The Pittsburgh Press from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • Page 13

THE PITTSBURG PRESS, SUNDAY MORNING, MARCH 22. 13 FREE FOR ALL THE PEOPLE. Schul Bridge and Iron companv, will transfer the bridge to Director Blgelow, ot Hie department of public works. I'ity Attorney Burleigh will receive the bridge on behalf of the city, and will deliver a short address, and Dr. J.

P. Thomas will, on behalf of the South Side citizens, and the South Mtteburg Hoard of Trade, formally announce the structure free. The parade will be composed of the civic and military organizations, which will move in the following order: Twelve mounted police, under command of Lieut. Thomas Johnson. Sixty-four police, lrt abreast, under command of Capt.

J. A. A. Brown. Select Knights Jtund.

Press Cadets, two companies, escort to chief marshal. Band. Five companies Knights of 8t George, M. J. Kunkel, 6tX men.

Band. Hibernian rifles, of the South Side, Maj. Rooney, 862 men. South Side Turnvereln, 800 men. Birmingham Turnvereln, StW men.

CIVIC SOCIETIES. Prfcss Cadets' Drum corrs. Rollicking Rams, 800 men In grotesque costumes. Twenty carrlages.contalnlng the Terrence Murphv Camping club. Funeral Directors' association.

INDUSTRIAL DIVISION. George E. Lorch A floats. W. C.

Bernardl, historical float. have been reimbursed, and the said committee Inquire Into the buying or building of a free bridge crossing- the Monon- foot passengers over the bridges cross' water from remaining on the surface. The handrail of the sidewalk is ornamented and the whole securely fastened to the floor beam brackets by means of end consols. At each entrance of the main, span and side arms are ornamented portals, which give ths structure an imposing; appearance. Two stairways have been provided, which will permit access to the bridge from either Second avenue or Tustln street, on the north side.

At Second avenue the bridge is 22 feet above the street level, and an equal height Is maintained until the water edge is reached. The contract price for the bridge, exclusive of the cost of the rights of way, was $400,000. In addition to this sum the right of way on both banks and through private property on the South Side will amount to additional. The contract for the erection of the bridge was awarded to the Schults Bridge iron company, and was signed and approved by councils during the month of November, 1.SU4. The work was intended to be commenced at once, but on account of the severe winter weather it was delayed until March.

1S05. when the ground was broken for the north abutment. ing the Monongahela river purchased by me city. Tnts was intended as a mean gahela river, said committee to report to these councils the necessary legislation pertaining to these resolutions. to get out of the difficulty presented by not being able to declare the bridges free.

On February S3 Mr. Marland presented Common council failed to concur on the matter, ana the resolution was again laid aside. Numerous other members of the councils were now attracted by the resolution, and it was decided that the matter could only be satisfactorily settled by the appointment of the committee called Formal Opening of the New South Twenty' for In the resolution presented by the select councilman from the Twentv-ninth Second Street Bridge. ward. The committee was finally appointed in July, 1885, when Mr.

Beinhauer succeeded In having the following Band. M. Winter Bros. Brewing company. revisea resolution passed cy councils: 60 mounted men, representing the Past and Present, and 20 decorated wagons.

Wagons representing various Industries. Merchants In carriages and wagons. Volunteer fire companies, including Wil-kinsbure, Braddock, Homestead Braddock and Millvale. The citv fire department. Jthe RESULT OF YEARS OF EFFORTS.

(f UjA sty Two wagons containing pupils of the Bedford school singing national airs. Lm FIGHT FOR THE FREE BRIDGE. A Stroctnre of Which All Citizens of Pittsburg May Be Justly Proud. t. l.

Mcdonald. MONSTER DEMONSTRATION. and Industrial Displays Hade. OTHER INFORMATION. South Bide are to be congratulated, and the Press takes pleasure In commending those who have labored so earnestly and efficiently In securing the boon for the district.

The detailed program for the coming event, together with some Interesting historical Information will be found below: CIVICh AD IDISTIUAL PAGEANT, How the Opening; of the New Structure Will be Celebrated. Enthusiasm over the opening of the bridge has been steadily on the Increase daring the past week, the large manufacturing concerns in the city proper in conjunction with those on the South Side manifesting a feeling of responsibility for Hie success of the demonstration. They responded to the appeals for assistance In a most generous manner. The formal ceremonies will be under the direct supervision of the free bridge committee of the South Pittsburg Board of Trade, consisting of P. W.

Loschied, chairman; John Benz, W. C. Bernardl, D. L. McDonald, F.

C. Beinhauer, C. E. Succop, Robert Hoffman, W. U.

Willat, A. Franz, THE DETAILS OF THE Imposing Civic Military Will Be HISTORICAL AND The opening of the new Twenty-second street bridge, built by the city, and which will be free to the people, marks an event In the history of the city, the importance of which cannot be overestimated. It Is the culmination of hopes which have been entertained for years, and the deferring of which for one reason after another well nigh exhausted the patience of the residents of the South Side district, who were especially Interested In the fulfillment of the oft-repeated promises. That "everything comes to those who wait" seems to have a special demonstration In the completion of the handsome structure, from which the familiar figure of the toll collector will be missing. A long and persistent struggle has ended In success, and after Wednesday next South Slders can claim to be bona fide residents as well as heavy taxpayers of the olty.

The growth of the district south of the river has been marvelous, environed as it has been by hills that were once considered as perpetual barriers to further extension of territory, and hampered by burdensome tolls which were levied not only upon the products of the manufacturing plants, but even upon the lridlvidu- al citizen every time business or pleasure Induced him to visit tho old city. From a mere handful of houses and a few hundred of people the section has grown Into a city of Itself, and is now recognized as the special district which gives to Pittsburg the name of the Iron and glass city of the country. The hills which, to a less energetic people would have proved Insurmountable, have been overcome. Their sides have been seamed with streets, precipitous slojies have been ribbed by incline railways and the tons and the sides are crowded with dwellings occupied by the families of artisans who earn their bread in the hundreds of workshops in the bottom lands along the river. 7 Rapid transit roads traverse main thor- oughfares or climb the steep hills, and at eome, points the rocky mountains have been 'pierced by tunnels to afford passageways by which the multitudes may reach I A F.

C. Belnhaner's Efforts to Obtain the Structure. If there Is one man more than another that Is gratified with the near approach of the opening of the new free bridge It Is F. C. Beinhauer, the chief marshal of the katreet demonstration on next Wednesday, and formerly select councilman and alderman of the Twenty-ninth ward.

During his early business career he was brought face to fare with the necessity of free communication between the two sections of the city, and when he reached coun- C. K. SUCCOP, Adjutant of Parade. Secretary of South Side Board of Trade. ells he at once appeared as the champion of the rights of the taxpayers of that side of the river, and particularly of the ward which he represented.

The free bridge movement early attract ed his attention, and on account of the agitation the matter had been given soon alter his appearance In councils he was the author of several resolutions which were Intended to supply the long-felt want by the erection of a bridge similar 1. to the handsome structure that now Bpans the Monongahela, F. C. Beinhauer was elected to councils In 1882. The campaign had been a Bevere one, and those In power in the management of city affairs hail promised an ap propriation of tor rree tjriuge purposes.

Soon after the Inauguration ceremonies; which Installed Andrew Fulton as mayor a story became current that tho money appropriated was to be used for the purchase or a rrancnise neiu nir bridge at the foot of Ross street. At that time the city's finances were not uinm the same solid basis as at present, and It was held by many of the citizens, of the South Side that the spending or me money would have a damaging rather than a beneficial effect upon the Interests of those concerned. The matter was dlsciiRs-ed for nearly a year before any decisive action was taKen ana nnany councilman Beinhauer, who had taken an active part in the matter and investigated the rumors concerning the purchasing of the Ross street franchise presented the following resolution to tne select ooay on jviarcn 1RM: P. W. LASCHIED, Chairman Eridge Committee.

Resolved, That a committee of five, two from select and three from common councils, be appointed Jo confer with the bridge comjanies crossing the Monongahela river to ascertain If the perpetual right of way for foot passage can be bought. Provided, however, that the bridge companies shall not Increase the rates of toll alxive the present rate on horses, cattle and vehicles. This, however, failed to meet the approval of some of the members of common council, and the following amendment was oltered on the same day by Mr. Beinhauer: "To Insert I1.500- for such preliminary measures as may be necessary to enable the city to take advantage of the act of assembly of -May lit, authorizing the city of Pittsburg to purchase and build bridges." The motion, however, did not prevail, and a motion was made to Insert the following amendment to the. original resolution: Be it Resolved, That we amend the amendment to Insert ifino.fVjO to buy the perpetual right from the bridge companies crossing the Monongahela river the right to croa afoot free to all who cross said bridges afoot, This was also defeated, and the agitation on the bridge question was for a time laid aside for matters of more Importance.

In the latter part of June, however, the matter was again brought to the notice of councils and at the. meeting of select council Mr. Beinhauer introduced the following: Be It resolved, That a committee of five In conjunction with the city attorney, two from select and three from common councils, be appointed tojnqulre Into and ascertain If the stocky Interest In Uia bridges crossing tin Ulegueny river 4fli fit Tlfj 7 ml I Member of Committee of Arrangements. the following amendment to the resolu tlon: "lo amend the bill hv Inserting a Item as follows: 'For the purchase of right of way for foot passengers over the several bridges crossing the Monongahela river, It was considered by some oi tne soutn sine memners, now-ever. that if this was carried into effect the erection of the free structure would be entirely lost to sight.

Soon after thl: Mr. Belnhauer's second term In council expired, and he was elected alderman of tne same ward. viin tne organization of the South Pittsburg Board of Trade Benin found a means of bringing the mat ter of free bridges before his constituents, He was prominent in all measures taken hy the board In having the work on th bridge pushed as fast as His last endeavor toward Tree bridges was th resolution Introduced and adopted by th board of trade relative to the board awards that recently acted on the pur chase of the bridges owned by private corporations. The resolution was as fol lows: PAUL FALLERT. Member of Committee of Arrangements.

Whereaa, the bridge crossing the Monongahela river Bhould be free and no toll should be demanded to traverse the highways within the city limits: and. Whereas, The first step has been taken to free the same by the court appointing a board of viewers to ascertain the value thereof, and said boards havo made awards which are outrageously extrava gant; be It Resolved, That we, the South Pittsburg board of trade, request the Pittsburg coun cils to offer the said companies a rair ana equitable price for the same, and upon their refusal to Immediately take such steps to build one or more bridges across the Monongahela river as necessity may demand: and It Is further Resolved, That our seretary be In structed to send a copy or these resoiu tlnns to the chairman of each council. This resolution was passed unanimously by the board of trade at the meeting of ji K1B IHJU.1U Ul UI1BIHUIB, Ufl I t.l'1 IJtll U. i IIU copies were at once prepared ana sent to councils, THE NEW BRIDGE, Brief Description of Structure Bnllt by the City. The new bridge begins at a point on Forbes street at Brady, and follows the center line of Brady street to Second ave nue, thence westwardly to a pier on the north shore, thence across the Mononga hela river In a direct line to Wharton street, South Side, about (Ml feet east of South Twenty-second street.

The total length of the bridge proper Is 2.2.V) feet, The length. Including the approaches from JOHN BENZ. Member of Committee of Arrangements. Forbes street to Wharton street. Is 2.KI0 feet.

The north approach of the super structure consists of a ateel viaduct extending from the north abutment at Forbes street to the shore, and Is about 815 feet long. The river bridge consists of two side arms of 202'A feet long. At the south approach Is a steel viaduct extending from pier No. 4 to the face of the south abutment. This viaduct is 80S feet long.

LOUIS-LORCH. Member of Committee of Arrangements. For the pedestrians there are two side walks on each side, of a wide driveway. These, with the driveway, are finished with neuchatel pavement. The roadway on the main span Is '11 feet 8 Inches wide.

The sidewalks are 11 feet 3 Inches wide. From the curb to the outer rail is 7 feet 6 Inches on the main span. The roadway is laid on flooring plate on which Is laid the Johnston glider rail for a traction road, securely riveted In the crown of each alternate plate, providing a driveway between the tracks 13 feet 8 Inches in the clear. The sldefalks of the approaches are laid with granolith ic pavement, provioea with automatic drainers, which will prevent Ice and 111 'mum President Board of Trade. Chief Marshal F.

C. Beinhauer. C. E. Succop, adjutant general.

Robert Hoffman, chief of staff. Aids J. C. lteilly, C. Pfeil.

C. Nusser, David Yost, Adolph Heck, A. J. Locke, Thomas Edgar, F. Schaum, John Sem-melrook, Theo.

A. Weber, Charles Ott, Matthew Ott, W. W. Nesbltt, William Allen, Albert Vierheller, Thomas Miller, Fred. Hampe, J.

F. Grimes, August Stuckenberg, J. A. Carson, Dr. J.

D. Potter, Theo. Weisman, Henry Benz, John li. O'Malley, Mark Donley, Henry Franz, Dr. J.

P. MeCord, Peter Ammon, G. Holiday, John Bauer, John Bergman, M. J. Krelg, V.

J. MolkR, Dr. A J. Barchfeld, Dr. H.

G. Brigifg, Dr. T. Burleigh, Dr. J.

P. Kerr, Edwin W. Mathews, Dun-iel Braun, Louis J. Fritz, E. A.

Moschell, Joseph Benz, John Moschell, James Fllnn, W. C. McEldowney, C. H. Hartlep, Alfred Terry, John J.

Shenkle, Samuel Andrews, fKo Wuil Tnhn Uunnuiav Pari J. J. Freund, Dr. Harry Brewster, Dr. W.

C. Bode, ur. o. tl. wrynnt, JLr.

j. A. Hageman, Dr. Z. F.

Miller. Herman Rohrkast, F. K. Fieger, John Paul, John It. Laughran, Evan Jones, W.

F. Kohrkast, John Krut, Dr. A. D. Hunted Thomas P.

Hershberger, Louis Klmniel, James May, David Muir, Emeul Semmelrock, William Miller, Thos. Colllgan. Michael Llston. Joseph Stum- billlg, John Flannery, Louis Shack, H. R.

O'Connor, M. B. Layton, John Collins, W. T. Rothweiler, Fred Schneider, John Bitt-ner.

Dr. G. B. Sweeny, J. Yunker, Win.

F. Holstein, Edward Madden, George E. Smith, J. D. Wilson Beck, John Burns, William Smith, William Moreland, Charles J.

Pttlder, J. J. Flannery, E. Jackson, C. Trautman, Dr.

E. E. Briggs. Wm. Semmelrock, Frank Strompel, Thos.

Taylor, John John Hughes, George Rahe, Wm. Slater, F. Koeler, John P. MoNulty, J. J.

Gilttnan, J. Boyd Dull, uotfreld Ulauttser. Carriages containing mayors of Pitts burg and Allegheny: carriages containins speakers, members of councils, delega- CLARENCE BURLEIGH, City Attorney, One of the Orators. tion from the Pittsburg chamber of commerce and eminent civil engineers of the country. Members of the board of trade.

Eighteenth Regiment band. Eighteenth regiment, Col Norman M. bmitn. Fourteenth Regiment band. Fourteenth regiment.

Col. W. T. Glenn, aw men. TERRENCE MURPHY, The Father of Free Bridges.

Naval cadets, WS men. Coroner Heber McDowell Brass band. Washington infantry. Capt. Shannon, 64 men.

Sheridan Sabers' Military band. Sheridan Sabers' company, mounted, 100 wtsu. if -O No. VIEW OF THE BRIDGE, PHOTOGRAPHED AT A POINT NEAR LOCK ADAM WEIDMAN. Financial Agent Whereas, The charters of certain bridges crossing the Monongnhela and Allegheny rivers provide that when the receipts amount to a sufficient sum to reimburse the stockholders, in addition to a stipulated Interest thereon, the bridges shall be free; and.

Whereas, The bridges crossing the Mo-nongahela river ore within the city limits of the city of Pittsburg, and those who cross said bridges are unjustly taxed, the city should provide free passage to all Its citizens who traverse her streets; be it Resolved, That a committee of five, In conjunction with the city attorney, two from select and three from common councils, be appointed to inquire Into and ascertain If the stockholders Interested have been reimbursed snd the said committee inquire Into buying or building of a free bridge crossing the Monongahela river, and said committee rtport to these councils the necessary legislation to ac complish the object contemplated herein. ne committee made the investigation, and on February 28. 188(1. almost two years after the first attempt was made In this direction, made its reyort to councils. The letter sent to tho body at that lime was recoraea in inn minutes, and stated that the only possible relief the residents could got would be the erection of a free bridge.

The letter, which wan entered on the records. Is given below. It was signed ny j. (j. Beinhauer as chair man: Your committee appointed to make In.

qulry relating to the possibility of making the several bridges rrnnlnir th. n. legheny and Monongahela rivers free, or devising ways and means for building a jioo untige, respeciruuy report: That the opinion of ths city attorney and decision of the courts of Allegheny county lately rendered are adverse to making tree bridges of the structures al ready built and controlled by corporations, WM. C. BERNARDI, First Vice President.

and, that the only avenue of relief for tho people of the South Side is the ap propriation by the councils of money sufficient to build a bridge or bridges which will admit free communication between that portion of the city south of the Mon ongahela river and that located on the north side of the river. lira 4i ilJz hi 38ESi W. U. WILLET. Member of Committee of Arrangements.

Councilman Beinhauer at the following meeting of councils made a motion that the committee be discharged. As the work had been finished and the letter ordered filed, the motion prevailed, and committee wem out of existence. For some time previous to this there had been a movement ou foot to have ths right of way lor, AW ft JOT h'- 'Ai ADAM FRANZ, Member of Committee of Arrangement The completion of the north abutment was pushed as fast as was compatible with good work and finished on July 4. The masonry in the piers, which wu commenced as soon as the river waa free from Ice, was completed on August 15. The main span or river portion, whlcf was constructed on floats at the bank of the river, was swung into position November 24, 181)5, and the Iron work waa completed on December 6.

The paving and ornamental work were at once placed In the respective posttlona and were completed on February 1. The south approach, which was completed last week, will be repaved as soon as the weather will permit the frost to leave the ground, SOUTH SIDE BOARD OF TRADF Important Work Accomplished by; the Organization. An Important factor In obtaining the free bridges for the residents of the South, Side has been the South Pittsburg Board of Trade. Soon after Its organization It took this matter up and through its committee and the co-operation of Director E. M.

Blgelow It has been unceasing in pushing matters toward the climax which will be reached with the opening of the bridge on Wednesday. The benefits which this organization nas neen tne airecc moans of securing for the residents of the South Side cannot be computed in mon etary va ue by the present generation. The history of tho organization is briefly; as follows: F. C. BEINHAUER, Chief Marshal of the Parade.

Twenty-five merchants and eltlsens nf the South 8ldi mot In New Turner hall on October IT, Dr. J. D. Thomas presided. It was there decided to issue a call to the citizens generally to assist In organizing a board of trade whose object would lie to unite for the Improvement of tho South Hide and securing to the territory south of the Monongahela river needed Improvements.

The formal organization of the board of trade took place October 23, 1S03. Geo. r.aston waa elected chairman; Dr. J. D.

Thomas, I). M. Lazurus, W. C. Bernardl A.

Franz, and John Gray vice residents, aim (j. w. Succop secretary. In )ecomlier, 1804. a charter was I the organization by authority of the Allegheny county courts.

During the brief existence of the board of trade. Its Influence has been exerted, and manifested the Interest of the South, Sldo. It is through the prominent part taken by It as a bodv that th of the Carnegie library wero secured for South Pittsburg. Under the recommendation of the loard two small parks have been selected, and their recommendation for Ihe third part has been tacitly approved and will be rlinwn Tho against plans of mnming causen a change, ind I the cost of the building reduced The board was the flrt i.w action and present the same to councils urging the reduction of water rent. The jMi.j.ii ui union night schools now In successful operation la rin.

i dorsement and active efforts of the members acting In concert. to Wit ROBERT HOFFMAN. Chief of Staff. The board of trade was the first to take the Initiative In the reduction of fares on the suburban rapid transit railway. The endorsement of the board of trade and Its fforts materially hastened the connection etween the Birmingham traction and the Second Avenue traction, at Thirty-fourth treei.

During the winter of 1803 and 1804 the fforts of tho board of trade resulted In obtaining cash and clothing to the value of turned over to the Society for improvement ot tne t'oor, ana tne various soup kitchens, established to afford relief ino poor oi uie ooui n-niae. ne value tne assistance renaered can be under- tood from the report of. the secretary of the relief fund, which shows that families were cared for dally by the Joint relief societies. The purchase by the city of the Browns- illel turnpike within the city limits ami abolishing the toll gates, originated in the board of resolution is pending In the city councils for the purchase of the turnpike. The board's endorsement of and subsequent liberal sub scrtptlon by Individual members to the ship canal at a time when its projectors were losing heart at the coldness Bhown toward It by large capitalists, brought cottddence and capital to the management of the The board of trade rooms are at 1407 Carson street.

The regular meetings are held on the first Tuesdays of each monih. The officers are as follows: President, Dr. tA "'vir' J. D. Thorn- Louis Lorch, and Dr.

J. D. Thomas. Several months ago Wednesday, March 25, was decided upon as the opening day, and since then Secretary Suocop has been actively engaged with the brklge commit tee In developing Interest In the important ainalr. At a recent meeting of the South Pltts- mirg Board or xracie it was aeciaea tnat (j.

Beinhauer snowa ne seteeiea as chief marshal of the street demonstration. Ho accepted the position, and at once proceeded to make arangements. The Earade will start from the South Side ilamond square at 1:30 sharp, and proceed over the following route: From the corrjer of Twelfth and Carson streets, to Carson, to Twentieth street, thence to Sarah, to Twenty-eighth, to Carson, to Twenty-second street, cross the bridge to Forbes Btreet, to Halket street, to Fifth avenue, to Moultrie, to Forbes, returning across the bridge to the South Side, and pass in review at the end of the bridge and' Mayors B. McKeraia, of Pittsburg, and Wlliiam Kenn'edy, of Allegheny, and Mayors-elect Ford and Geyer have ac-ceed invitations, to be preeent, and with representatives of councils and the chamber of commerce, wiH participate in the parade, and afterward review the parade. Several prominent civil engineers from other cities will also be present and Inspect the new structure.

After the review, ths contractors, the E. SL BIGELOW, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS. sutlylng districts and nave their dwellings in places where the dense volumes of smolte will not reach them. Electric lights illuminate the dark streets, and visions of happy are to be seen on every hand. The present prosperity of the district is only an earnest of what may be expected when all tr.e bridges now crossing the river, and as many others will be as free as the one at Twenty-second street, -the opening of which will be so auapl-aouily celebrated.

The citizens of Ute 0 1.