Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1882-05-01
Il Plea for q Netc Bridge.

To the Editor of the Globe:
Permit me to invite the attention, through
the columns of your paper, of the working
to the proposed new bridge over the Missis-
sippi river, east of the present bridge at Waba.
shaw street.
Tomorrow tuesday the question of the
issuance of bonds by the city to aid In the
construction of the proposed bridge, will be
submitted to the voters for their rejection or
approval
A few facts and suggestions may not be out
of place as to the necessity OF another bridge,
and while advocating the same, We also favor
the construction of the proposed county and
city public buildings and sincerely trust
that both measures will be carried in the
affirmative tomorrow; the business and in
dustrial interests of the city can do it, If they
will it. Now, as to the necessity of the
bridge, let any one travel over the present
dllapldated old bridge during business hours,
and he or they will be glad to get off, for fear
of its tumbliDg down, and this condition of
the structure is a subject OF most serious con-
sideration for not only those who are obliged
to cross aud recross the same, but to the city
itself. Time and again has the attention of the
city authorities been directed to its dangerous
condition, and in the event OF its tumbling
down grave question would arise as to how
far the liabilities of the city would reach in
the premises. The very thought of such q
calamity is fearful, and who can tell how soon
it may be realized?
The business interests of the whole city are
interested. They should not slumber on cleo
ton day. The whole army of mechanics,
workmen and laborers are also deeply inter-
ested. They should vote to encourage all
needed public improvements. 1t helps give
employment to many, and thereby adds to the
general public prosperity. Instead of oppos-
ing tits bridge, another ore in upper town
should be agitated and the necessary legsla-
ton obtained therefor. Don't forget that for
population of over $4,000 people, with an
average of 5000 persons and 1, 900 teams and
carr iages crossing the river daily, we have
only one bridge to accommodate this traffic,
and the same constantly increasing, while In
our sister city of Minneapolis they have for 8
population little more than our own, four
bridges constantly taxed to their utmost
capacity, and are now commencing proceed
idly by and allow Minneapolis to outstrip her
in the race for metropolitan and commercial
greatness? We hope not. Minneapolis built
It's first bridge in 1856, in 1S72-7S they built
two more bridges, which was one of the an
nexation conditions with st. Anthony. The
population before the construction of these
tvs bridges was about $4,000 on both sides of
the river, in 1874 1t was over 81, 1000. Again
in 1876 they built the suspension bridge,
and as before stated, they contemplate building
two more bridges.
Look upon our own miserable picture in
the matter of bridges and then look upon
Minneapolis. These facts are patentto all who
will take the trouble to acquaint themselves.
In the race for greatness and honorable rivalry
let us at least keep pace with our sister city,
and into tie hands of the voters of tomorrow
the vital question is submitted, keeping in
mind this one important fact, that the "per-
manent location" Of the bridge is not yet
fixed, that important duty will devolve on the
city council in event of the majority of the
votes being cast in favor Of the issuance Of
the bridge bonds. ST. PAUL.