The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1910-04-24
TIE RED RIVER BRIDGE.

Regret may be expressed over the
failure Of the Representatives of Bossler
Parish and of the City of Shreveport IN
not reaching an agreement, as was an
ticipated, towards the construction OF
the bridge across Red river.
Tt would seem that some of the menu
bers Of the Police jury of Bossier la
bored under delusion, at least they
were for the time being side tracked
from the main issue.
In the course Of the conference some
of the police jurors of Bossier could not
refrain from the manifestation of what,
seemingly, was prejudice, at least they
gave little heed to reasonable argument
and seemed to be moved only by having
the bridge located at Lake street for the
reason that the estimated construction
at that street would be less than at
Texas street.
AT this conference there were several
gentlemen, residents of Shreveport, who
rxerted their influence silently, SO to
speak. against the bridge being con-
structed at Texas street, unmindful OF
the fact that the United States engineer
has fixed decidedly on Texas street as
being the best location, and having SO
determined, Lake street is entirely elm
mated, and it must be bridge at Texas
street, as already planned, or no bridge.
Whatever be the motive of the oppo-.
sition in the face Of these facts, which
are incontroyertible, is beyond the COM
pass Of the Caucasian's understanding
compromise were, 10 say the least, ride
nlous
AS already Stated, the fact is settled
that the bridge will be constructed at
Texas street, or not at all. Therefore
it is a waste of time to indulge in words
of elimination and reerinination, in
pleas of saving money in the cost of
construction
What should be done is dictated by
common sense, and the sooner the rep
resentatives of Bossier and of Shreve-
port reach a sensible and practical agree
ment towards the speedy construction Of
this bridge the better it will be for all
concerned.
At this conference there was declared
that the people Of Bossier were not de-
pendent on Shreveport and they could
so elsewhere and trade. which is not dis
pufed, but such an exhibition Of feeling
was unnecessary.
The long friendships, the ties Of
brotherhood, the relations Of l1insmen,
the good fellowship which have pre-.
vailed between Caddo and Shreveport
and Bossier beyond the reach Of mem
DRY and which will continue to the end
of the world, discredits such fulnlina
fion.
It viii not be denied that Shreveport
and Bossier are mutually interested in
the construction Of the bridge across
Red river. It is idle. indeed it is twad-
die. to presume that the Vicksburg,
Shreveport and Pacific bridge will long
be continued as IT now is, affording a
crossing for foot and vehicular traffic,
and when the change in the system IS
recalled, or should the railroad deter
mine to use the bridge of the Cotton
Belt then Shreveport and Bossier should
be in that position where il will not have
to substitute ferry boat for the cross
ing over the bridge.
In so lar as the Caucasian is con-
rcrned, it has no direct interest in the
bridge, nor where it should be located,
but as it is mindful of the welfare of
the people il would deplore the failure
10 construct the contemplated bridge
across Red river
The time for action is now. Inaction
and delay may lead to a forfeiture of
the grant BY Congress for the construc-
ton Of this bridge, and then when too
late what will be the plea Of those vino
have been and are interposing objection
TO the bridge at Texas street because
they could not secure it at Lake street