The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1856-06-06
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Rock 1slanm Bridge.

We were much interested, as we went up
the river, to sec the Rock Island Bridge, in
its present condition, and TO learn the real
character of the obstruction which it pre-
scented to navigation, If indeed it presented
any substantial obstruction.
The Bridge across the main stream is sup
ported by six piers. One arch of the bridge
was removed BY the late disaster. That
arch spanned the old steamboat channel,
which, being now clear, renders navigation
as good rs before. The steamboat men are
greatly rejoiced. And we'll they may be-
They are determined that the river shall be
kept AZ clear rs it now is. And who can
blame them9 Solemn treaty stipulation and
positive statute law says that the Mississ ippi
shall remain forever free and unobstructed.
It's, then, their right, and why have they not
the same rish. to clear their path Of an OBJ
s'rnction that man in the public highway
has 10 remove fence that any one may have
erected across isx-holding himself, Of course,
responsible in a suit of damages, if the party
aggrseyed can establish claim to any.
But is the bridge a real obstruction? That
isa question which has been argued ia SO
high place as before Judge of the L. S.
Supreme Court, and that Judge, on the pre-
sumption, from the evidence presented, that
1t was not an obstruction, refused to grant
an injunction restraining its construction
Blu; that evidence and that judgment was
rendered before the bridge was completed
Let US explain the condition of things after
the bridge was done, that people may judge
for themselves iii the light of their own rea-
son. Nearly in the centre OF the river,
portion of the bridge revolves upon pier,
leaving an opening both sides of about lis
feet. The bridge crosses the river at right
angles, and the piers, all but one, stand at
right angles with the bridge, and Of course
straight with the stream. The pier on which
the s'drawv turns, however, stands diagoa-
ally with the stream. 1t is 800 feet long,
and stands in the channel, or ut the edge Of
it. Standing IN that attitude, aud at that
point, it causes edlies, and besides that,
changes materially the course Of the chan
mel, which one can see are important OBJ
s,racts to passage in addition to the narrow
space and diagonal position Of the pier. The
water in this narrow space runs from six to
nine miles per hour, according to stage, and
boat in going down stream must proceed at
the rate OF from fifteen to twenty miles per
A that eba
through space lis feet wide, and diagonal
IL with the current. This would seem lik
something Of feat, in daylight; but a
night, especially with anything of b.eeze
which may vary the position Of the boat to
greater or less extent, il would appear like
hazardous undertaking. Rnt tho .sccn.
not less difficult than the descent. The rapid
its Of the current, increased nv the position
OF thepier, and changed in its direction also
renders passage very difficult, requiring mucl
skill and the utmost power Of the boat. /
il strange. then, that disasters should hay
occurred Il il possible to saw that tn
bridge ioes not present a positive ssobstrut,
tom 10 navigation, and u very formidal J,
one
Bus II may be asked, How could the J ads
have rendered such decision ia the case
We think the decision actually rende red
somewhat misapprehended. The Ju dre d
not forcclose the whole question in h; ! .dec
ion, nor decide. directly o. by imp LEGATION
that the river could legally suffer any Q,
struction. This i the substance Of the cas.
The Bridge Company brought efore Il,
Judge (sitting " At chambers several EN-