Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1901-03-02
THE MEMORIAL BRIDGE.


the Senate amended and widened the
scope of the Memorial Bridge project,
as proposed 10 the sundry civil appro-
pristion bill. The appropriation OF
500, 900 to commence the construction
of the bridge had been agreed TO when
Senator Hoar asked that the Senate's
action be reconsidered, because he did
not want the desigu for the structure
to be limited to the plan which had
heen approved by the Secretary OF
War. Finally Senator Martin pro-
posed 40 amendment which liked the
cost OF the bridge at 5000. 900, and
provided for open competition.
When Mr.. Hosr offered his motion
to reconsider, Senator Stewart uttered
O protest, and Senator Daniel made
brief speech In behalf Of tho bridge,
saying that the project had been before
Congress for fourteen years and had al
ways been decidedly favored.
Senator Hosr at once stated that his
purpose was not inimical to the bridge.
The project, he said, bad no more
earnest and devoted supporter than
himself, but he desired to call attention
to the fact that the plan which had
been adopted had been widely criti-
clsed. The idea of the proposed ap-
preparation was simply to commit the
government to that plan. The bridge.
when built, ought to be the greatest
monument OF art in the world and as
lasting as the architecture OF Rome. II
would be willing to double the sum-"
he said, "if the expenditure OF millions
will give us the moot superb work OF
art in the world" Incidentally, Mr..
Hosr commended what be called the
sublime simplicity of Cabin John
bridge, and said that whatever Jeffer-
son Davis had done, he had certainly
directed while Secretary of War q
structure OF noble and simple grandeur.
Senator Allison agreed with Mr..
Hoar that some comprehensive and
adequate plan ought to be decided upon
before the work was commenced, and
that it ought to be submitted to and ap.
proved by Congress.
This led Mr.. Hale to remark that II
the bridge had to wait until everybody
was satisfied, its construction would
never be begun.
mo plan of the bridge which I have
SEEM" remarked Senator Teller, lis Of
the character that / think ought to be
adopted" He suggested that the
wisest thing would be to appropriate a
sum OF money and allow oil the archi.
tects OF the country TO submit plans.
II want q bridge that will be credit
to the American people in the eyes OF
the world. We can build magnificent
bridge, spanning the river from the
old observatory hill to the hills at Arl-
ingtoD, and / hope we will only appro-
pirate enough money now to see that
we get plan on some scale commeD-
surate with the purposs ofthe proposed
structure"
Senator Martin made long and
earnest speech. He reviewed the his
tory Of the bridge project. describing
how the Secretary OF War had selected
what he considered four OF the sblest
and most distinguished men among
bridge engineers and architects to sub
NIT plans.
"Only foul?' queried Mr.. Hoar.
"Yes," replied Mr. Martin, "ani II
any mistake was made, it was made
there. ] am not welded to any plan,
but / appeal to the Senate to do some
thing that Is practical and decisive, so
that we oan make some progress in this
matter"
Mr.. Martin questioned the sincerity Of
those who p'ofessed great sympathy for the
bridge, but who were always anxious to pull
down what had been doue. Mr.. Martin, az
ter quoting She Presidents message COM
mending the bridge, said that he had never
heard before that the plans we're not going to
cost enough. But" be added. I'VE all want
the bridge worthy OF the idea IL will com.
memorate. We DO not want the b.idge to he
mserly or stinRy in its appearance, aud l
agree il would 10 better to have the appro-
priations made in instalments, II in that way
we can have it az honor to the count y"
Mr.. Martin, asserted, however. that the
plan already approved was adjudRed by com.
petent critics to be the finest bridge in the
world, magnificent in every way. aud he bad
not heard 1t condo maed except by those who
mad not been ssked to compete, He thought
II would, perhaps, have been better not to
limit the competition, but Il. could not be
helped, owing to the small pittsnce of an sp-
preparation which had been provided. He
was willing that the doors should be opened
to all the world, but the competitors should
submit plans at their own expense
Senators Beyeridge Cullom. Gallinger and
others urged that the competition should be
Of the widest possible character.
Senator Martin then offered bis amend.
ment, to which Senator Hoar added AN
amendment directing the appointment com.
mission of three or FIVE architects and engi-
neers to whom the plans should be submitted
before fDs adoption. senator Hale opposed
the commission idea. Its adoption would, he
said, throw the whole project over. I'VE
will never build Q memorial bridge" he 70
marked, until the one central authority, the
secretary of War. decides what is the best
project" He said that he had always favor
ed the building of the bridge and he did not
want 1t delayed or jeopsrdized. Senator
Martin added his word OF protes. sgainst the
s,ying that the Secretary would
undou 5tedly call in expert knowledge. He
appealed to Senator Hoar to withdraw the
amendment II hope that will be DONE"
ADDED senstor Stewart, to which Senator |
Hosr acceded, stating that while he thought |
his provision q wise one, he would not insist |
upon it.
The paragraph as amended by Senator
Martin was then adopted without division.