The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1910-06-08
Free Bridges.s

It begins to look like the bri idges
over the Broad and Congaree rivers
are soon to be freed. This proposition
has been before the people of Colum-
bia for long time and those at the
head of the move have been contin-
ually ammering away on the cues
ton. IT. now looks like their effo :ts
are to be rewarded.
The Chamber Of Commerce, when
has had so much to do with the rapid
growth of Columbia, is pushing the
matter. At meeting of the chamber
held on last Wednesday night, the
committee, who has had the WORK IN
charge, made its report. We take the
following from The State OF last
Thursday:
"The committee on free bridges re-
ported, through Christie Benet,, that
the Columbia Mills Company had sub
scribed $500 to assist the work OF the
committee to get the freeholders OF
Columbia township to sign a petition
for an election on the matter OF pro-
vidipg for the purchase ct the river
bridges leading into Columbia.
Mr.. Benet reported that there are
In round numbers about 5000 free
holders or property owners IN the
township. Within the last two weeks
there have been 459 additional names
signed, and the total to date is 444.
The committee wishes to add at least
200 names, as that the petition will
not fall short of the required number
when the county commissioners c1eck
over the names on the petition.
Mr.. B .net stated that so per cent. OF
the persons approached had readily
signed the petitions. The sentiment
of the voters at large-as disti gul>l-
ed from the freeholders-is about 7o
Der cent? favorable to chs proposition
to buy.the present bridges or to build
new ones if reasonable prices can not
be had on the Congaree and Broad
river bridges.
The committee on free bridges o!
which Jno. D Frost is chairman, was
directed to continue the Work ana as
soon az they Think suitable to hja
with the county commissioners petl-
tion for the election on the qnesu' n
of issuing bonds to "free' the bridges
of toll.
The greatest trouble, said Mr.. Benet
and Mr.. Frost, is to keep the list clear
of all names but those vi freeholders.
The sentiment is SO generally favor
able that many per:ols who 40 NOT
own real estate wish TO sign the pt-
tition for an election merely to show
their sympathy with the movement,
but it makes the work more dlttcul
The committee has card index sys-
tenn giving the name Of every property
holder in the county, and those who
have been approached by the canvas
sers are recorded in the manner in
which they responded"
It will be seen from the above that
Columbia has taken definite action.
It is now up to Lexington to 90 htr
Ia.t. and the people are willll 6, to
set. The Lexington delegation has
informed Us that they are Wiling
to meet with TIE Columbia Chamber
of Commerce AMI ali parties con-
cerned, to discus the matter and de-
wise some plan whereby Lexington
may do her part. This should set at
ease the feeling of unrest among our
people, for the freeing of these bridges
seems to be the chief grounds upon
which our peopl want to annex to
Richard.
Now, let all concerned get together
and take some definite steps at once.
There has been enough talk about the
matter to free thousand bridges.
We have wasted column after column
of p,iater's ink. The people want
some action taken, and the matter
should not be delayed further. Get
together, gentlemen.