SCHUYLKILL PERMANENT BRIDGE. 13 



sites cannot rival the latter. They do not unite all in- 

 terests, by being so generally accommodatory to tra- 

 vellers and transportation, from all quarters, southerly 

 and westerly of the city. Their use will therefore be 

 paitial, and the object of a distant day. Coiiflicting in^ 

 terests, and the disinclination of the Legislature, to af- 

 ford sufficient means out of the public funds, occasion- 

 ed the abandonment of the measure at that time. The 

 competitions ended in a lesson, which zealous schemers 

 never read; to wit; — Opposing advocates, for local and 

 clashing advantages, not unfrequently gain nothing; 

 and are sure to defeat the object of all. 



Another project of a bridge over one of these places 

 was proposed, at the time when the canal from Norris- 

 town was first contemplated. The canal was tliought, 

 by many persons of intelligence, to be more easily and 

 ceconomically practicable, on the west side of the river. 

 It was proposed to erect, at one or the other of the pla- 

 ces last mentioned, an aqueduct bridge^ over which, the 

 canal should cross the river ; with a tow-path or passage 

 way, on each side of the channel for the water, for tra- 

 velling and land transportation. This is yet believed to 

 have been not only practicable, but also, that it could 

 have been nearly completed, with the sum expended on 

 that unfortunate, though highly desirable enteq^rize. 

 This is not mentioned with any view of censure ; be- 

 cause the obstacles occurring on the east side, ver}' ma- 

 ny vv'hereof w^ould have been avoided on the west, com- 

 pelled expenditures, not calculated upon or foreseen: 

 And pre -conceived opinions ai'e often found fallacious, 

 when brought to the test of practice. 



