The Florida star., 1900-10-12

mentS or the composition and those
which relate exclusively to aesthetic
motives, 10 ignore such feature OF the
work. Indeed, to have ignored II would
have been TO Incorporate In the compo-
sition direct untruth. Having given.
therefore. the imperative condition OF a
distinct structural feature at the most
prominent portion OF the entire con-
struction-namely, In the center OF the
river-the correct principles OF art re-
quire that II should be utilized for such
0rnate expression as the motive OF the
whole work is intended to give"
The Memorial bridge, as. indicated by
the plans, will be almost three-quarters
OF a mile between the abutment walls
and composed OF six arch spans over
the river proper and % approach spans.
The roadway surface will be 10 feet
above the water. The span OF each
river arch will be nearly as long as the
longest arch span Of any bridge in the
world. Speaking OF the magnitude of
the proposed bridge. IL may be inter
esting to compare II with some other
famous bridges. The Alexander III
bridge, In Paris, an arch formed OF
steel castings thrown across the Seine
in the exposition grounds and about
which much has been written in admi-
ration, Is really toy structure in COM
parison TO the Memorial bridge in
Washington. SO. too. is the historic
Tower bridge. in London. The Alex
ander III bridge has clear span OF
only little more than IL spans OF
any single river arch of our bridge. In
other words. the arched portion or the
Memorial bridge will be more than ten
times as long as the span OF the great
Paris bridge.
AS designed the Memorial bridge will
be a decidedly ornate structure. yet
some OF the chief elements of its COM
position will be simplicity and grand
eur. There will be Il vast amount OF
statuary and carving on and about it.
The great river arches. with all their
impressiveness, and the long series of
beautiful approach arches will be ad-
mirably adapted for the reception OF
such emblematic figures. statuary and
carvings as may be suitable to give il
any desired intensity of expression as
memorial OF American patriotism.
These embellishments need not neces-
sarily be given To the bridge at the
time OF its construction. but could he
added from time To time in the future
as historical events and epOchs in the
history of the country might require.
The plans provide for many pedestals
along the entire course OF the struc-
ture, where could be placed from time
To time statues of patriotic Americans
whose deeds OF valOr shall deserve rec
OgnitiOn.
An examination OF the entire design
shows that the composition of the
bridge as a whole and i'm its several
OF the situation and that il possesses
the essential qualities Of good engi-
neering and attractive and substantial
architecture. Masonry construction
has been chosen Oh account Of its more
monumental and enduring qualities.
The cost. il is asserted. will be no more
than If steel were used for the super
structure. The portion over the river
proper. requiring free passage for the
current and for ice I'm winter. will be
OF comparatively open construction,
consisting OF graceful segmental arches
OF long span.
The most impressive feature OF the
bridge and that which Will he most
expressive of its memorial character
will be the towers ut the central span
or bascule. These pierced towers or
arches. transverse 10 the b.'ilgr. will
admit of a very monumental treat
ment They will form two triumphant
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