Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-02-20

agitation on the part Of citizens on both sides
OF the river. The plan for memorial bridge
was practically abandoned for the time as be-
ing too expensive, although when Washington
was bidding for the worlds fair the plans were
again discussed as one OF the features Of that
exposition.
1t was generally felt here that the rlan for
low bridge with draw WAS not altogether nc
ceptabis. as there has long been a sentiment
that Washington deserved at least one hand
some bridge. and the spectacle OF the I'M
slightly structure known as Long bridge WAS
sufficient TO disgust people with that class of
river crossing.
ANOTHER REPORT.
On the Goth Of February. $780, q resolution
was passed through the Senate directing the
Secretary OF War to report to the Senate on the
most suitable kind of bridge with approaches
from point at or near the foot of New York
avenue across Potomac river TO point in the
cemetery at Arlington, 90 g. to connect in the
best manner the public grounds on bou sides
OF the river, with estimates of the kind Of
bridge deemed most expedient and which would
not interfere with the navigation Of the river.
This resolution was referred to Col Hams who,
engineers as follows:
COL HAMS OPINIONS.
THAT bridge of some kind to connect the
public lands on the two sides Of the Potomac ID
urgently needed scarcely admits of argument.
The only question is, what is the most suitable
kind OF structure, and what is the most
| desirable location? The most suitable kind OF
| a bridge 10 one that will afford easy and safe
passage for vehicles and pedestrians, and a,
the same time not materially obstruct nayiga,
| hon. How this can be best accomplished is q
matter on which there may be some diversity
| OF opinion. Any bridge that does not give d
clearance OF at least so feet to the water would
| be more or less an obstruction. Schooners
are now built for coasting and foreign trade
that have masts reaching to a height Of
nearly $50 feet from the water
line. Such schooner came 10 thi,
port only short time ago. II was las fee,
from the water lire TO the top OF her topmasts
the latter were fifty feet long. but she could
unship and lower them without difficulty
| Even then, however, she required ninety eight
but this is type Of vessel that is rapidly com.
| Ing into general use in this country. To re.
quire vessel when she comes into port to
| lower her topmasts isregardcd as Objectionable
by the shipping Interest,"; but when the bridge
| Is low ID can be avoided only bv providing a
draw. This, however, will some times get out
Of order, particularly If not in frequent use; u,
other times II is a nuisance to the public, foi
when open travel Is obstructed.
THE LOCATION.
Gas to location. glance at the tracing trans.
mitted herewith cannot fail to convince any one
that the line OF New York avenue extended, OF
one very near It, is by far the most desirable
providing no extraordinary engineering diff.
culties are TO be met on that line There are
| about Lose acres of land in the Arlington prop
| erty. The Potomac flats and the connected
public grounds west of and including the Cap
itol contain about 100 acres more. The az.
proaches on each end will be on government
| land SO that land damages will not increase the
cost OF cause litigation. The position is about
midway between the Long bridge and the Aque.
duct bridge. 1t Is the shortest route from any
point along the shore line of the District TO the
Arlington cemetery. 1t is believed that there
, are no engineering difficulties in the way.
pRAwBRIDGE Eor SUITABLE.
"The last resolution of the Senate calls 70,
the most suitable kind Of . bridge 70 connec
in the best manner the public grounds on boil
sides Of the Potomac. 1t may be seriousl,
questioned whether any drawbridge is suitabl,
for this locality. Public sentiment seems Z,
demand something better than a cheap. sub
| stantial structure. built for utility alone.
bridge built with clear height above the waite
| Of l50 feet, which is the only kind that woul
not in come degree obstruct navigation. is on
Of the question on account of its great cost an
| the steep grades that II would necessitate IN il
! approaches. A bridge with q draw is not on
that meets the requirements. Under the cir
| cumstanees il would seem only reasonable tina
the commercial interests should yield some
thing to the public needs and the latter shoul
impose no unnecessary obstacles to navigation