Rock Island Argus., 1902-08-06
DEFINES POSITION
Aid. McCaskrin Makes Himself
Clear On Bridge Cues
ton.
HE HAS BEEN misunderstood
Believes Transfer of Ownership Will
Tend to Improve
Service.

Aid. George W. McCaskrin, father
of the movement on the part of the
city of Rock Island to become divest-
ed of the responsibility of ownership
of the Milan bridges and the Ninth
street road, feels that his reasons and
motives in the premises have been
misunderstood and misrepresented,
particularly by the Union. In an in
lterview today he made the following
statement:
The time is at hand when the well
fare of the public demands that those
toll bridges be put in safe condition
for travel. They will have \to be re-
built soon. and while they are in
constant use the lives of the people
are being daily ieopardized. Should
accident befall anyone on account of
the unsafe condition of these bridges
the city is liable for all damages
ITO begin with. these bridges are
not paying investment for the city
and are gradually growing into a
debt-making institution. Whatever
action is determined upon in this
matter i'm the immediate future eth
er by the city or county, the officials
are in duty bound to protect the pub
lie and to maintain safe means of
transportation.
Does Not Desire Controversy.
1T was not my intention to incite
n controversy as to the ownership of
these bridges. but simply acting in an
official capacity l am endeavoring TO
bring about an immediate improve
ment over our present condition. 1t
| is a subject we'll worthy of the con-
sideration of the public generally,
and in the event of the county assum-
ing the control of these bridges. the
city would. be obligated by taxation
to contribute her portion toward the
building and maintaining of the same.
SHOULD the city retain ownership
of these bridges. it will need early
action in order to assist the propos-
ed interurban railroad in completing
plans. Rather than be delaying their
efforts to gain admission into our
city. | was anxious to bring about
a conclusion in This matter.
| Il introduced a resolution in the
city council urging an immediate in
vestigation by the mayor, the city at
torney and ordinance committee to
report at the next regular meeting
of the council as to the legality of
making these bridges county charge
and the means necessary to bring
about the same, and further that the
said bridges be supported by a gen
eral tax levy rather than to be owned
and controlled by the city of Rock
Island. There can be no doubt that
the city has absolute ownership in
these bridges, as the city ordinances
show.
Several Ways Suggested.
I'm order to bring about n desira-
BILE condition of affairs / suggested a
number of ways of disposing of the
same, and now. as then, l fail to see
wherein the citizens generally are to
be injured by reason of the county
assuming control. l believe it will be
a means of securing free bridges, and
once secured | am confident that the
people will be greatly benefited there
lby. While the Union is apparently
lseeking to create an impression fa-
vorable to the retention of ownership
lit is obliged to admit certain conclu-
lsions to which l adhere, and l join
with the morning paper when it says
that such a change giving the county
Icontrol would be heartily welcomed
because the county can take care OF
the property and see to it that the
proposed interurban railroad. wher
it is given the right to cross the
bridges, is charged with the duty OF
maintaining them for the benefit OF
the public without cost to the tax
payers.