The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1858-05-20
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May Is, 1888. Rep. Cong. Committee.
We were unable last week to say all we de-
sired about the Eddyvife Bridge Celebration,
and again recur to the subject. So crowded,
however, are our columns this week, that we
are compelled 10 cotdense even the toasts
for which we are indebted to Mr.. WEIGH, esq.
for copy.
The extreme length of the Eddyville bridge
is some $40 feet. 1t has cut stone piers, ex-
elusive Of the abutments. The draw resting
on round stone pier, is constructed in the
most perfect manner, so that one man can
open it in two minutes, leaving two passages,
of sufficient width for the passage of Steam
boats. The wood and iron work of The whole
structure is of the most finished and substan-
tial workmanship, and good material, at least
so far as we were able to Judge. Messrs.
Stone, Boomer & Boying'on, of Davenport.
were the orr einal contractors, at $4,000, one
third of which was subscribed by them; but by
subsequent arrangement, the terms were varied
SO that they expended more means under an
arrangement to have the tolls for a perioi.--
The Chief Engineer and resident manager of
the work, during its whole progress, and the
gentleman whose judcious and skilful man.
agement has contributed in great degree to
the success of the enterprise, is w. d. Clark,
Esq.
One of the most serious difficulties against
which this undertaking has contended, from
about the commencement, has been a dlsa-
greement in the community in regard to the
location; but as the bridge is now completed,
this feeling will be likely to die out, as the
beneficial influence of the improvement upon
the interests of both the city, and region on
both sides of the river, must at once, become
apparent.
Blu. to the Festival. AT II! O'Clock, the
Methodist Church was filled to overlooking,
many being unable to gain admittance. Be-
sides the President of the day. d. Clark, the
stard was occupied by H. d. Ives, orator of
the day, a clergyman whose name we did not
learn, M. WEIGH, Stephen Roberts, N. II.
Scribner, the two latter old citizens of Eddy
vile, fast friends and large contributors 10 the
enterprise, and others. The "NightingaIes, }"
consisting of Prof. C. Swabky, T. E. Mason,
Jas. White, H. N. Clement and A. M. Harms,
were present, and did themselves great credit
throughout the day, as musical performers.
After an impressive prayer, H. d. Ives
pronounced an able and appropriate Grafton.
which he took occasion to dwell at some
length upon the incidents of the early settle
ment Of the place, the experiences Of the IA
years Of bis residence there, and the prospects
in the future. He pronounced feeling eulogy
upon those constant and tiled friends of the
bridge. particularly Messrs. Roberts and
Scribner, who had given their time and means,
without stint, and with no hope of immediate
return, to the prosecution of the work. He
also alluded pointedly to those who had stood
aloof, and withheld their cooperation. On
the whole the effort of Mr.. Ives was appropri-
ate anG interesting. There may have been
some present, who did not sympathize with
the marked local spirit which pervaded the
speech, but it was moment Of triumph, when
good deal of latitude was allowable.
After the Grafton procession was foI med by
the Marshal Of the day, r. w. Boyd, ami his
assistants, and marched over the bridge, TO a
pleasant spot on the bottom, where tables were
spread with abundant provision for the wants
Of the inner man, to which ample justice was
done.
The dinner being discussed, M. Welch, esq.
announced the regular toasts, from which,
unfortunately being unable to publish the
whole, we select such as seem more especial
ly applicable to the occasion, emitting such as
would be appropriate to most festive occasions,
such as the United States,-the Constitution,
the Memory of Washington, &c.:
REGULAR ToAsrs.
The Day we Celebrate.-May such occasions
be ever hailed with JOY, and awaken in our
hearts the fond remembrance of such cslebra-
tions.
Woman.-The last of creation and the
best.
The Press.-The censor of the age, let 1t
be Just and discriminating in its censorship
that in exposing wee it may defend virtue.
The City Of Eddyville. Prosperous and
happy-may the morality of her citizens be,
come co-extensive with her unbounded hospi
tality.
The Mayor and Council fthe City Of Eddy
rille.
Those who have remained faithful to the
Eddyville Bridge, and advocated it's compile
toin in the face Of all opposition. May their
shadows never grow less.
The Ludies.-May their shadows be less in
proportion to their crinolines.