Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-02-07
The Fate OF the Free Bridge Bill.
The following letter has been sent to Con-
gresham Barbour, Of Virginia:

ARLINGTON, VA, February 5, 1885.
Hon. Jno. s. Barbour:
DEAR SIR AS this session Of Congress draws
to close our people are once more becoming
deeply concerned in regard to the fate of the
Free Bridge bill. Recalling the assurance made
by yourself, and Of those who advocated your
reelection last fall, that in case the lessees Of
the aqueduct had not perfected their title by
the time Congress convened, YOU would be
under no further obligations to them, and would
be tree to push our bridge bill to passage.
your constituents made themselves easy in re-
gard to the matter and felt that all would be
well. But now as they learn that those 81 me
lessees have again failed in giving title, and
still insist that all must wait for them, and there
appears disposition on the part Of some to
yield to their behest. we feel that there Ia indeed
cause for serious alarm. 1t is now nearly fifteen
years since these same lsssees proposed giving
Ms a free bridge at the aqueduct, and long ere
you were elected to Congress the great majority
Of our people had given up all hopes of a free
bridge at their rands. and have been earnestly
seeking abridge elsewhere. This same aqueduct
toll-bridge nuisance is q most grievous one, and
80 ex0rbitant are its rates that it seems to it
has been most Justly styled "a licensed highway
robbery" and just why it Is that Congress per-
year here at the capital OF the United States
Is more than we are able to comprehend.
There Is scarcely q member OF Congress whose
constituents have not been more or less taxed
Ny ILLS Sdue clOb6 COrpOraIlOQ. Inc govern.
ment itself has paid tribute to 1t for many years.
The poor woman who crosses IL to obtain for
her children loaf Of bread must pay the price
Of it-4 cents-for the privilege OF crossing. and
1t is a fact that the funeral procession is not ex-
emp: from the extOrtion Of this monopoly. Con-
gress, several years ago, under the leadership Of
Hon. Eppa Hunton, appropriated $140, 600 for
the erection OF free bridge at or near
Georgetown" The Hon. Secretary of War called
for an additional appropriation Of ESQ. 900 to COM
pete said structure, which was last season re-
sponded to BY the Senate favorably and almost
unanimously. The House seems willing to concur,
but still no decision is reached. and our people
are extremely anxious to know who Is respon-
sible tor this interminable delay. that the re-
sponsibility may be fixed where it properly be-
longs. Shall this disgrace to our boasted
civilization longer existl God grant it may not,
and the day Of our deliverance be near at hand!
We call upon you, Mr.. Barbour, In the name OF
humanity, In the name Of the widows and Or
phans who are subject to this extortion in visit
Ing the graves Of loved tnes sleeping at Airing
ton, in the name Of hundreds Of your constitu-
ents who have been reduced to penury by this
national disgrace, to take this matter In hand
and never rest from 1t until you have obtained
from the House o favorable response to the
ssnats's additional appropriation" as called
tor by the Secretary Of War, for the erection of
Q free bridge, and thus rid ~ Of the extortions
Of that monopoly which Ii retarding our growth
and prosperity, and shutting cut from you one
Of the finest and most extensive suburbs about
the whole city Of WashinRt0n.
Your constituent, +. q. ScEuTr.