The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-12-21
Free Bridge.

Mr.. EDITOR: In your issue of the 10th,
You reported correctly the gist of the
bill before the Legislature, for the re-
building of the Congaree Bridge. In
asmuch as the Counties of Richland and
Lexington are to be benefited by free
bridge, more especially than the State at
large, it is proposed that they shall pay
the assessed value of the property of the
Columbia Bridge Company; bear their
proportionate share of the taxation to
raise the $4,000 asked for from the
State, to repair the piers and put the su-
perstructure on, and finally, keep it in
repair when finished If but q small
portion of the cost of the work falls due
In any one year, as is proposed. the tax
alton for this purpose will not be seri-
onsly felt. Of course, it is assumed,
that free bridge is eminently proper,
and that the right way to get it is by an
equitable taxation. A free bridge would
be the best for both producer and con-
sumer; because it is calculated to facii-
tate the business of the former aud
cheaper tho cost of products to the lat
ter; and we all, whether producers or
consumers, must contribute share TO
the cost OF transportation; and, in such
case as the one under consideration,
may we not do it in the way proposed,
which is the cheapest, and thus avoid
the toll-kceper's salary, the cost of toll
house, and dividends to stockholders.
Besides, the good effects upon the pro-
ductivc industry and the advantages
which would accrue indirectly to the citi-
zens generally, would be large and hard
to calculate. The comparatively small
sum asked for from the State, would be
more than returned to the citizens, by
the consequent promotion of industry,
trade and manufacturing interests, and
by the outstanding of our own resources,
as considered in connection with the
competition we have from Georgin. And
this bridge, from being at the Capital of
tho State, and in sentral part of it.
would benefit a large portion of the peo-
pie. And the great magnitude of the
work almost precludes the possibility of
the two Counties doing it alone, as init
mated by "TaX-Payer, or Of the case
being quoted as precedent And yonr
correspondent is also in error, when he
says the movement is in tho interest of II
fow capitalists; unless by a few, he means
all that we have, and that that interest
is promoted by the advantages extended
10 tne moSC numDie ana OBSCURE lndl-
Vidual. And are the people to do With.
ont bridge across the Congareo, because
some "cnterprising citizens" have bridg-
cd Broad River, and forever confine
themselves to fiat? The reference
made to bribery, in connection with this
subject, at the present session, probably
rests upon as himsy foundation as any
Of the rest of Tax Payers positions
Some of those who are likely to be in as
good n position as any to know, if such
thing is being done, assert, as matter
OF simple justice to the members OF the
Legislature. that not the slightest init
nation OF anything OF the kind has come
to their knowledge. and that the action
taken, has been upon the merits of the
bill, which are deemed quite sufficient to
commend it to the favorable considera.
ton OF the Legislature and the masses.
CITIZEN.