Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-12-28
ssThe Free Bridge Question.

10 the EQltOr OF EVENING STAR:
know not by what authority the statement
In last Saturdays STAR is made by one singing
himself "NOus Verons"-that seven-eighths of
the people Of the county want the free bridge at
the Three Sisters.
l should like to know, also, what county
''Nous Verons" refers to; it certainly is not
Alexandria, and doubt greatly if one-fourth of
the people of Fairfax county wish q bridge
located at that point.
The fact is evident that ''Nous Verons." like
many others, would like free bridge to be
built across the Potomac for his Apecial accom-
mediation, regardless of the fact that bridge at
that point would be of no practical benefit to
three-fOurths of the residents of Fairfax and
Alexandria counties.
Another statement In the same article that
after possession is had of the piers it will cost
twice as much to build bridge there as at the
Three Sisters, on account of the greater span OF
the river at that point" is all bOsh!
What is the use of making such random state
ment to any one with eyesight and an ordinary
stock of intelligence that bridge can be built
with the necessary supports at the Three
Sisters at cost of one-half the amount TO buiId
a bridge on the splendid piers already CON
structed at the Aqueduct. to say nothing of the
| expense Of grading road from the Three
Sisters to any accessible point of road on the
Virginia side, is the widest kind of scheme.
1--WE are told that road could be constructed
through beautiful and picturesque country
with an easy grade of not more than foot to
the mile and at very tritng COST This state
ment for accuracy is on par with its predeces-
sors. and speaks well for the knowledge end
Judgment of the writer; why, before making
such statement did not the writer endeavor to
make himself acquainted with the obstacles in
the way of bridge at the Three Sisters. by a
personal observation If he had walked over the
ground once and not trusted to some one to tell
him. he probably would not have written such
decided nonsense. The Chain bridge q fine
iron structure, crosses the river about two-and-
a-half miles above the Aqueduct and forms
means of communication with Washington and
Georgetown to all the people of Loudoun and
upper Fairfax counties, and for the accommoda-
ton OF the people of lower Fairfax and Alexan-
drla counties, we certainly do not want the
bridge located at point above the present
Aqueduct bridge. l speak advisedly when I
say that / express the option of three fourths
of the residents In the vicinity OF Washington
and ofnearly all who would, of necessity, have
to cross the bridge.
tin answer to the query in regard TO Messrs.
Sypherd. Graham and Lacy, would state that
they are gentlemen whose Judgment is most ex-
cellent, and whose actions are governed by
their practical knowledge Of the wants of the
majority of the residents on this side of the
| river, and who. regardless of the opinions of a
few residents of Falls Church and vicinity. would
like the bridge located where it would be of the
greatest benefit.
Since the government granted a charter to a
railroad company, to rebuild the Long Bridge,
it, on account Of the proximity of the track, is
unsafe for vehicles to pass unless drawn by
horses thoroughly accustomed to the stea1D cars
consequently Of little use to the majority of
people This being the case, nearly all the resi-
dents Of Alexandria county are interested In the
location OF this free bridge, and DESTROYS that it
should not be located above the Adueduct
If bridge were to be built at the Three Sis
tiers 1t would be an act OF great Injustice to the
people of Alexandria county. as it would result
IN great expense to the county for road to
approach the bridge at that point.
We have had too many wild ideas advanced
at random on thissubieet. The sooner there is a
disposition Of this outside element to act adj
visedly with those who represent the wishes Of
the majority in locating the bridge at any rea-
sonable place, We may, by concerted action
have some influence in bringing this matter to q
speedy and satisfactory termination
FREE BRIDGE.