The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1886-06-24
A FREE BRIDGE.
TRANSIT ACROSS THE COL
ORADO FREE AT
LAST.
THE CELEBRATION AT FAIRVIEW
PARK BARBECUE FESTIVI-
TIES, PYROTECHNICs,
ETC, ETC.

Austin and Travis county have at last
free bridge. Free transit across the
Colorado has been pressing need to the
citizens of Austin and the residents of
the adjacent country north and south of
the river. Yesterday they received that
blessing, aud countrymen and city folk
Joined together to give a fitting celebra-
ton of the occasion. Early yesterday
morning the city put on holiday appear
ance. Most of the business places we're
closed, and streams of wagons filled with
country beaux and bellies, papa farmers,
and their happy looking families, poured
into the city to see the fun and add their
quota to the general festivities. At about
the time when business men are usually
seen hurrying to their Offices or stores,
the streets were alive with holiday attired
people and military, while marshal strains
freighted the air with music that would
convert lion from a wild king of beasts
to tame and peaceful picnicker.
At about 10 o'clock the two companies
of Texas volenteer guards, che Texas
Rifles and the Austin Greys, headed by
the Manning Rifle band, marched down
the Avenue, attended and followed by the
multitude.
AT the foot of the avenue was erected
temporary speakers stand deliberately
decorated and festooned with evergreens.
Here the procession halted to listen to
the speakers of the occasion. First came
Judge Fillmore, who in delivering the
bridge over to the free use of the people,
spoke as follows:
Ladies and Fellow Citizens-The occa-
sion which brings Us face to face to-day
is the cause of congratulations to many.
trust that the benefits which are to ac-
crue from the opening of this bridge will
be all and more than what its friends
claim for it, A few years ago few gem
tlemen, myself among the number, con-
cluded that we wanted bridge across the
river. We organized committee and in
few months built the bridge. This bridge
was SO for six years, when the people de-
manded that there should be free passage
across the bridge. From that time to
this good hour, the thing has been agi-
tated by the people. We therefore con-
cluded at the earliest possible moment we
would have free bridge, and after con-
sultation with gentlemen from all parts
of the county, we determined that we
would build new one or purchase this.
At the time of the conclusion of the
consent of other gentlemen, a resolution
was made authorizing the county Judge
to negotiate with the owners of the bridge
to the amount required for the same. The
negotiations were made, and the bridge
was purchased. am here, therefore, as
an agent of the people to declare that,
from this day, the bridge which spans the
Colorado river is made free to all persons
the property of the city and county.
We are proud to know it is the finest
bridget in Texas. We are glad to give to
the people of Austin a bridge that has it's
equal nowhere In Texas. And it is with
pride that we tell you that the purchase of
the bridge has been accomplished without
levying any further taxation upon you.
No person residing in Travis county would
ever find out that the bridge was free if
they were but to find it out that way. 1t
is by Inc means of taking some of the
funds you have already on hand that you
have accomplished this. I trust that this
occasion will be enjoyed by one and all.
trust that this will be an era in the his
tory of the state and county. I thank
you for your kind attention.
Judge Fillmore was frequently interrupt
ed with applause, and was heartily cheered
upon resuming his seat. He was followed
by Mayor Robertson, who, in few we'll
chosen remarks, received the bridge on
behalf of the city, and was in turn followed
successfully by Major Breckenridge and
Hon. Felix Smith, on behalf of the
county.
When the speaking had concluded, the
crowd began to move towards and across
the now free bridge. Thanks to the eff
cheney of the police on duty, mounted and
on foot, there was no crush or blockade
and consequently no accidents such as
mig int easily happen on the narrowing up
grade of the approach.
NO TOLL.