Stubborn

Fight Made by Rivermen

Against Construction of Proposed Bridge Over
 Kentucky River at Carrollton

The citizens of Carrollton, Ky., are making a lively fight to have a bridge built across the Kentucky River at that place.  Wednesday evening there was held in the office of Captain Henry F. Hodges, in the Federal Building, a meeting of the Board of Officers of the Corps of Engineers, consisting of Major Charles F. Powell, of Pittsburg; Captain Hodges, of this city, and Captain George A. Zinn, of Louisville, to hear arguments for and against the proposed bridge across the Kentucky River at Carrollton. There was on hand quite a delegation of residents from Carrollton, headed by Congressman A. S. Berry, of Kentucky.  The river men were represented by Commodore F. A. Laidley, of the Louisville and Cincinnati Packet Line, and Captain Oscar F. Barrett of the Barrett Line, controlling the coal interests of the Kentucky River.

The principal speaking was done by Congressman Berry and Commodore Laidley.  These two gentlemen had a lively tilt, as did several others present.  Congressman Berry told of how the county was divided by the river, and endeavored to show that it was for the best interests of all concerned to build the proposed bridge.

Commodore Laidley and Captain Barrett protested against constructing the bridge at the proposed height above low water mark.  the bridge will be so close to the mouth of the Kentucky that when a freshet comes it is maintained that boats above the bridge will be unable to get under the bridge.  The river men said they would be satisfied if the bridge is constructed so that it will be as high above the low-water mark as the bridges at Cincinnati.

However, Congressman Berry showed that the bridges above Carrollton were of the same height as the proposed structure, and that, therefore, permission should be given to go ahead with the work.  The river men say they would be satisfied with this if a draw was put in the bridge, but this the Carrollton people do not want to do, as the cost would be increased about $100,000.  Carrollton has a natural harbor for boats during the winter season which protects them in large measure from ice floes.

United States Engineer Major Bixby sent in a communication setting forth this fact, as some persons had maintained that the port was never used in the winter by boats.  However, the Government snag boats are always moored there at that time.  The engineers will take the matter under advisement.

Cincinnati Enquirer, July 7, 1899