The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-02-01
A UNIT FOR THE BRIDGE.
THE MEMPHIS PUBLIC INSISTS UPON
THE PHELAN BILLS PASSAGE.
A Few Random but Representative and
Pointed Expressions Of Opinion on
the subject--How It's Status is Re-
garded.

THIS CITY as tne DrluBc question, now
standing the test before the commerce
committee from the Senate branch OF Con-
gress. Its status is well known. Intro
duced and pushed through the House by
the Hon. James Phelan, the bill granting
to the Tennessee and Arkansas Bridge
company the right to construct, operate
and maintain bridge across the Missis-
sppi river at this point, went up to the
Senate. There Senator Isham G. Harris
offered an amendment on that section pre-
scribing the hight. Messrs. L. b.
Suggs and ]. II. Martin, presidents
Of the Cotton aud Merchants OK
changes respectively, wired the SEN
ator on behalf of those bodies, urging
him to give the Phelan bill his most
earnest and active support. lie re-
piled, stating that he had offered the
amendment referred TO, but was in favor
OF the bridge, though he cared not who
built it.. This plain statement created an
impression in the minds OF the public that
the senator was not in q frame OF mind
similar TO that which prevailed here, and
a joint meeting OF the Cotton aud Mer-
chants exchanges was called TO further
urge him. The result of that meeting was
the numerously signed petition which APP
peared in TnE APPEAL Sunday morning,
addressed 10 the senator. His reply
appeared yesterday morning, stating in
substance that the people Of this city were
unduly exercised over the matter, rs the
delegations more directly interested were
unanimous for the bridge bill.
,aot Ia. \ ell
the nature OF the case demanded, and
wonders as 10 the import of his latter re-
ply were heard on every hand. He did
not say whether his reference was TO the
original Phelan bill or the one rs amended
by him. In casual conversation with q
number of influential business men, yes
terday and last night, an APPEAL reporter
gathered the following expressions Of
opinion.
Mr.. w. w. Schoolfeld-I do not know
just what TO say or think OF Senator Har-
ris' attitude toward the Phelan bill. At
this great distance from the senator il is
impossible 10 learn anything definite or
form absolutely correct conclusions. have
!, labored TO the best OF my ability TO secure
a bridge at Memphis, and was one
OF committee which went to Washington
last year to push measure through Con-
gress, II possible. The matter may not be
in such great jeopardy as We people here
imagine, but il Is not in as cheering con-
dition az I would like to see il. We all
want the bridge, feel that IL Is best assured
under the Phelan bill, and therefore insist
that all means possible be put forth by our
representatives 10 secure its passage.
MIR j. 4. Neely-I regret the emergency
which seems 10 have arisen in the course
Of the Phelan bill. What inspired il from
Senator Harris ! am at loss to
understand. His record proves him
10 be man thoroughly honest
and sincere in everything he does
and II may be possible that he sees reasons
why the amendment obstacle should be
imposed. Dispatches from Washington
have reported every movement OF the bill,
however, and fall 10 see the necessity
which prompted the amendment. The
point covered by il is left by the Phelan
bill to the Secretary OF War, who would
naturally exercise kind OF supervision
anyhow, and this. Il seems, would be
satisfactory all around. am for the bridge,
heart and soul; thoroughly in sympathy
with the Phelan bill, and hope the senator
will see his way clear 10 conform 10 our
desires in the premises. In these days OF
enterprise and energy, II docs not require
century 10 complete on institution Of
even the magnitude of the proposed
bridge, and with the necessary rights and
privileges | believe the construction COM
pany will have finished its labors within
three years. There should. be no delay In
suitable legislation.
Mr.. holland Fontaino--I have great re-
spect and confidence in Senator Harris
and cannot believe that he would engage
in any undertaking adverse 10 the inter
ests OF our people. / have given the sub
ject less consideration than Il demands,
owing 10 urgent business engagements,
but believe that such an essential measure
as that authorizing the bridge at this point
cannot fail 10 carry under the influences
being brought 10 bear. OF course, / hear
tily Join hands with the people In urging
suitable legislation, and that speedily but
i believe that Senator Harris statement
about undue fears on our part was misin-
terpreted. lie meant, Think, that bridge
bill would pass and In good time.
Mr.. q. w. Macrae-.rhe value Of the
bridge 90 Memphis Is incstimable, and Il
Is . pity that even the slightest complica-
tons have arisen. regard Senator Harris
and Congressman Phelan as honest and
faithful devoted 20 the interests Of our
people. In this case the latter representa-.
tive, II seems, has the unanimous support
Of the Memphis public in his efforts 10
push the bridge bill through Congress, and
j trust he will succeed. SO far rs have
observed and heard, I am In harmony
with the entire public. And why should
we not be unanimous7 Every interest OF
the city and southwest would reap untold
benefits from such an enterprise. II Ger.
tainly Is the most promising thing for the
future Of Memphis.
Maj. j. I. Petiit-I did not know there
wns any material difference In the bills Of
Mr.. Phelan and Senator Harris. until 7
saw Il stated in the papers. From what
sec, Il Is only difference rs 10 hight, and
that being only few feet, hardly think
Il will prove Of serious objection. / do not
think that Senator Harris would wish, or
could afford TO oppose the measure 20
unanimously demanded By the people.
Tho measure has assumed that attitude
that II viii not do for II 10 fail. As for my
self, j an opposed 10 any bridge that
will ohstruct the frccst navigation
OF the river; that must be kept open and
unimpcded by all means. But a bridge
can be constructed that will In no way
come In contact with It's navigation. The
Phelan bill, ] think, will be passed,
stripped OF any objections that Il may he
encountered with. As I have lust said,
our people are unit for Il, aud their 20.
Iiciiude for liz passage Il commendablo,
Tor we need bridge, and should have Il
NJ the earliest moment possible.