Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-04-09

structed to prepare plans accordingly The
increased cost of material is given as the
reason why the bids of the contractors
We're not within the amount estimated as
the probable cost of the structure by the
engineers who drew the plans.
Secretary Roots Letter.
1t was before the preparation of the
highway bridge plans that Secretary Root
addressed his communication to President
Cassatt on the subject In this letter he
said in discussing the railroad bridge
plans:
referring to your application of April
II last Q9OD and to subsequent correspond
ence on the subject, 1 have the honor to
transmit herewith for retention an instru-
ment approving, under authority of the act
OF Congress approved February u, 1901,
the designs, drawings and map of location
of a proposed bridge over the Potomac
river in lieu of the present Long bridge
subject to the conditions set forth in said
instrument.
I'm approving these plans, however,
feel constrained to again call attention to
the views of the board of engineers and the
chief of engineers United States army,
concerning the Importance of having the
superstructure of this bridge constructed
with a view to more Pheasant arch1tec-
t,fral effect. These views were set out in
my letter to you of July 10, and were as
follows:
The board is Of the opinion that the
new bridge will not be an unreasonable OBJ
struction to navigation of the Potomac
river; but. while recommending the plans
for the proposed structure generally, as
follows the number and width of spans,
the clear head room, the line for the bridge
crossing, etc, all as herein described, the
board would like to see change from the
style. of the proposed superStructure, which
as now planned is to be of an ordinary
form of railroad bridge truss. to one more
pleasing in design and in keeping with the
situation. The proposed details of piers are
not shown on the plans The bridge Is to
be an approach to the capital of the ma
ton from the great railroads traversinS
and to traverse immense areas Of our
country, and it would undoubtedly crafty
! the community If such change as Is suS-
gested could be effected, and the board be-
| lieves that the Baltimore and Potomac
Railroad Company, whose public-spfrtted
policy is we'll known, would be willing,
owing to the exceptional situation to give
| the matter careful consideration If the sug-
gestion of a more pleasing architectural eff
| feet were brought to it's attention.
I'm this connection. and in response to the
| assurance contained in your reply Of July
| 70. 1901 that your company will be glad to
| consider any suggestions which the War
| Department may desire to present. 1t is to
| be observed that this new bridge is to be
| one of the principal approaches to the cap
| ital of the nation, connection to other
beautiful structures proposed to be erected
! in the near future, and any modification in
| the style of superstructure which the Balti-
more and Potomac Railroad Company may
| be pleased to make, with view to securing
a more imposing design and producing an
architectural effect more in harmony with
the exceptional situation Of this bridge,
will be gratifying alike to the War Depart
ment and this entire community, and am
sure would also be highly appreciated by
| the thousands OF our countrymen who an
nually visit the capital city.
1.-THE chief of engineers, United States
army WILL II desired be glad to cooperate
with the company in carrying out the above
suggestion. and the War Department would
be glad to receive any further expressions
you may be pleased to make Of your views
and conclusions in the matter"
Desire for an Ornamental Bridge.
In this letter the Secretary clearly recog-
l ni.es the desire Of the community for an