The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-09-04
new BRIDGE is ASSURED
FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL REPORT
FAvORABLY ON BOND MEASURE.
Railroad Franchise Ordinance and
VapOr Light Contract Discussed,
but No Action Is Taken.

A delegation of North Indianapolis citi-
zens appeared before the Council committee
on finance last night to urge favorable
report on the ordinance authorizing a $685.
600 bond issue for bridge over Fall creek
at Northwestern avenue. lively session
was held by the committee, the Democratic
members, particularly Mr.. Berry. opposing
the ordinance for the reason that they as
serted South Side bridges should be given
attention before anything is done toward
building a new bridge on the North Side.
Chairman Wynne stated after the meeting
that a favorable report would be made to
Council next Monday night by a majority
Of the committee, and that he had assur-
ance of enough Democratic support to pass
the measure.
North indianapolis citizens are very much
in earnest about the new bridge as was
evidenced by their fervent appeals to the
committee last night. John Jenkins, for
mer Councilman Munro, NJ. o. MINIS,
George w. Shelby, Ed Armstrong, NJ. j.
Collins and a number of others were pres
emit and made speeches. Mr.. Jenkins told
the committee that about 5000 people de-
pend every day on Northwestern avenue
to cross Fall creek. and that the bridge
at that point Is In such wretched condi-
ton that something must certainly be done
ii was to be political bridge; that this
is just the proper time TO advocate the
building of a new bridge as a political
measure. but Mr.. Jenkins, Mr.. Munro and
the others informed him that Democratic
residents were just as much in favor of the
new bridge as Republicans in North In
danapolis.
II am not opposed to a new bridge over
Fall creek at Northwestern avenue" said
Mr.. Berry, =" but L believe that some OF the
bridges on the South Side ought to be given
attention before the city spends $4,000 for
this structure" Mr.. Wynne remarked that
ii would be impossible to attempt to put
other bridges in good condition before any
thing was done TO the Northwestern ave.
nue. bridge. for the reason that about seven
need attention. Well ] think the via
1T is rotting before our eyes every day
and is in a tumbledown condition"
Those who appeared for the new bridge
argued that the structure would have TO
be built before Northwestern avenue could
be improved. The street has to be straight
ened, they declared. and the bridge will
have to be ordered before that Is done in
order that the surveys may be made.
An executive session was held by the
committee afterward and an unsuccessful
attempt was made 10 get the Democratic
members TO sign the ordinance. The
chances are that the ordinance viii go
through at the next meeting OF Council
The committee on contracts and fran
chises held short session at which the
vapor light contract recently. made by the
Board of Public Works, and the Indianap-
oils Logansport * Chicago franchise ordi-
nance were considered. Several members
of the committee were absent and no action
was taken. The members OF the committee
for the most part, favor approving the
franchise measure about in its present
| form and ii will probably be reported fav-
orably 10 Council at the meeting next Mon
day night. The vapor light contract will
| also be approved by the committee.