The daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1863-1864, 1864-04-11
Bridging the Ohio.

An important measure IS now p61uiuS
before Congress to build bridges over the
Ohio river at any point above the mouth OF
the Big Sandy where it enters the Ohio
An interesting debate occurred in the
House on the subject, on Tuesday last Ma
nv arguments were adduced in favor of and
against the project. Among the reasons
assigned for their construction, it is con-
tended that these bridges are of great mill
tary as well as of commercial importance
to the General Government and those Sec
lions Of the Union where it is proposed to
locate them; that such structures are de-
manded by the necessities Of the railroads
of Illinois and Indiana to consect with 9TH
er roads meeting them on the banks of the
Chic through the State of Kentucky, that
the military operations in Tennessee and
Kentucky, and also the supplies for the ar
mics operating in Tennessee and Northern
Alabama have been greatly embarrassed
for the want of these bridges, while the flu
ture movements of those armies in their
progress toward the gulf would be greatly
facilitated by their construction; that the
government, during the past two years,
have expended millions of dollars at this
point in conveying their troops, munitions
of war and other materials over the Ohio
by the present ferry; aud that the railroads
themselves which it is designed to connect
by those bridges, are ready to proceed to
their construction without cost to the gov
eminent. f"1E'" 'i
The bill has encountered good deal OF
opposition from members of Congress who
represent the districts upon the shores OF
the stream where the structures are con-
templated. 1t is alleged that the construc.
ton of these bridges will prove serious
obstruction to free navigation of the Ohio
river. Mr.. Washburne, of Illinois, declared
that the building of a similar bridge over
the Mississippi, at Rock Island, had sub
stantlally destroyed the navigation of that
river above the bridge. This view Of the
subject was enforced by our own represen-
tative, Gen. Moorhead. He declared that
the proposed bridges would be an obstruc
ton to the free navagations of the Ohio,
and we find him voting in the affirmative
to lay the::whole matter on the table, which
would virtually have killed it. -.
In answer to these objections, it is assert
ed that distractions to the river exist there
now by the falls of the Ohio; boats can only
pass over those falls at certain stages of the
water, and by certain ch utes indicated in
the bill. The bill provides that draws
shall be tbuilt at the head of each one Of
those chutes, and the BRIGGS will indicate
the stage Of the water over them; so that
the building of the bridges will facilitate
the navigation of the falls of the Ohio in
stead of being an obstruction.
From the published proceedings We are
led to infer that the project is regarded
with good deal of favor in the House The
benefits which would inure to the general
government we suppose, is paramount
consideration with many of the members.
The bill was recommended to the Com
mittee on Roads and Canals. And we learn
through private sources from Washington
that it will be rep ,rted again, with the Sec
ond section stricken out. This second sec
ton provides for the building of a bridge
below the Ohio Falls.--PHtsburg CONNER