The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-06-16

the county commissioners issue bonds
without authority of law, they would
be liable to imprisonment in the peni~
tertiary, and while it was not believed
that the commissioners would actually
be imprisoned for taking hold of the
emergency in this manner it was not
believed practicable, nor would they
take the risks of issuing a half million
dollars more of bonds in the absence of
law
In brief. the governor and those who
accompanied him were driven to the
conclusion that the only way out for
the construction of these bridges was
special legislative session.
me presentation of the case and the
arguments and reasons set forth by the
Wyandotte county people were simply
lnVlneible and unanswerable.
"A special election. even if called.
could not be held until so days after
the call" said Mr.. Cubbison. In the
meantime the largest city in Kansas
VIII dwindle down to a town of 1000
persons, because there is no bridge con-
nection with Kansas City. Mo. If as
you say, Mr. Governor. the request is
narrowed down to Wyandotte county,
the legislature can meet and pass the
enabling act in four hours
We estimate that five out of the
eight county bridges, which went out
will have to be rebuilt solely by the
county, said the board of county COM
mlssloners. Practically none of the
parts of the old structures left standing
can be used in building the new
bridges
Senator Cubbison said that the special
session should not last over a day at
the outside. Senator Allen expressed the
same view. Each agreed to vote against
any bill to give state aid to flood suf-
ferers, although no such promise was
exacted by the governor.
The county will be able to save one
nalf or the cost of the bridges If 1t has
the money right away to figure with
the corporations that must rebuild their
bridges said Mr.. Buehan.
The Wyandotte delegation had ar
ranged to drive Governor Bailey through
the devastated districts of Armourdale
and Argentine. They felt sure the
sight would convince him of the neces-
slty Tor special session. Mr.. Bailey,
however, gently but firmly declined to
60 I'VE have seen enough" he said.
I am fully aware that the calamity
left awful results and am fully con-
WINGED that you must have the bridges -
Inc Kansas City Times in referring to
the matter, says:
The bridges are not wanted to help the
people in Kansas City, Kan. who work
on this side of the river to get to their
work The WyandOtte delegation ex-
pressed the fear that thousands of peo-
pie would leave Kansas City Kan. and
locate over here if something wasn't done.
Ihey want to keep those people over there.
They also said that the west side was la =
bic not only to lose a couple of prospective
factories but some of the big packing
plants that are already there. Bridges are
the only salvation of the town. Without
them the place will lose half its popula-
ton and property values will go all to
pieces as represented
1T is proposed to build i've bridges, To-
Gated as follows: James street, Central
avenue, Kansas avenue. 1wenty-fourth
street to Argentine and Kansas avenue in
Western Armourdale. On account Of the
heavy traffic exceedingly strong bridges
must be constructed. 1t is estimated that
the five bridges Will cost between $500G
and $4,000 In order to be the safe
side the county wants authority to issue
$4,000 in bonds. It is barely possible that
this amount will not be needed. If the
county gets quick action it may be able
to Join with the Kansas City waterWorks
and the street railway company in build
ing joint bridges. the cost to be divided.
j am glad this delegation came down
with me. said the governor. They know
what I had to so up against the other day.
l Will go home, think and confer over 'he
subject again, and then make public my
decision in regard to the special session
Should other counties wish power grant
ed 10 issue more bonds than they can is
sue at present they will make their wants
known TO the governor at once: 1t is de-
sired to know exactly what business is
CONTEMPLATED before the session is called. -