The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1892-02-18
OUR NEW BRIDGE.

the SWellS OF the sea VIII DTedh against
these stone walls with tremendous force
causing al upheaval and undertow, there
and vessels lying below the bridge than
with pile approaches. During the spring
freshets, the channel being contracted to
narrow limit, the ice .and water may
pile up against these Instructions and
cause the current to rush through this
narrow channel with terrific force. Any
sudden stoppage of force will create
reaction somewhere, and in this case this
somewhere" will be below the bridge
by swells, and above by freshets.
l believe that there are but few stone
approaches even in Chicago or Milwau-
kee and these are where the river is mar
row consequently the approaches short,
and where the water is calm. causing no
obstruction.
When the old bridge was built nearly
90 years ago, it was intended that the
centre pier being closely piled, stoned en1
cemented under water, should serve for
all time. This is one of the most eX-
penslve parts of the structure Now l
understand this will be mostly torn away
so that in constructing a new one it will
cost more than if it had not been there
at all. The main reason given why this
should be done is that the water was
getting lower and lower and the piles
likely reached its lowest point. and will
be on the rise from now on, as statistics
have shown It's ups and downs in years
past, no one need not fear on this account,
and for these reasons [ do not see why
such expensive work should be thrown
away.
Many years ago there was a movement
on foot here to have breakwater built
east Of the bridge. 1t was proposed to
drive close double row of piles in front
of the approaches. If my memory serves
me right this plan was submitted to the
Government Engineers and rejected by
them for reasons similar to the above.
1t is estimated that a saving of nearly
$4,000 can be had if the superstructure
be built of wood, if this is so why prefer
stone, an uncertain thing for one which
has been tried and which we know
The expense of keeping stone ap-
Drn9ahnc n no fhar
that of wood, Ours so far has been very
little, except replanking, which will have
to be done also with stone, approaches as
these will have to be paved or planked on
the drive way. What benefits can be
claimed in favor of stencils it its
beauty? Ne, not even this, but its costE.
ness.
The late requirements of the city have
more or less offered advantages to manu-
features. tor instance, the water works
have done immensely SO. also the sewers;
the electric light although more luxury.
is likewise an inducement to certain ex-
tent. But the stone approaches offer not
a shadow of attraction to manufactures.
Would it not be better to save $4,000
out of the bridge and offer il as a bonus
to new industries?
Surprising some one would look oyer
our city with view to establishing a fac
tory here. He is shown around town
and his attention is called to our beauti-
full stone approaches; would this be an
inducement? But on the other hand
show him our new bridge with wooden
approaches through which we had saved
$4,000, which we offer him as a bonus.
How readily would he accept this as SUBJ
stantial lnducement to locate here. And
If the old centre pier could be utilized
even greater saving could be made, and
still have an iroE draw the same as pro-
posed.
Now have no doubt that the plans
were selected with the best intentions,
and supposed to be the best. [ know
that it is the rule for municipalities to
construct the very best and how any one
IN office advocating economy is looked
upon as being penurlous, narrow-miDded
&c. | know that most all architects or
engineers dislike to reconstruct an old
thing. They have their own notions and
their own original plans which they want
to build up from the ground ard tear
everything down in its way. [ also know
the old saying that the highest priced is
the cheapest In the end, but notwith-
standing all this there are exceptions, of
which | think this case is one. We all
agree that the future of the city lies in
an increase of man ufacturing plants. We
can growl and wonder why we do not get
them. We all-well not quite all, are
willing to contribute a share in getting
them, therefore let US be saving and put
these savings where they will do most
good.
Owing to the many improvements of
late years, taxes are not at rate which
would be considered as an inducement
for manufacturers to locate here. so we
must give other attractions and these |
are by Offering substantial cash bonuses.
Otherwise we may get left.
Under all these circumstances would it |
not be advisable, first TO ascertain from 1
government engineers who |
have had experience IN this particular /
line, what the effect of these stone ap-
proaches will be? In case they would |
not approve of them, no one would think
Of adhering to the present plans and if
hey did, We at least know that no harm
,ould DE done, provided we were bound
20 have stone regardless of the cost. But
I they should express the least doubt
about 1t, it would be imprudent for the
'ity to take any chances, and the wisest
course to adopt would be to construct