Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-06-01
Memorial bridge Appropriations.

At the eleventh hour the Senate mas
made provision for a start on the work Oh
constructing the Memorial bridge. by add
ing 10 the sJIndry civil! bill appropria-
,iop of s.,Nnup to carry the plans into Ell
feet This was done without the recon-
incubation of the committee on approprli-
lions but strong is the sentiment IN
the Senate for this enterprise that not even
this drawback could prevent the enact
mCnt II remains now for the Rouse
promptly to acquiesce in the amendment
or for the friends of the proposition 10
safeguard it at all points in the final con-
fereaces. where il may be in danger.
No nrecaytions should he omitted TO IN
SIRE. this legislation. 1t is demanded by
the peculiar circumstances of the season In
addition to the definite intent of the gov
erument. AS The Star suggested editoriaiiy
yesterday. the occasion for celebrating IN
a proper manner the establishment OF the
national capital in Washington is at hand
and is rapidly passing. There is now re-
manning no tangible opportunity to give the
national celebration of this anniversary a
proper significance other than some cere-
moniai in connection with the Memorial
bridge If the Senate amendment should
become law it will be possible to lay cor
ner stone for that structure some time in
mark the centenary of the capital. in a
style in some degree corresponding 10 the
significance of the event.
The objections raised in the Senate yes
ter,iay to the Daniel amendment were In
defens!ble. Although this project has been
before Congress for upward of fifteen years,
and is known in general and in detail
doubtless by a great majority of the MEM
bers of both houses. it was treated In some
quarters yesterday as something new and
unknown. as a mystery to be investigated.
as a delicate question to be pondered over
for many more sessions. AS one or the
advocates of the enterprise declared. there
will never be a bridge if Congress should
wait until all architects agree as to the
design There was a tendency on the part
of directors of the appropriations commit
tee to exaggerate the total cost, which,
with due allowances for the state of the
material market and for the changes
necessary to afford a satisfactory construc-
ton, will in all likelihood not exceed 5000
on Nothing is to be ultimately gained by
waiting. One senator declared that the
government might half million by
a change in the price current of certain
materials But what about the increase in
the cost of other ma terials and what about
the values lost by this wasted time? The
bridge is certain to prove stimulus to the
traffic between Virginia and the capital. II
will aid IN the development of tie entire
western shore of the Potomac at this point
1t will aid in regenerating that objection
able community al the end of Long bridge
against which Senator Carter acclaimed
yesterday.
The bridge is certain to be built at some
time. A plan has been accepted which is
regarded by very many people as satisfac-
tory, graceful strong and appropriate.
There is no lack of funds. Now, there
fore. is the time. and a withdrawal by the
Senate from its amendment of yesterday
Guild mean inexcusable waste of time
and opportunity, a surrender to the spirit
of procrastination which has spoiled so
many praiseworthy projects in the past.