El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1920-06-23
TIME Is PROPITTOUS TO REVIVE
PLAN FOR FREE BRIDGE TO JUAREZ

MOT SINCE the time Of POrio Diaz have circumstances
~ been favorable to promote with all vgor the
project Of monumental free bridge across the Rio Grande
st this point Dlaz mad taken deep interest In PUBIC
works. and particularly after his visit to Juarez to meet
president Taft he expressed desire to make Of Juarez
show city" cedtabe reception point for visitors to
Mexico. His view broad enough to the Importance
Of first impressions. He readily comprehended that the
great bulk Of American travel into Mexico passes through
Ell Paso and Juarez; but not less important that hundreds
Of thousands Of tourists never get farther into Mexico than
uarez and Judge the entire country by what they see
there Daz wanted to make these first and last impress
SONS good ones and lasting he saw the advertising value
10 al Of Mexico Of fine city at this gateway as the
vestbule Of the republic.
Diaz had gwen his approval to project for the erecting
beautiful and adequate federal and state buildings IN
usrsz together with schools hospitals, paved streets,
sewerage modern lighting, and other Improvements The
revolution and not only Dazs plan abandoned
but the warning factions burned up what public buildings
Juarez already had.
President Diaz saw instantly the value of mOnu-
mental free bridge the plan presented to
hE-the plan IS old one Just being revived. Much
work done years ago the project Surveys and
maps made some property needed for rghtoway
optioned the two railways concerned brought to
point where they giving the plan careful consideration
with al prospects looking toward favorable decision But
the whole scheme abandoned when the revolutions put
stop TO Mexico's development
Now the opportunity is here once more The present
government Of Mexico gives signs Of being more stable
than any that have preceded in the ten years OF chaos
expresses willingness and desire to resume neghbory
relations with United States It asserts its purpose
to fnsueurate public improvements It takes broader
than its predecessors of Mexcos opportunities and
destiny There to believe that the present gov
eminent would look with favor upon the monumental free
The American government viii iuterpose no obstacle
Certain formaes viii have to be gone through WITH but
there VIII serious difficulty IN obtaining the permis-
sion Of government whenever the plan takes tangible
shape and there seems to be prospect Of international
me Logical site for the monumental free bridge is at
foot Of South Oregon street This street VIII now be
opened the squaes rights that blocked the street
all these years have been bought and the street VII be cut
through to the ver South Oregon street IS central run
ming the heart Of Fl Pasos business district this
be extended straight through to Gale Concrete
IuaIez it wiz be mile long and it can be made one OF
the show b0ulevards Of the Americas
To extend South Oregon street straight through to the
heart Of uarez slight changes VIII have TO be made IN
location Of both the Mexican railroad lines The changes
the American side not difficult bridge VIII have
be shifted. On the Mexican side new right Of way
VIII have to be used for few hundred yards The strip
of land needed the Mexican side to shift the railroads
and extend the street contains important improvements
can be had at reasonable price It is important that
the International boulevard be straight throughout its
The monumental free bridge should be built Of concrete
after an artistic monumental design. It would be pity
waste this great opportunity By erecting anything but
worthy modern bridge Of best design The bridge must be
as vide as the entire street from building line 70 building
line with ample for two broad walks two street car
tracks, and two drveways It should be two-way bridge
of ample dimensions And the entire boulevard snoula De
brilliantly lighted from San Jacinto plaza In Fl Paso TO
Gale Concrete IN Juarez-
Planned and built broadly and modenIy the boulevard
and bridge VII become great resort for the people OF
both countries paseo Of which ali be proud. Tour
lists VIII be delighted at the evidence Of intimate interna
tiona cooperation Commercial houses VIII line the street.
and It win be busy place fun Of picturesque life at al
times.
Such project would necessarily induce great improve
ment along the river front both sides Of the river
There would parks and popular resorts There would be
an end Of the squad conditions that prevail and Chihua
huita would be Transformed Both cities would take pride
in this show street. and It would be maintaned at the high
est standard Of beauty and cleanliness
Let the project not sleep. The chamber Of commerce,
BY Oregon street property owners nay as vel
initiate the business right At best It VII take time
TO work It ont and cannot start too early The time
Is propitious-