The Washington critic., 1886-07-02
TIE MEMORIAL BRIDGE.
Captain symons' Letter on the Sub
jcct to General Newton.

Captain symons' letter on the Sub
jcct to General Newton.
The following is the full text OF
Captain Symons' letter to General
Newton, Chief of Engineers on the
subject of the Memorial Bridge over
the Potomac which THE CRITGc sug-
gested shortly after General Grants
death. 1t is to be observed that he
heartily approves the idea that the
bridge should be monument.
GENERAL: | have been for some time
specially interested in the subject OF q
bridge from Observatory Hill to Arlington
across the Potomac River. have designed
a bridge for this location, and ] have the
honor TO send you herewith sketches and O
general description OF II, together with an
approximate estimate of its cost. The
bridge is designed to furnish o wide travel
way from the capital TO the National Gem
etery and extensive Government estate al
Arlington, to pass at a sufficient height
above the river to incommodc commerce in
the least possible manner TO be monu-
mental in It's character, artistic In all its
details, and pleasing in general effect. The
main idea to be conveyed by the bridge Is
embodied In the general description sent
herewith-that 1t is u monument to Lincoln
and Grant.
1t seems peculiarly fitting that the ma
tion's monument TO these great men should
take the form Of q noble bridge across the
river which separates the two sections
Sately in arms against one another. IL is
symbolical Of the renewed Union brought
about so largely by their genius, wisdom
and strength.
A subordinate idea Of the bridge Is to
provide fit places for memorial statues to
the leutenants OF Lincoln aud Grant who
were active aud influential IN the council
chamber and the field during the civil
war.
The places provided are upon the piers
Of the bridge on each side OF the roadway,
and as indicated on the blue print and trac-
ing sent herewith. These details could be
modified for each pier aud a pleasing
variety Of effect produced.
The location of the bridge Is on the direct
line from the Naval Observatory to the
northern gate Of Arlington.
The main spans are 800 feet in the clear,
with clear height above high tide of 40
feet under two Of them. This is believed
sufficient for all purposes. Some Of the
largest vessels going to Georgetown would
have to lower their topmasts to pass under,
but on the whole the Inconvenience result
ing would be very much less than that from
O low bridge with a draw; besides the monu-
mental character Of the bridge requires it
to be continuous and precludes the adop-
tion Of draw.
The arches are designed to be Of steel
specially adapted for the work. In the
drawings these are shown as segment
arches; II would probably be more desirable
to adopt the elliptical form as more grace
ful and more suitable under all the circum-
stances. The approaches and a portion of
the bridge across the lowlands are designed
to be in embankment so feet in width on
top, well paved, and with sidewalks and u
substantial railing The side slopes to be
on II.
Cost OF the bridge.-It is only possible to
estimate approximately the cost of this
| bridge. To make close estimate would
| require much more elaboration Of the de-
sign and much more data than is now avail
| able as to the sub.river strata, The accom-
| panying estimate is made upon data OBJ
| tanned from various sources and assumed
according to my best judgment. Accord
ing to the estimate, the cost would be
| $3.50, 600.
This would give bridge of great strength
and solidity, Of the highest excellence and
| in every way n suitable structure. 1t does
| not include anything in the way of statuary,
which could be added from time to time.
The plans and estimates can be modified
in such ways as to provide for bridge OF
the same general type at an expense not
| exceeding $l,000,0 900.
On the other hand, unknown difficulties
| Of construction, increased ornamentatlon,
| Identification Of the approaches and their
| vicinity, &C., might bring the cost up to
| $1,500,000.
In other words, the bridge will cost from
| 81 100000 to $1,509,0OO according to the
| ultimate details adopted and the difficulties
| of construction met with.
BY DETECTING the bridge from the direct
| line to the gate of Arlington, so that II
| shall cross Analostan Island proper, n say
ing could be effected Of $3.50, 900 to 100000
] have the honor to request that this de
| sign may be considered as one Of the alter
native designs asked for in Senator Sher
| mans resolution