Bridges were needed, he said

 Brookville American 1856

Bridges, Bridges, Bridges

Franklin County is peculiarly situated. From the line above Laurel, to the line below New Trenton, the river runs a course of about 30 miles. From the line above Fairfield, to the same point below Trenton, over 20 miles. Bridges over these streams at suitable points have become a necessity to accommodate the wants of her citizens. Difficulties, dangers, accidents and deaths are constantly occurring for the want of these erections.

The people are abundantly able to build them, and the only question which presents itself is, as to the manner of building them. The fords across these streams are annually becoming more dangerous, and therefore the erection of bridges more imperative.

The County Commissioners under the Act of 1855 are clothed with ample power to meet these wants and demands, and in my opinion ought to exercise these powers.

We will at once be met by the objector who says that our taxes will be increased and that the people are already burdened enough in that way. I know that taxation sometimes becomes onerous and ought never to be exercised but with propriety, discretion and good judgment.

All the bridges necessary in the county can be erected within the next two years, without increasing the taxes one cent -- without seriously affecting the most humble citizen, with great advantage to our entire population, and cannot be done in any other way.

Efforts have been made at various points within the last few years to accommodate these wants, and the result invariably has been, pecuniary loss to the very persons who are least interested but who have generously come forward and hazarded their time, means and property to advance the public interest, while the very men who are really interested stand back and shirk responsibilities, but enjoy all the advantages. 

Look at Laurel, Metamora, Brookville, etc. -- the truly equitable method of accomplishing these objects of a general nature is by general taxation.

My plan is to build five bridges across White Water river within the next two years, to be paid for, say in one, two and three years, out of the county treasury. It can be done, as I have already stated, without increasing taxation, and no man will seriously feel the expense.

Build one at Laurel, one near Fairfield, two at Brookville, one over the east and the other over the west fork, and one near New Trenton. These will accommodate our entire population and will be a good investment of means. 

The bridges can then be free for all, under the entire control of our county authorities.. And when finished, with our numerous turnpikes and other good roads, public and private buildings, and improvements, will make Franklin County one of the most desirable places of residence in the West.

The County Commissioners have concluded to receive proposals for the construction of these five bridges up to the meeting of the board in June. I hope our good generous and high minded citizens will look at the matter in a proper light -- talk about it with the neighbors and urge forward our Commissioners in the laudable enterprise.

Our people will never complain of such an expenditure of their money.

GEO HOLLAND

March 6, '56

NOTES: Holland was a Brookville lawyer with some interest in Republican Party politics. He was involved in many social and civic organizations, including Brookville College. 

The bridge at Fairfield was most likely the covered bridge, built about 10 years later in 1866. Most useful bridges were washed out during the 1913 flood. This blog covers much of that.

Turnpikes were roads that were kept up by tolls. They were badly managed.