The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1910-05-05
Reply from Mr.. v. 4Grosjean.
SHREVEPORT, La, May 2, 1910.

SHREVEPORT, La, May z, l9lO.
% the Editor of the Bossier Banner:
Dear Sir and Fa,iend-ln the issue OF
he Bossier Banner of April 10Th there is
published an article signed J. W. Elston,
! member of the Police Jury, headed
shreveport Officials Called to Account, :
in his reference to the proposed bridge to
cross Red River, in which he INDUCES
freely in appeals to prejudice.
Referring to the Caucasian, he says:
"The Caucasian of Sunday morning in
a long editorial deals with the subject in
most reasonable spirit, but the article dis
plays gross ignorance of facts on the part
of the writer
Perhaps, the stamp of "gross ignorance
which may have impressed the readers OF
the Elston article may be dispelled if you
will give space to the editorial of the Cau-
casian as follows:
The Red River Bridge.
Regret may be expressed over the failure
of the representatives of Bossier Parish and
of the City of Shreveport in not reaching
an agreement, as was anticipated, towards
the construction of the bridge across Red
River.
1t would seem that some of the members
of the Police Jury of Bossier labored under
a 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
exerted their influence silently, so to speak,
against the bridge being constructed 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 eliminated, and it must be bridge
at Texas Street, as already planned, or no
bridge.
Whatever be the motive of the OPPOSE
ton in the face of these facts, which are
incontrovertible, is beyond the compass of
the Caucasian's understanding. Some of
the suggestions offered as compromise
were, to say the least, ridiculous.
AS already stated, the fact is settled that
the bridge will be constructed at Texas
Street, or not at all. Therefore it is waste
of time to indulge in words of elimination
and recrimination, in pleas of saving money
in the cost of construction.
What should be done is dictated by COM
mon sense, and the sooner the representa-
tives of Bossier and of Shreveport reach
sensible and practical agreement 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 go
elsewhere and trade, which is not disputed,
but such an exhibition of feeling was un-
necessary.
The long friendships, the ties of broth
erhood, the relations of kinsmen, the good
fellowship which have prevailed between
Caddo and Shreveport and Bossier beyond
the reach of memory and will continue to
the end of the world, discredits such full
mination.
It will not be denied that Shreveport and
Bossier are mutually interested in the con-
struction of the bridge across Red River
It is idle, indeed it is twaddle, to presume
that the Vicksburg, Shreveport and Pacific
bridge will long be continued as it now is
affording crossing for foot and vehiculal
traffic, and when the change in the system
is reached, or should the railroad deter.
mine to use the bridge of the Cotton Bell
then Shreveport and Bossier should be ir
that position where it will not have to sub.
stitute ferry boat for the crossing ove1
the bridge.
In so far as the Caucasian is concerned
it has no direct interest in the bridge, mol
where it should be located, but as it il
mindful of the welfare Of the people i
would deplore the failure to construct thu
contemplated bridge across Red River.
The time for action is now. Inaction ant
delay may lead to a forfeiture of the gran
nv CONGRESS- for the construction Of thi