The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-11-02
COST OF THE
NEW RED BRIDGE.
Hearing Given on Apporiionment
OF the Expense.
Mr.. Shedd AMI Captain Sutton Among the
Witnesses Examined.

A meeting Of the commissioners for the
apportionment of the expense OF building the
new Red bridge between the city Of Provi'
dence and other towns. was held at 10 o'clock
this morning in the rooms Of the board of
state house commissioners.
City Solicitor Colwcll called Mr.. shedd for
testimony. Mr. Shedd was city engineer of
Providence AT the time the Red bridge
was built. He believed the old bridge was
unsafe for electric car loads. The bridge was
built In "A much more expensive way to accom-
modate the cars OF the Union Railroad than
was otherwise necessary. The old bridge was
good enough except for eectrics, Standard
Oil and quarry teams. Under restrictions On
these teams, the old bridge was good. The
boundary line takes in the eastern abutmonts
and part of the eastern end Of the bridge.
The old abutment was the boundary line; the
new abutment Is east OF the old one. So
portion Of the brtdgepr oper.and all the eastern
abutment is in East Providence. Mr.. Colweii
asked Mr. Shedd to state the effect OF building
abutments on the water way.
He said IL had made the passage Of vessels
practical at all stages OF tide, by deepening
and widening of the channel.
Mr.. Dubois asked Mr.. Shedd about the cost
OF the new bridge; IL te included in the cost
as filed the paving Of street in Providence.
He said ho; nor the cost of the tool house
Mr.. Colwell objected 10 all inquiry about cost
as an improper matter TO be gone into before
these commissioners The commissioners
ruled they had no authority to go into the
cost Messrs. Mitchell and dubois took ex-
ceptions 20 the ruling.
Mr.. Shedd stated that plans we're made in
the city engineers Office. II was made accord.
ing to restrictions Of the act. All details were
lift to the city o, Providence. He could not
say how much more IL cost on account OF
being built strong enough for the Union Rail-
road. Because II was built so strong electric
cars did not wear and tear IT. The draw Is
turned by electricity. No restrictions were
male on the old bridge till nm investigation
made with view 10 locating electric
trackson il in 1893. The expense on the old
bridge was divided by East Providepce and
Providence, East Providence paid $1,000. the
cit $40, 900 and the state 10000
Mr.. Colwell objected TO giving too much
attention 10 the old bridge IN connection
with the new one, as conditions and benefits
were different.
Mr. Dubois did not wish to 60 so far as TO
use any undue advantage in using the old
hasis of agreement, but simply 10 find out
how East Providence was benefited by the
new bridge. Mr.. Shedd stated that il was
toll bridge up 20 1860. He knew but little of
the extensions in the water way previous 10
60 The draw was then on the Providence
eal Prior So s69 the east end Of :the bridge
was IN MA, husetts. The harbor limo and
city and town were the sane. When the
bridge WAS being built for some time there
was no way OF crossing except by ferry. Dur
bridge. Elst Providence was benefited by
this bridge because taxable property is i'm
proved and money is brought TO the town. |
.uppqse the bridge was built TO accommo late
the L MON Railroad do not know the terms
OF the contract with the Union Railroad and
the city, The tracks in the city form the
basis of reckoning between the road snd city.
Mr.. Jencks asked Mir. shedd IL ho was to
understand that the passage OF vessels was
bet,ored by building OF the bridge. He said
yes. In response to questions by Il. o.Arnold,
Mr.. shedd said the dredging was done waen
the new bridge was built by the Unitei
states. Ellery Wilson introduced the bill for
the new bridge In response to Mr.. Dubois.
lie said IL was doubtful If the city would hnvo
retitioned for a bridge for some years The
bridge was practically worn out for the pur-
poses II was used for.
Mr.. JercKs called Captain Sutton, who said
ne was familiar with the Pawtuclset river for
20 years. He had towed il for 25 years
about all that was towed. lie would rather
have the old bridge than the new one for tow.
ing purposes. In answer to Mr. Colwoll, he
said that with equal width of draw, lessening
of the current would better the passing, but
narrowing OF he draw and stones made il
bad. He never could go on ebb tide. Captain