220 ^ STATISTICAL ACCOUNT OF THE 



phia " was obtained, after persevering efforts, during se- 

 veral vears by the exertions oi Richard Peters^ who was 

 elected President of the Company, formed in virtue of 

 that Act. He originated the project of the present 

 structure, and assiduously assisted in its execution, from 

 its comm_encement to its completion. In a pursuit, ge- 

 nerally deem.ed hopeless, though so obviously of public 

 utility, he A\'as left solely, to encounter, in its early stages, 

 strong prejudices and incredulity as to its practicability,, 

 and many local interests and objections, both as to the 

 place and principles of its establishment. Much oppo- 

 sition from several respectable quarters, was to be over- 

 come, before this law could be obtained. This wasthe 

 more difficult to combat, because it was grounded on laud- 

 able principles ; though it was foreseen, as the event pro- 

 ved, that their objects were unattainable ; and therefore 

 that no bridge would be erected, but one according to 

 the project effectuated by the present company. Twenty 

 one townships, on the western side of the river, repre- 

 sented by respectable citizens, combined to prevent the 

 scheme for a toll bridge; under the idea that they could 

 obtain one free of toll, and built by subscription, aided 

 by public support. But as this mode of raising funds, 

 could not be accomplished, the attempt, (the success 

 v/hereof was very much to be wished) was abandoned. 

 The Corporation of tlie City, were very commendably 

 anxious to erect a bridge on their property, under the 

 direction of the City Councils. This would have been 

 an appropriate and desirable object. But funds could 

 not be procured ; and their opposition was withdrawn. 

 The expensive and most extensively useful JFater 

 Works, had involved the City corporation in pecuniary 



