The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1902-01-30


building of the slowly growing city,
which is the seat of government of
our proud and prosperous people.
During the last congress these gen.
tiemen secured the enactment of a bill
authorizing the building of a new
bridge across the Potomac river, north
of the Old Long bridge, which is to be
destroyed because it is menace to
navigation, and often causes the river
to back up and overflow a portion of
the city. At the Virginia terminus of
the new bridge a great trunk line has
bought all the property which has
been known as Jackson City ever since
1855. The railroad company is tear
ing down what is left of the old town;
and its demolition takes from the face
of the earth the vilest gambling dens
in this vicinity. The national capital
is purer and cleaner by this condition,
which has been brought about by the
enactment of legislation for the new
bridge.
One mile further up the Potomac,
at the Virginia end of the Aqueduct
bridge, the town of Rosslyn exists,
and when the Virginia authorities
wipe out that sinkhole of iniquity the
criminals of the land will avoid
Washington.
When the day shall come that Nir-
ginia is free from both of its foul
nlonnS thiC fol
the river, and suburban homes will
spring up all over Arlington Heights.
Now, speaking of this prospective
development of our city, the story
must be completed by telling of the
work of the lobby. 1t will surprise
terested in the development of that
beautiful tract of land. You will be
more surprised to learn that they
are conjuring with the name of Will
liam Mckinley to aid them in their
money-making schemes.
AS soon as McKinley's death was
announced you will remember that
prominent Ohio people began the
project of memorial to be built at
Canton, a memorial in which all Of
the people of the republic might be
interested. That was well. Now, re-
call the fact that there Immediately
arose cry from Washington for the
building of Mckinley memorial
here-a memorial in the form of
magnificent bridge over the Potomac;
bridge to cost millions of dollars.
Now, mark you; this is the scheme
of the real estate men who own or
are agents for that beautiful proper
ty on Arlington Heights They want
this costly and magnificent bridge.
not primarily for me perpetuation of
the memory of Mckinley; not PR
marily for the patriotic pride in this
city which they proclaim, they want
that bridge in order that they may
sell town lots. What do you think
of that?
If you have taken interest in the
matter, you have seen it stated in
the daily newspapers that Senator
Hanna, who was McKinley's closest
friend. objects to the proposed
memorial at Washington city. He
does not publicly give his reasons,
but they are understood here. Sena-
tor Allison, who, as chairman of the
senate committee on appropriations
scrutinizes every dollar appropriated,
says that there is no need of a Nc
Kinley memorial bridge at this time.
He also understands the scheme.
Meantime, the town lots must lie ont
doors under the sky for some wears
yet, before any bridge shall be built.
These memorial bridge people are
not the only self-seekers who per-
meate the swirl and leaven the lepis-
iative lump by vigorous lobby work.
There is an element of selfishness in
every measure under consideration.
That wisdom will pervade the coun.
ellis of the real leaders we may rea-
sonabIy anticipate because of exist
ent facts. After all, the majority of
our legislators are at heart seeking
the, right, and they usually find it,
In brief, there is much more good
than bad in every congress; many
more men on the side of patriotism
and national honor than on the sidn
of weakness and wickedness.
SMITH D. FRY.