The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1870-12-23
The Bridge.
BY "KEY.O

BY "KEY.O
To the Editor of the Columbian:
The necessity of q bridge across the
Susquehanna at some point between
Berwick and CatawiSsa, is undisputed.
The only question that arises is as to
the location. In selecting this three
things are to be considered: Accessible
ity, the demands of the present, and
the probable wants of the future.
AS to the first: The position should
be such as could be approached from
both sides without difficulty. THIS is a
requisite not aff,rIei by either of the
places whose claims have been express.
ed. In order to reach the southern ex-
tremity of a bridge lbcated at either
Espy or Bloom, a series of bills must
be assembled that rival ~ altitude some
peaks of the Aleghanies. To Climb
these.heights with heavy loads, would
involve an expenditure of labor and
time that would justify a longer route
to secure more level road. 4r;l.
The plane stretching from Nescopec
on the Northeast, towards Mainville,
on the Southwest, affords one of the
most beautiful and comparatively level
roads in the State. At Miffiinville, this
road is joined by the State road that
leads by the gap of the mountains to
ConS ngham, Hazleton and the towns
dotting the coalfields of that portion OF
Luzerne. Here, begins the road that
passes over the mountains and taps the
coal.beds of the Schuylkill, A bridge
at the foot of Market Street, would
prove a more available channel for the
trade than can be obtained by present
means. In addition, the height of the
bank is such at that place, that the floor
of the bridge would be on a level with
the adjacent plane.
The demands of the present: The
County Seat and the Railroad are both
on the opposite side of the river. Tc
reach these at certain times is difficult
if not almost impracticable, save by 8
long, difficult aud circuitous route. The
people of Mitflin are thus isolated to a
greater extent than any other of the
county. True, those who are opposite
Espy, labor under the same difficulty
yet they have the Catawissa and the
Danville, Hazleton & Wilkesbarre Rail
roads, either of which is means of ac
cess to the outside world, and the form
er almost directly to the county seat.
Where is the river crossed most fre
quently at the present time? Blooms.
burg supports one ferry, how good we
are unable to determine. Espy some
times supports one, and sometimes
don't. Mitiiin supports too less than a
mile apart, one of which is doing q
good business, while that of the Other
Is perhaps unsurpassed. This may be
considered an inder to the wants of the
people.
The probable wants of the future -
Capitalists upon making Investments
not only consider the prospects of the
present but the capacities for increase o.
gain In the future. For nearly ninety
years has the town of Miffin Struggle
for growth. The river has CIT off il,
support and dwarfed its stature. Fur.
nish 1t with supplies aud IL will doubt
less increase rapidly in proportions II
Is believed that its hills contain valut
BILE stores of slate, iron aud coal. In
deed Steps have already Deea taken 10
ward the development of the same,
Should such be the case they will min.
isler greatly 10 its growth, in wealth
and population. La view then OF the
facts that Mifhinviile is the most
easy of access, that it is the terminus ol
roads leading TO the coal regions, that
by that means the public would be
most accommodated as eyinced by the
amount of erossing to day, aud the
probabilities uf it, being mach iuertas
I'd ia the Time o. come, IL Is andoabted-
/ Iy tse place for u bridge.