The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-01-26
OITxINERLL1sRNC q x.
OVER THE RIVER.

Tbe Newest Project for n Bridge to Cross the
Delaware-HOw It Compares with sDeak-
mans Plan.
Senate an act ito incorporate the Philadelphia
and Camden Bridge Company" which first
names Philip j. Gray Benjamin z. Howell
Henry B. latham, John O'Brien, Isaac G. Cassin
Thomas McCuloch William i. Miller, Adam
Warthman, Samuel z. Hancock, j. Henry
Askin, Richard Wildey Edward Q. Cook, r.
+. Cbristy, and John Jordan, their associates,
successors and assigns, rs body polite to con-
struct the bridge, and then gives the authority
to build bridge over the Delaware from wind
mill Island, south of the canal, from the city of
Philadelphia to the city of Camden with draw
not less than seventy feet wide, and not less
than ten feet above high. water mark, with the
privilege of running ferry from the city of
Philadelphia to the said island, to connect with
the said bridge
Should it, however, be found practicable, the
comrany may build bridge from Philadelphia
to Windmill Island, "under the law as laid
down in the Wheeling Bridge case,n and thus
make n complete structure across the entire
river. The capital stock is to be $3.50 900, which
may from time to time be increased. The com
pany may contract with the owners of any land
for the purchase of go much as may be necessary
for the completing of the bridge, but where they
cannot agree the courts shall appoint persons to
view the land aud award damages. The com
pauy is empowered "tO erect gates. demand
and receive tolls for crossing the bridge aud
ferry, NJ such rates as the president and mana
gers shall determine; provided, they shall cause
to be put up and kept at the gates Of ssid bridge
list of the rates of toll; provided also, that tue
said bridge shall be constructed with draw or
tunnel with not less than seventy feet opening
and space of sufficient width to allow the pas
sage of foot-passengeTs and carriages, aud of
horse and steam cars for passengers aud freight;
and the company shall have power TO procure
ferry. boats and ferry-slips, aud to establish and
run bridge and ferry communication between
the cities OF Camden and Philadelphia aud be-
tween those cities and Windmill island
In q few words, then, this new company is to
construct bridge, only ten feel dbOCe the
highest 1cdter mark, from Camden to Windmill
Island, and whenever after it wishes Ii may
complete the project by carrying the structure
from Windmill Island to Philadelphia. under the
law which requires it not in any way to affect
the navigation of the river
This brings us to reconsider the "Speakman
Bridge" which project has been so long before
the public, aud still is unrealiZed. This bridge
is to span at cnce the entire river, aud will be
supported by immense cables resting upon
strong towers. Its lowest elevation on the
Philadelphia side will be GO feet At the highest
poinS OF the arc which it will describe across
the river it will reach 130 feet above the surface
of the water, and at the draws it will be 105 feet
in height. These proportions will accommodate
80 per cent. OF our vessels without recourse to
the draws, and these latter will accommodate
the remainder.
The arrangement Of the draws will be pecu-
liar in this: They will present forlled road
ways, and so arranged that at least one of the
latter shall be uninterrupted while vessel is
passing through. This bridge has been sane
toned by both of the States, by both houses of
Congress, and has been approved bv the Presi-
dent All that Is required now is the assent of
the Secretary of War, and then we look for the
commencement of the work in earnest. The
sOundings have all been made and the plans are
about all completed. There are many objections
by the merchants along the wharyes and the
Board of Port Wardens against it, but if they
hold good against SO gigantic a structure they
will surely oyerwhelm that just proposed in the
State Senate by the Philadelphia and Camden
Bridge and Ferry Company.