Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1894-01-25
THE BRIDGE QUESTION.
rae SUBCOMMITTEE ON FERRIES TO MEET
TO-DAY.
Number Of Offers Received from Owners Of
BOas-hr Hsarns Presents Some Figures
Of Charges 10 Pi.isburg.

The question OF bridge tolls is still
tho one topic OF conversation among
residents OF theIsland. and there is no
change In the feeling against the bridge
companies which is the putgrowth OF
the recent changes In the-sc hedule.
The question which is now ofspara-
mount Importance. Is the findingof
suitable steam ferries, all other schemes
10 withdraw patronage from the bridges
having failed. Citizens OF the Seventh
ward do not anticipate any trouble In
securing from Council the right TO op-
crate ferry between the foot of
Twelfth street and the foot OF Ohio
street. The Com mittee on Wharves. to
whom the matter was referred, will
meet and probably prepare an ordl-
nance In accordance with the wishes of
The Island people, TO be reported at a
special or regular meeting OF Council.
In conversation with a REGISTER re
porter yesterday well known Island
citizen, whoahas taken a prominent part
Ia the present movement against the
TWO bridges, ridiculed the idea that the
Terry boat would not be literally pat
ronized because of its Inconvenience.
lie argued that boat will really be
more convenient than the bridges, e1-
cept for the teams with heavy loads.
Vehicles could lind an easy grade from
the Stamm alley TO the foot of Twelfth
street, and the gradeson Ohio street
could be improved at nominal expense.
lie argued that the ferry would be a
much quicker route, and more convent
ent than the bridges, especially for the
men who places OF business or work are
located below Twelfth street.
Chairman IL. Z. McGregor, OF the
subcommittee on ferries, has received
number OF communications in answer to
the advertisement for a boat. He has
received letters from owners OF suitable
boats at number OF points along tho
river as far south as Cincinnati. II the
Island people desire 10 purchase boat
they will have no trouble in securing
one. II is the general opinion, however,
that liberal inducements will be offered
10 some person with suitable boat
to operate the ferry. Several mem
bers OF the committee are decidedly in
favor OF putting two boats in the trade.
This afternoon the committee will meet
at the office OF Mr.. William II. Hearne
TO consider and act upon the d fferent
propositions received. 1t IS understood
that Capt. Inglebright, OF Martins Fer
ry, who owns the Climax, will appear
before the committe, and it is possible
that terms may be made with him.
On Saturday evening n general meet
Ing OF citizens will DO held, at which
reports will be received from all the
committees, aud some definite action
will probably be- taken.
There has been considerable contro-
versy between the two sides relative to
the toll charges by the Piltsburg bridge
companies. The local bridge companies
also present the argument that they are
frequently unable 20 identify persons
crossing the bridges, and have lost a
great deal in the way Of tolls in conse-
quence. MIR. w. III. Hearne returned
yesterday from a visit To Pittsburg.
While in that city he personally inter.
viewed bridge officials and citizens,
with view 10 getting the facts relative
to the two points mentioned.
Mr.. Hearne was seen in his office yes
terday afternoon by REGISTER re.
porter. Said he: II first made inquiry
concerning the Smithfield Street bridge,
connecting the South Side with Pitts
burg proper. / had a very pleasant
TALK with the superintendent OF the
bridge. He Informed me that the com
pany sold quarterly tickets for 81,
which IL equivalent to 81 per year.
one cent trip. Ladies and children
are not charged at all, and in addition
male students, no matter what their
ages may be, are passed over free. On
Sunday the bridge is free to everybody.
The apeTintendent also made a state
ment, from which ! estimated that
more family tickets are sold than for
the two Wheeling bridges together.
Notwithstanding this. he said the bridge
officials had practically no trouble in
identifying passengers.
Later | enquired about the Sixth
street bridge, connecting two distinct
cities, Pittsburg and Allegheny. and
not two districts in the same city,
learned that a man can purchase 10
tickets for cents, or a larger number
10 the same proportion, making the
fare one-half cent Ladies, children
and students are free"
Every Island man has made q calcu-
alton OF the amount he will pay an
nually under the new toll schedule,
and a comparison with the tolls charged
IN Pittsburg will be found interesting.
Midwinter snake story.
There was an attempt Tuesday at a
sensational publication In the way OF
bridgeport snake story. and a. 1os