The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1920-01-22
Location of the New Bridge

There can be but very limited number
of people in Belfast understanding the
true condition of our old bridge who
would not only vote favorably for the
recently published proposition concerning
new bridge, but would also be willing
to make the necessary financial sacrifice
which would come by direct taxation.
So far l think we may safely assume those
few who have been instrumental in for
mulating the plan which came before us
so suddenly have the majority of the tax
payers and the travelling public! But we
understand that now the question of To-
cation is to be considered, or as our Mayor
said, "that is matter that will be con-
sidered later" We hope for the sake Of
the "Square Deal" and all round good
feeling, that every man and woman who
pays a tax, no matter how small, or
whether they are to be benefited by the
0,000 coming to the traders, will be al
lowed to feel that this extra burden has
least chance to express themselves con-
cerning the location. Somebody is going
to decide this most important question,
and more than one-half of the people are
going to feel Justly hore if they have tax
alton without any representation what
ever. The press is willing and always
bound to represent public questions from
every standpoint. So we appeal to the
press for public expression of what al
ready is the confirmed opinion of large
number of Influential people, people who
really have foresight, good judgment and
the interests of Belfast at heart. They
know that the disadvantages from the
location of the bridge where the present
structure stands rather than in line with
Main street are many, and they cannot
understand any advantages in the old
site. Among the disadvantages of the
old site are:
1. One of the most blind grade r. R.
crossings in the State, one which is
known to have been the direct cause OF
many accidents and which must always
be place to be feared
2. On the east end and beyond on
Swan Lake Ave. are two of the hardest
hills for loaded teams in Belfast. Both
of which may be avoided by the Main
street plan.
3. A very blind and dangerous turn al
Robbins store at the top of the hill into
the State, or Shore road, to Searsport
4. The changing of all traffic for a
year through Robbins town, over Patter-
son HILL as has been the case when the
bridge was being repaired, and over the
Upper bridge, which an experienced
bridge builder says cannot stand the
traffic three months without being built
over.
5. AS an attractive feature to the eyes
and to the nose who would not prefer tc
take their visiting friends down gradua
easy grade on the East side and enter the
very heart of the business section of oul
city.
And from the above named disadvan-
| tages it naturally follows that the ad
vantages of the Main street bridge woulc
be:
/. The elimination of the two very
hard hills on the East side
2. Avoiding blind R. R. crossings anc
turn at Robbins store.
3. The terminal in the business section
instead Of the length of Bridge street witt
heavy grade.
4. Saving at least one-third in the dis
tance of entering the city from the point
of change.
s. The use of the old bridge while the
new one is under construction.
6. And building where there is known
to be good foundation.
For the sake of giving expression te
what we know to be the opinion of many
and what reasonably might seem to be
the opinion of the majority we kindly
ask the press for public expression. We
are sure if this is the wisest plan the
Government, State and County can be
made to see it and cannot refuse to act
accordingly
ONE INTERESTED