Evening star., 1901-10-28
The Railroad Bridge.

Inc approval Dy StcItltiiA 4SpcN VI a P''i
Of the plans for the bridge structure to be
erected by the Pennsylvania Railroad Com
pany across the Potomac to replace the
Long bridge does not preclude a reopening
of the case. Indeed since the passage OF
the law which requires this formal approval
before the structure can be erected material
changes have occurred in the railroad situ-
alton which practically require a recon-
sideration of the whole bridge matter. The
railroad company. having acquired control
OF the Baltimore and Ohio road, has been
moved by a consideration of its own inter-
ests and of the governments park improve
ment plans TO consent to a union of the
terminals. Those same plans are directly
affected by the bridge program and the pur-
suit of a consistent policy on the part of
the corporation would result in the erection
of a single bridge of artistic design COM
menSurate with the surroundings in the
place of two wholly inadequate structures
When the law is amended to permit the
union of the terminals it might well be
changed in it's whole bearing upon the park
needs.
The railroad company by virtue of its own
Entertainments upon the original intention
of the law has become practically sole
possessor of the Long bridge, through its
neglect of the highway portion, and has
secured an enactment permitting it to con-
struct a bridge on the old site solely devoted
TO railroad uses while putting the public to
the expense Of a new bridge to replace the
highway feature of the old structure. Tie
public belief Is that there is no necessity
for two bridges. Engineers agree that they
will add to the physical dangers in time of
river freshets. The parking commission
sees in a double approach across the Po-
toInac park an unnecessary obstacle to a
satisfactory treatment of this reservation.
The railroad company, having in public
spirited way recognized the paramount
right of the government TO proceed with
minimum of interruption with It's project
of improving the public reservations. by
agreeing TO a union station off the mall,
should now, in the same spirit. agree to a
union of the bridges Regarding the mat
teT from the viewpoint of the selfish inter-
ests of the corporation this policy is cal
cUlated to bring future reward. 1t will
emphasize the public unwiIIingness to throw
unnecessary bridges across the Potomac.
1t will thereby afford d degree of insurance
against other railroad bridges being au-
thorized by Congress in later years Thus
10 consent now TO a union bridge of i'm
pressive proportions and attractive and
creditabIe design would perhaps mean to
put this corporation in control of the only
railroad structure across the stream for
many years 10 come. if not for all time.
Judged in the light of the public interest
this union of bridges is highly desirable.
1t will not only minimize the obstructions
to a sat fsfactory development of Potomac
Park, hut it will permit the erection of a
more substantial and artistic structure than
eithe- of the cheap bridges under the pres
en- plan is likely to be. The public viii de-
plore the construction for either railroad
or highway use of a plain, trestle-like
bridge. 1t now asks for and expects single
bridge which will accord with the improved
park crossed by the approaches and with
the beautiful Memorial bridge assuredy to
be constructed soon in the near vicinity.
pooling of the public and corporation inter-
ests in this instance would permit the con-
struction of bridge creditable to both
sides without involving extravagant cost
From an engineering point of view, one
bridge is infinitely better than two. for
there is danger that even with the utmost
care the placing of two structures so close
together as the plans now contemplate
would afford a serious obstruction to the
free flow of the river under ordinary con-
ditions and offer the basis for frequent and
costly ice blockades. One bridge for the
joint use Of railroad and public solidIy built
for all time in such fashion as to render the
highway portion entirely safe for eques-
trians would reduce this chance to a mini
mum.
Thus every consideration of utility. art
and safety suggests this extension of the
union station idea. The case is as strong in
this instance as it was in the matter of
the terminals The railroad company is In
better position to yield in this respect to
the general public sentiment for 1t requires
the cooperation of no other corporate in
terest. II can forestalI future criticism and
practically confirm its control of the bridge
approaches from Washington to the south.
1t can wholly clear its record of the charge
that 1t stands in the way of great public
improvements. II can atone in some de-
gree for the policy of the past which has
deprived the public of its rightfuI share of
the Long bridge use. II can make con-
sistent its entire future course with regard
TO the capitals needs and win the unquai.-
fed praise for public spirit of all who be-
Ieve in the rehabilitation of the federal
city.
Having had a large stamp robbery. Chi