Norwich bulletin., 1913-04-30
Sentiment Unanimously Expressed at Hearing Be-
 fore Committee on Cities and Boroughs
HIGHWAY BRIDGE IS NEEDED AT THAT POINT
Ferry Service Said be Inadequate For State and Interstate TraHic-Mayor Murphy and Other Norwich Citizens Strong Advocates of Accepting Railroads Ofer-Cost of Converting Into Highway Bridge About $25Oo
Especial to The Bu11etin-)

- Especial to The Bu11etin-)
 Hartford, April 29-The committee on cities and boroughs held hearing in the hall of the house of represen- tatives, Tuesday afternoon, on the fol- lowing resolution, which is self-explan- atory: Resolved, by this assembly: That the highway commissioner is di- rected in behalf of the state to accept any dedication that may be made by the owner thereof of the bridge across the Thames river between New London and Groton, now occupied by the rail- road of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad company. upon the removal of said railroad therefrom and thereafter to maintain and use said bridge as a state highway The deed of dedication of said bridge may reserve to the grantor in said deed and it's assigns the right to construct, maintain and operate a street railway upon said highway
 No Opposition Develops.
 The hearing was conducted by Charles L. Searles of Thompson in favor of the proposition and there was no opposition. He introduced the speakers after making brief announce ment that he believed the sentiment of the state favored acceptance of bridge as a public highway.
 Alexander J. Campbell, of Water bury, formerly of Norwich and New London. was the first speaker He said he believed the state had now an op- portunity that was never offered before and may never come again, and here is an opportunity for continuation of the states policy to do away with ferries and breaks in the highway sys- tem- The last and largest and most serious break is at New London The present railroad bridge is inadequate for increased railroad purposes and the company now offers to give the bridge across the Thames to the state for highway purposes
 No String on the Gift.
 "It seems strange, but it is not so strange, for when the bridge was built twenty-five years ago, it was with a view to meet the needs of the fu- ture and is in as good condition prac- tfcally as when first put to use. It was adequate for traffic then, but is not Adequate for the present traffic. Ow Ing to the increase of speed and weight of trains. The railroad company is about ready to commence the con- ietruction of 9. new bridge that will be adequate for present and future use. The question arose as to the dispO- eition of the present bridge. It was an asset not to be thrown away, so it was decided to put 1t to public use. Two years ago the railroad company decided to abandon the bridge and of fer the same to the state. Since then the offer has been renewed on prac- tfcalIy no conditions. There is no string to the offer. The question is will the state accept? The draw is an import ant bridge matter and is fully as inn portant as another draw with perhaps which some of the members of the committee are familiar.
 Bridge Originally Cost $1,5oo, ,ooo.
 4Ir. Campbell continuing said it would be necessary to substitute a. lift for swing drRwbridge. The gov ernment will not object or consider as detrimental to navigation, as the draws on both the present and the l1g-T.5 could be opened simultaneously, and vessels pass through at the same time. The cost of this new draw and fitting the bridge for highway purposes would not exceed S250,000 and the state is in position to secure for that outlay substantial highway bridge which originally cost s1,500,000 and which could not be duplicated for that sum today There can be no argument against the proposition.
 A Benefit to Whole State
 MT Campbell said that being a for mer resident of the section, he was familiar with the conditions and cir cumstances that led up to this gen. erouS offer- He said he had consult ed with regard to this proposition with citizens of prominence in Waterbury and other sections of the state, and he was pleased to inform the committee that all with whom he had discussed the subject, declaration was made that the state should accept the bridge without reservation. It is not a, matter Of special local interest to New Lon don and Groton. but to the whole state. In these progressive times great eff fort is made towards conservatism to save what. We have As charity be- gins at home. this bridge is surely thing that should be conserved. It will be a. valuable asset to the state and MT. Campbell urged the commit tee to favorab1y report to the legis- hture-
 Favored by Hartford Board of Trade.
 Edward NJ Dexter, president of the Hartford Board of Trade, and a di- rector of the state association, has representation in the directory, said that there was unaminity of action favorable to acceptance by the state. He said the Hartford Board of Trade had voted unanimously in fla vor of the proposition, and in fact, the sentiment on the outside was hearti- ly in favor of acceptance of the bridge for highway purposes.
 Charles M Robinson. of New Ha- ven. president of the state road as sociation, said that the break in the at New London was suf- ticient to direct traffic back to New York city. He said the ferry at New London was perhaps all that could be expected of a ferry, but that automo- bilists preferred to travel on their own wheels He believed that the bridge would bring traffic to Connecti- 1 cut in such volume that the residents of Connecticut would receive in one 1 year the cost of the bridge to the state i If the bridge is accepted as high way bridge it will prove one of the | best assets of the state. He urged | favorable report by the committee.
 State Needs the Bridge.
 John P. Kellogg of Waterbury, de- I .7ared that he believed the people of l x~fl the measure. There is an eagerness to get something for nothing, and here Is chance for the state toAget 2 sub stantial and needed hi~ " bridge Tor small fraction it would 1ost the state fe 1ge. He aaid sew ridge at
 ncern to