The state republican. (Jefferson City, Mo.) 1871-1896, 1896-05-21
THE BRIDGE CELEBRATION.
The New Bridge is Now Open for
Traffic.
The Structure Commenced May
22d, 1895, and Completed
NAV 2Ist, 1896.

The 21st day Of May will long
be remembered by the citizens Of
Jefferson City. The new steel
bridge that was commenced May
22d, 1895, was completed for traffic
on May 21st, 1896, and the day
was set apart for appropriate cere-
monies dedioating the great struc
ture: The streets Of Jefferson City
presented an appearance not soon
to be forgotten. Thousands OF
visitors were here from every sec
ton of the state. The great mass
of people that saw Jefferson City on
that day, with its decorated build.
ings, marching bands and miles Of
foo.men winding their way to the
stand where the speaking and cers-
monies took place, never saw a more
interesting sight. There were
eighteen bands present and the
crowd was estimated at 10000
people. On the morning of the
2lst, excursion trains poured their
masses Of people into the city. The
Chicago and Alton railroad, the NJ,
X. and I. railroad, and the Mis-
souri, Pacific railroad, all ran excur-
sion trains for the occasion. Tie
attractions were numerous and we're
enjoyed by the visitors. Arrange
ments had been made for taking
care of all who might come. Din
ners for 10000 were arranged at
prices from 25 to so cents. The
ladies Of Jefferson City had that
matter in charge and handled it ex-
c~ellently. The line of march was
formed at the county court house
and from there marched to Bolivar
street. The streets we're .throngsd.
The speakers stand was erected
near the entrance of the bridge on
Bolivar street. The ceremonies
were opened by an address of well
come by the mayor. The other
speakers who participated were Maj.
John L. Bittinger, Judge John A.
Hockaday, Gen. Oden Guitar and
Jas. o. Broadhead. Gov. Stone
was unavoidably absent, and the
following letter from him, express
ing his regrets, vas received:
State of Missouri,
Executive Department,
Jefferson City, May Is, '96.)
Messrs. Fred II. Binder, Edwin Sill,
yer and J. C. Fisher:
Gentlemen-Sometime since l had
the honor to receive a personal invi'
tation from you to attend the cele.
bration incident to the completion
and opening of your new bridge
across the Missouri river, and to de.
liver an address on that occasion.
! stated to you that it would afford
me pleasure to comply with your wish
if nothing should intervene to pre-
vent. L find now that my engage.
ments will take me from the state
during the whole Of next week, and
that in consequence it will be imprac'
ticable for me to be present at your
celebration on the 21st inst. l re-
greet / cannot be with you at that
time, for the occasion will be one moi
only of special moment to people oil
this vicinity, but of great interest to
the whole state.
/ desire in this connection to con.
graduate yon and the good people Of
Jefferson City on the completion OF
this great work, which will stand
henceforth as a magnificent monu.
ment to your and their enterprise
and patriotism.
During my residence here l am
prepared to testify that the people Of
no town in the state have displayed
a more enterprising and progressive
spirit than those Of the capital city.
In the construction Of new public
and private buildings, in the i'm
provemsnt of streets and walks, in
the construction Of your great
bridge, as well as In other things,
the people of Jefferson City have
demonstrated that they are In the
forefront of the progressive cities OF
the state, Having been y wit.
ness to your enterprise. and
knowing something of the temper
and courage of your people, ! have
every reason to believe that II
will be followed by other improve
ments contributing 10 the develop.
ment, progress and beauty Of the
capital.
Again congratulating you on the
suspicious conclusion of the great
enterprise l had the honor to aid In
inaugurating a little over a year ago,
and which you will meet on the 2lsl
TO celebrote, and regretting my ina