of bridge, which is to connect
North and South. Many things are to be con-
sidered, many important points should be
discussed and thoroughly understood. before a
correct opinion can be formed. First, the
interest of the residents of that portion of the
city called the Island, who feel that to remove
the bridge would be injurious to them, should
have its weight We think the bridge of little
Importance to them, the travel passing through
leaves but little for their benefit. Each part
of the city has its particular local advantage.
The Island has a very important one, which
appears to have been entirely overlooked.
This, if properly attended to, would sustain
the Island far more than the travel through
1T to or from a bridge-it would concentrate
the business connected with wharfs, storage
and the marine, and make it an important
part of the city To effectually accomplish
this the canal should be converted into large
covered sewer, except where the street cutters
require openings with traps to receive the
water during rains. This would effectually
get rid Of all unpleasant smells, and by every
heavy rain would be thoroughly cleansed.
The ground occupied by the present canal
will sell for more than would be required to
make the sewer or sewers in the most sub
stantial manner Two or more sewers may
be required, as the surface of the ground is
not much above tide water, and the round
form for sewers is most durable and kept clean
by the least quantity Of water passing through
them. The canal is only valuable as drain;
1t is considered injurious to health, and has
always been a source of considerable expense.
The supposed advantage of lumber and fuel
being furnished cheaper ON the canal than
when purchased on the Island shores is an
error; on the canal the carriage is added, so
that in reality the people at large are not
benefited. If the residents Of the Island will
look properly into this they will see their local
advantage. Some day this will be realized,
bridge or no bridge. A connection of roads
where steamers are required to cross rivers are
always liable to distractions from ice and
freshets. and the mails delayed sometimes fol
days. When there is a loo alton where bridge
can be placed at comparatively small expense,
built Of brick, stone, and cement, which will
last for years, we think it should be used. The
bridge is wanted to carry the mails and afford
passage to the farmers of Virginia to the
cities of Washington and Georgetown. Tho
mere connection between Alexandria and
W ashiDgton can be, as heretofore, by steam
ers. or If they please, by railroad if the dis
| lance by rail is greatest, speed is decidedly in
| its favor, and the expense may be the same
Congress have always been liberal to w ash
| ington. What has been done, could only have
been done by their aid therefore it is the in
| terest Of the citizens to see that the money
We pray Congress to grant for improvements,
is absolutely necessary, and not of tenn.
porary character, continually requiring addi
tional appropriations. The bridge has long
| been an expensive affair, and is likely to be.
come more SO. Every time the subject is agi
tated, Congress feel that the appropriation
when granted, is only for Temporary relief
| What has already been expended would have
placed a permanent bridge at the head Of
| navigation.
Georgetown has right TO her navigation
| interests, and should be considered. 1t mat
tiers not to US or our interests whether that
portion of the Potomac is bridged above George.
town or below, or the location be known as
the Tenth Ward of Washington or George
town, the interest of the community will be
the same. To secure a good ship channel
alOn g the shores Of Washington to Georgetown,
| is practicable at a less expense than is gener-
ally expected. 1t.