The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1909-02-18

On the question Of the bridge across
the Red river the Caucasian has covered
1t in all its phases and has never ceased
to urge its Importance to Shreveport.
1t is true that Shreveport has one
seventh interest in the bridge Of The
Eicksburg, Shreveport and Pacific. but
Shreveport and Bossier Parish and City
should have a bridge independent Of the
Nicksburg. Shreveport and Pacific over
which there would be uninte,rufttd trai
tie day and night
There should be no confusion over
the question OF this bridge
No question or issue is palmer it
will permit OF no misunderstanding on
the part Of any intelligent citizen who
IS friendly to the enterprise.
Nor is it necessary 10 revive any mis-
understandings which were active several
years since between the City OF Shrcsc-
port and the Police Jury Of Bossier over
the collection OF tolls All these differ
ences have been amicably adjusted, and
any further friction is unnecessary.
1t is of record that the Police Jury Of
Bossier Parish, iollowin. several meet
ings of citizens held III Bossier City dur
ing the summer months Of last year.
named committee 10 cooperate with
the City Council it connection with the
construction of bridge ii The loot of
Crockett street, ,> The decision on Crock
EFT street was reached after a thorough
discussion and review OF the question,
including its desirability and its cost
over other points The conclusion was
reached on the favorable reports of the
engineer who was faliar with the details
of such an undertaking.
There was held conference between
the police jurors of Bossicr and the City
Council The action Of the citizens who
had held meetings in Bossler and the
action OF the Police Jury OF Bosser was
practically endorsed by the City Council
although there was a strong opposition
to the Crockett street site This oppo-
sition was in favor of Lake street, and
while apparently in the minority and in
active, succeeded III delays which, were
effective against the bridge.
One Of the most direct blows struck
and which had the effect OF paralyzing
the efforts at the construction of the in
dependent bridge was the order OF the
Council making the crossing of the
bridge from the Bossier side into
Shreveport free.
This stroke was accepted as great
policy by the retired administration
which was brief since the Council
has under consideration the advisabillty
of return to tolls.
Not only were there unnecessary de-
lays, but there were attempts at divid-
ing those who were firm in action and
in effort for this independent bridge.
However, it would be senseless to re
pine or to indulge in recrminatfon. This
question being simple, should receive the
fullest application Of common sense. 1t
is up" to the citizens Of Shreveport
and particularly the retailers, to take a
firm hold of this bridge question. 1t is
not possible to estimate its pecurlary
advantage to the commercial welfare OF
Shreveport Delays will only compficate
the situation The time limit for the
construction of the bridge has expired
and an act to authorize its construction
may not be granted by Congress, as the
city has failed to comply with two suel
acts passed gy Congress.
However, at this time. the Ca11cas sia,
would impress on the people the fac
that there is held in reserve for the pur
pose of the construction Of a bride'
across Red river about 100000, upol
which interest has been paid for years
This interest should have been added t,
the principal. but is not. Our under
standing is that it has been used by TIL
city in its general fund
+ This bridge fund is sacred 1t can no
be diverted 1t must be held strictl
for the construction of bridge acros
Red river. whether it be: completed i
the next twelve months OF the mex
twelve years, and further. the citizen
should demand and insist that the inter
est should be added to the bridge fund