Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-08-03

WHAT PRESIDENT WELLS SAY


One of the STAR reporters. learning that ex-
Gov. Wells. the president of the Alexandria
Canal. Railroad and Bridge Co.. had returned
for day from Saratoga, called to inquire
"hether he had seen the article in Saturdays
issue on the :" Free Bridge Question and what
would probably be the next step. He replied
that he had seen the article, but beyond what it
contained he had no information as to the prob
able action of the Secretary of War.
-. The lessees." he said. mot only believed in
the necessity of free bridge. but hoped the
same would be constructed on the piers of the
aqueduct. as they offer. doubtless by far the best
iacliitles and location for such a structure. We
long ago signifed our willingness to accept of the
terms of the bill passed by the last Congress.
Our title is for SO years: in addition thereto the
Alexandria Cana! company owes us now about
s23.OO0-the amount of judgment which we
recovered in the circuit court of Alexandria
county sometime since-while that company
mas not dollar in the world with which to pay
II or other judgments which are now being prose-
cuted by other creditors. who claim at least
$4,000 more not only against the canal company
out against the property. notwithstanding the
guarantee which we hold for quiet possession of
the property. free and unincumbered.
1t seems especially unreasonable on the part of
the lessons to object as they do strenuOusly to
the use of the piers for a free bridge when the
only interest that company or the city of AleXa-
andrla can have in the structure-to wit: the
preservation of the canal-has been we'll Sc
cured by providing that the new structure shall
be sufficiently strong to carry the canal safely.
That opposition must however eventually fail
because we have Il Just right to demand the pay
ment OF the debt due to us or to have the prop
erty sold for its discharge.
Another and possibly conclusive reason
why the public demand and necessity should not
be further baked. is the fact that the United
States owns in its own right more than major
ity OF the capital stock of the Alexandria Canal
company, and whenever the voice of that ma
JOr1ty is heard, the whole subject will be settled
favorable to the public interest But in spite of
tll;it opposition there cannot be any serious diff
nculty IN securing the use of the piers for this
most legitimate purpose"
How" our reporter asked. 'can that be
speedily and effectively done?"
Gov Wells.-''Let the United States demand
It's stock. and if the demand is refused let bill
or petition be filed in the Circuit Court of the
United States for Virginia to compel its delivery.
When the stock is obtained call meeting and
accept the provisions of the existing law. An
other enectlve wayis to ask Congress to speedily
pass bill authorizing the Secretary of War to
erect free bridge upon. belo,c or dboue the
Aqueduct piers as he may deem either location
most favorable, and for that purpose to acquire
a title II the same can be had by agreement
upon reasonable specified consideration:
failing in that. authorizing proceeding for q
condemnation of the property to be instituted
IN the Supreme Court of the District of Column
bia. and providing that the amount ascertained
by the appraisers as the true value of the prop
erty condemned shall be deposited in the Urea
sury of the United States to the credit of the
property, and granting full authority to all
claimants to the property or its proceeds to APP
pear and prosecute their claim of the fund
1t seems idle to delay longer when speedy
sOiutlOn OF the question can be thus made that
will do absolute justice to all parties preten-
siOn."