The sun., 1897-12-14

DECE,
Kenty County side had to drive Yrom
the bridge to Smyrna Landing,a distance
OF five miles, then go around by Friend
ship Church down to the bridge, five
more miles. The people Of the vicinity
felt that they were being treated unjust
~ and they had every reason to COM
plain and kicks were numerous. Still
the Levy Court seemed to do nothing.
Until Nov. 26, no attempt was made to
fix the bridge and month was lost
and that means loss of a months ship
ments to the Kent County farmers.
Contractor Morrison is now at work at
the bridge but can not say when it will
be finished, and if bad weather sets in
the work won't be completed this win
ter. He states he is waiting for the iron
plates, and they are promised by the
Edgemoor Iron Works On Dec. 18th.
Thus the matter stands and the pros
and cons Of the case are being argued,
not only by the farmers Of that vicinity,
but by the business men of Sylnrna as
they are directly interested.
W. A. Scott, Commissioner of the
Fifth District has the management Of
the bridge in his charge. He stated yes
terday when interviewed. about the mat
ter that everything had been done az
quickly as possible and while it is true
1t did take some time to arrange to have
the bridge repaired, yet the Levy Court
did not make any hurry about it, and
the people have not been treated as they
should. There Is not bridge in the
county that ia of more importance than
that at Fleming Landing. Many farm
ers here depend upon the results Of their
shipments to Philadelphia, and since
the way across the river has been i'm
passable, thousands Of dollars have been
lost by shipments here. Yet the men,
who should have had this important
matter attended to at once, did not do
80. The road is in constant use and
much inconvenience has been caused
the people Of that neighborhood by the
Levy Courts neglect
The Brady Company erected a foot
path across the break by having the
draw turned ON and then putting down
planking. They could then carry over
small packages and pedestrians could
get across to the other side. This was
used once or twice when bridge tender
Lockerman, said it must be re-
moved, the company Immediately doing
so.
This, to say the least was a small
piece of business and Mr.. Lockerman
stepped beyond his authority. The foot
path was not only convenience to the
boat company on boat days, but a great
help to the people Of the neighborhood,
as it was the only means OF crossing the
river, but this made no difference to Mr..
Lockerman. 1t was little trouble to Linn
IS the boatman employed on the Brady
lighter offered to attend to the planking
when the draw had to be turned to al
ow passing vessel to get through.
The bridge tenders scheme is neat
me; the bridge being off gives him moth
ng to do. As it is now the draw stands
,pen all the time, consequently he is not
leeded at the bridge, does not have to
,et up at night to attend to his duty,
md is gently drawing his salary for do
ng nothing.
His action is looked upon as an out
age and he acted upon his own authori-
y, as Mr.. Scott stated he had given Mr.
4ockerman no instructions that foot
'ath should not, if practical, be erected.
There has been quite little comment
yer this high handed piece Of business,
ne prominent gentleman stating the
ublic had suffered Enough inconveni-
nee now, and thought it contemplate
ction upon the part OF the county's
mpIoye.
1t is stated upon good authority, that
he Brady Steamboat Company will not
ay cent toward repairing the bridge,
) the Levy Court Of New Castle county
as been derelict in its duty and should
ave had the guards erected after dam
yed, as the law provides, while Mr..
colt thinks the matter OF costs can be
titled satisfactorily without taking the
lse to court.
Special Jury For Damage Suit.
Prothoro.ary Woolley yesterday aft r
le morning session OF court drew up a
ry, from the special panel for the dam
re suit of Miss Ellen X. Lewis VS.. the
'ilmington City Railway Company.
he plaintiff ssuit is for injuries received
lille alighting from an electric car on
e corner of Market and Elliot Avenue.
ISIS Lewis injuries are permanent and
erefore she brought suit for $4,000
images. Her ATTORNEYS are Messrs