New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-12-07
DISCUSSING THE NEEDS OF THE BRIDGE.

| TRYING TO FIND OUT WHY MORE STEEL VA
| NECESSARY.
On the principle of locking the stable aller 'n'
horse is stolen the trustees of the East RIVER
| who authorized contract for l2oo add'toi"l
tons of steel for that structure, at cost VI
$500 600 have begun 10 inquire into the necessity
for the extra material. Thirteen OF the twenty
trustees attended the regular monthly mccllhg-
Monday. the second meeting at winch quorum
has been present since June. Among them were Con
trollcr Campbell. John T. Agnew, Robert Eo'seVP'
and J. AGrance Bush of tins city. Inc hon'ilIS
financial statement showed that up to Decembei tue
total receipts were Sl3,335,962 IL; the '"'di 'N
| penditures. S13,323, 100 6S; the cash III manu.
$40 SOC 10, and the cash liabilities S"o'0fo ~.
| President Murphy then read report from Chief
Engineer w. A. Roebling, submitted IN accordance
with resolution offered by Robert Roosevelt call
inc for information in regard to what need theTe
was for the increase of 1GO0 tons in the steel "'
the bridge and whether the engineer approved the
increase: whether after the increase Ia the guam
titv Of steel the structure would carry Pullman
nolacc cars or elevated trains il the increase
would affect the safety of the bridge ana Tvs e'tii
above high water; and to give ms r'is MS "l vac
change i'm the specifications 81 TIE urItaNe' 's,'
In his report the Engineer says that the Original
ulans were drawn for an iron supcrNtrh' arc any
the change to steel forced through ~ '"t!'
culations could only be begun. The theory that p
less weight Of steel than of iron would be require.
proved falaciOus. An increase OF RON ID u ~ ~
cent in strength expected with decrease Oh -
ner cent in weight While the extra strength was
securcd il was found that 500 tons 81 steel more
than provided in the specifications were nceoeu NJ
900 TONS more of the increase were made nCccs
by the full rolling and great specific gravity 81 '
steel Two hundred tons were made necessary W
the change of plans to allow Pullman cars - run
over the bridge. This, the engineer said ne re-
sisted fOc three months, DGt II was hnalIl ioI'rd
upon him. The remaining 100 tens were au' 10
minor changes i'll the plans.
A. to tbe Changes in the plans Engineer Roch-
ling saws that in 1859 it was Determined IN
consequence of the length and exposure OF me
bridge that three sidewalks were not needed. w."
were then changed to roadways, and five feet were
added 10 the width of the bridge. Inns required IN
addition of 12J tons to each truss. ms was Pr
vlced for IN the cables and alcLOrageS, ana partly
Ia tbe tn,vcrs Nv the orders of the Secretary 81
War four feet more head room had 70 DC Il"Nl','I
for under the bridge. To this IT was dccld'u
not to raise the grade but 10 place lhe russ
instead of beneath tie nocr. In estimates I'VE
wears ago one foot was added for the detection ana
extra weight, and this proved just right, ana gave
the correct height now re i4afs'n no o' aie,! ,
margin is now over 4 in Elne-tenthS al Inc
bridges of the country ii is between ana D.
The rrnort said also that error III favor OF the
bridge had occurred. The strain on the steel hiH
been computed at $4,000 pounds to the square
inch when it proved TO be able 10 stand -O,ouo
As soon az the report was read. Mr. Roosevelt
asked who was responsible for the increase in the
weight of the bridge TO provide for Pullman cars
A committee report. signed by Thomas kinsfla, IL
1878 was found 10 have recommended II suhstau-
TALLY. report from the engineers showing Just
much more was needed was then presented Int not
read II will he printed and sent TO each trustee.
Discussion was next renewed over resolution
offered by Mr.. Roosevelt providing that no frcighi
train he allowed to run over the bridge. IN support
Of il the mover said that the charter OF the Harlem
Railroad gave it the right to run freight trains 10
of the bridge, ard who knew but that
they would be run night over 10 Brook
lyn, which would njure NeW-l "ik
The resolution was finally laid on the table for
week.
Controller Campbell then rose. and apologizing
for asking simple questions, asked Mr.. Murphy II
there was enough money to complete the br dye
To this Mr. Murphy sand that the l,2OO tons OF
steel would cost 100000 for which the Lcgisa-
fure would be asked to provide. Mr.. Campbell FUR
ther asked Mr.. Murphy when the structure would
be completed, in his opinion, and the latter said III