Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1879-12-27
the BRIDGE CASE.

Many persons have been misinformed
about the facts Of the lawsuit between the
Uarper's Ferry Bridge Company and my
self. and as false impression, that am
unnecessarily and cautiously obstructing
the building Of this bridge, has been sed.
ulouslv cultivated, publish the follow
ing statement:
/. own 4 valuable ferry which yields
$500 a year, aud is valued for taxation at
IS 900. My title to this ferry has been vim
dictated by three different courts.
,. The Constitution OF our State, de-
clares that private property shall not be
damaged for the use of n corporation un-
I'll lust compensation shall have been paid
or secured 10 be paid.
3. The Bridge Corporation propose to
operate toll bridge near this ferry which
will draw off all its travel. The ferry Is
now worth, ut least SIS 900 latter the bridge
is opened, il will not be worth IS, because
all the tolls will go into the pockets Of
this Bridge Company.
4. The object of the Corporation 10 to
spend rs little money rs possible, because
the cheaper the bridge, the larger will
be the dividends. The rates OF toll are
liked BY the County Court and will be the
same whether the bridge costs $4,000 or
$4,000. If the Corporation can escape
making compensation for the ferry, the
bridge stock may pay per cent, whereas
if they have TO pay $4,000 damages, IL
will only pay per cent. The people
want bridge, but il does not matter to
them whether the capitalists who build 1t
make money or lose money.
5. Before the Company had expended
any money or incurred any liability, | in
formed its officers that after a thorough
examination of the law, was confident
that they could not set up competition to
my ferry until they paid, or secured to DO
paid, just compensation.
Ii Will be observed two questions are in
yolved: ,u
LIST. Is this Bridge Corporation liable in
damages TO the nclghboring fcrryT
Ipropose 10 submit this question OF law,
TO MIR. Walsh, of Cumberland, or TO any
other strictly tirst-class lawyer.
ID. If it be decided that the Ferry Is
entitled TO compensation, then the ques-
ton arises-How much shall be paid by
the Bridge.
| offered TO submit this question, of fact,
to three impartial men, or to Jefferson
County jury.
Again, made q further proposition,
that | would not apply for an injunction.
provided they would give me good security
TO pay such judgment rs might recover
in an action for damages. My oller was,
that the Courts should decide whether l
was entitled TO compensation, and II they
decided in my favor, then the security
should be bound for the amount awarded
by jury.
Nv letter was read In meeting OF tho
Company, but no answer was made.
q. We all know that these corporations
frequently dodge their just debs by Civ
Ing deeds of trust upon their property. l
was unwilling TO take the risk, aud there
fore invoked that protection which the
law has thrown around the property OF
every individual. But my offer to tho
Company is still open. will do all can
To hasten the completion OF the bridge, IL
they will give security TO pay the dams
yes. provided the Court decides that an
entitled TO compensation.
Hence, il is obvious, the delay In build
ing the bridge Is not caused by my I'm.
reasonable opposition, but by the efforts
of this Corporation To escape paying dam
ages. even although the Court decides
am entitled To them.
Ii is all nonsense to talk about my OBJ
structing the bridge: this Is struggle
between citizen, trying To protect his
private property, and a Corporation that
wants 40 build big bridge with littla
money" Ii is worse than absurd, TO say
that / am doing an injury to the people OF
lIarper's Ferry. Half The work Is done.
The bridge is certain 10 be built. These
gentlemen have got their money tied up
and are bound to finish ii, although Ger
tain capitalists, who went into this cutter
prise ~ u speculation, VIII not make aA
iur,, Il is.oro,- a. thoy expected.
II the prcsen. managers are either una
bic or unwilling to pay the just debts Of
the Corporation, and 10 carry the work
through, We have men who will take
what has been done off their hands aud
finish the bridge with all dispatch. But
those concerned, may rest assured, that
III understand the law they will neyor
open this bridge until my rights are Sc
cured j. NJ. MASON.
Charlrstown, Dec. %, 1879.