The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-10-02
nUILD a BRIDGE.


The recent rapid rise Of the Colorado,
with the loss of life and property conse-
quent upon it, is we'll calculated to arouse
our citizens to a sense Of the absolute ne
cessity OF constructing a safe aud durable
bridge across the river. Every one aclSnowl-
edges that such an enterprise will be
brought to a contamination in the course of
a very few years, and unless there is har-
monious and united action Of our people,
1the danger is that bridge may be cen
structed at a point on the river suited to in
dividual interest, and where the expense
would be less than at central point. Al
ready there is a movement on foot among
the residents of that part Of the city around
the freight depot for building bridge
across the river opposite that point We
are crediblY informed, in fact, that one hun
bred and fifty thousand dollars have al
ready been subscribed for this purpose
Such enterprise and public spirit on the
part Of the citizens of that portion of the
2 ity-is highly commcndable, but it only
brings more forcibly before US the supine
ness Of others. Congress Avenue, is and
should remain the central thoroughfarc of
the city. The improvements upon the Ave
nue. are better and more general than any
where else, and are, in fact, at pres
ent, but the beginning of magnif
cent end. This grand thoroughfare is
being gradually and generally improved,
and at the foot Of it should be the grand
entry to the city from the rich and pro-
ductiye districts ON the other side Of the
river. This is undoubtedly the place
where it should be built The riveris wider
here than elsewhere, but in high water the
current would therefore have diminished
force, and the substructure would be more
permanent than where the channel is mar
rover and the current more furious. The
question is often asked how is the bridge to
be built A determination to do so is the
first point. II the taxpayers Of the city and
county Objectto building the bridge at the
foot Of the Avenue, let the property hold
ers of the city, and especially those Of the
Avenue and the central portion of the city
take stock in the bridge to sufficient
amount to b.mg the price Of construction
down to the lowest price required to build
asubstantial bridge of the same sort at any
other point above or below the Avenue.
We have been told that few of the Avenue
merchants have expressed themselves willing
to subscribe to building the bridge, and We
are satisfied that il all the property holders
and merchants viii give it proper consider
alton the subscription to>make up the above
difference will meet with general approba-
ton. Suppose the central property FOLDERS
were to subscribe five, ten or even greater
per cent. Of the value of their property to Sc
cure the bridge at central point. Would
they not in such case have the value of
their property appreciated 10 greater
extent even than this by such sensible in
vestmentl On the other hand, suppose they
remain apathetic until a bridge Is built
somewhere else; will their property be in
creased in value at allg While the building
Of wagon bridge at the foot Of the Ave
nue. would help in benedtting all parts Of
the city. the constructing Of enc at
some other point would do an IN
Jury to those on the Avenue. The
construction Of safe aud substantial bridge
across the Colorado. would DO the whole
county and section trading with shiscity in
finite good immigration would be at
tracled 70 the fertile lands across the river
and benefits and advantages would be felt
even il the opposite direction. The trade
Of the city would at once be enlarged ten
or fifteen per cent. and an activity created
which would work wonders in a very short
time. Let our citizens 80 zoalously to work
and create at once safe means of reaching
/. our city from the opposite side Of the river,
whereby vehicles and teams viii not be
forced to encounter high water and quick
sands, and over which men, women and
even little children can pass without being
swept away BY a treacherous stream.