Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1861-03-13
Some SntsIIiatntt.
The New Bridge.

" would again call the attention of the oft
izensefthis toya to the fact that within a very
short time, the County Commissioner will de
eide upon the kind of a bridge to be built over
the Mahoning River, at this place: and where
it will be located. We are informed by one Of
the Commissioners. that a special meeting will
be held BY these officers. on Tuesday, the 18th
inst, for the purpose of deciding this matter.
and that when it is once settled, and notice to
receive proposals for building it. published
that no change in location or place, viii bc
made. wehaye no doubt that il the eitizenI
will, take this matter into consideration, ssttl'
upon some plan offs bridgs which the majority
would prefer, and its location; and confer with
the Commissioners at another day Of theil
meeting. that they would be respectfully treated
sad that the Commissioners would be disposed
to aecede to their wishes, if they could de Sc
without sacrificing the interests of die county,
and without imposing additional burdens upon
the tax payers. We are given to understand
that unless some movement is made by the cit
izens. the bridge viii be upon the location Of
the former one, and it will be a covered wood
ga bridge.
1t eeens.to US that if the new bridge was to
be placed at the foot Of Market Street, it would
shorten the distance over which nine tenths Of
che people VIII cross it, would travel, and would
better satisfy a large majority; it would also be
nearer to the centre of the town, and would
add very much to the general appearance Of
the place. The additional cost, if this location
Is chosen, would consist simply of the cost of
of n road from The west end of the bridge to a
point where Market Street continued in a straight
dine would strike the present road.
The land over which this short piece of new
road would pass, is comparatively worthless,
and the right of way should cost little or MOTH
ing. As the town is all in one road district the
road work would scarcely be fit If it is
thought best to take this location, the addition
al expense. should, of course, be born by the
town.
There are several objections TO a covered
bridge In the first place, It's. as experience
thas shown, ten fold more liable to be destroyed
10y fire. (Haa not the old bridge been covered.
it would not have been burned.) Second, it is
quite as expensive as an open bridge of either
iron. or wood, (Which would have a pier in the
centre, and no bridge if such a length. either
covered or uncovered. should be without q pier.)
Third, During the winter. when there is
sleighiug,a heavy load which can easily be
he drawn on q snow track, is drawn through a
covered bridge with great difficulty, and fire.
quently sticks fast.
Fourth. At night when there is plenty of
light BY which to drive in the open air, it is as
dark as Erebas in a covered bridge.
Fifth, 1t is a nuisance for foot passengers,
especially ladies. to cross in dark night.
Sixth and last, A covered wooden bridge is
coRfOundedly ugly.
It is a well known fact that an open iron
bridge will not costone dollar more than a WOO
den .one. either covered, or uncovered, with a
pier while its durability would exceed that Of
the other fifty fold; in fact it would be hides
4ruetible,
Ali of these things should be taken into con-
sideration by those who are interested, and they
should remember that if an unsightly Fabric is
erected now. it will not be for a day, nor a year,
but It may stand until they and their children
after them, will wish many times. that it might
follow its "illustrious predecessor"