That Lewis River Bridge
Vancouver Independent
July 7, 1877

In your "Local Briefs" of the 11th inst. we notice an item with the information that the Lewis River bridge is in an unsafe condition. This recalls to mind a few facts in regard to the means employed to secure a bridge at that crossing. When the question of a bridge across the East Fork of Lewis River was first agitated, there were two points it was thought practicable to bridge, either of which would accommodate the majority of the people, viz., at La Center and the present crossing.

An effort was made to secure a bridge at the former place, several hundred dollars were subscribed and the enterprise was in a fair way of being commenced, when objection was made on the ground that the river was navigable for a short distance above that point it is navigable a very short portion of the year, when there is a sufficiency of water and not very high. When high it becomes so swift as to make up river navigation impossible.

On this petty pretext a most commendable effort of the people was frustrated. The County Commissioners, without inquiring into the merits or demerits of the respective places, and presumably taking a dollar and cent view of the case, made an appropriation for a bridge at the latter place because it could be done cheaper. We don't wish to say anything that would reflect on the honor or good intentions of anyone, but think that if the location could have been fairly represented to the people many of whom were new comers and necessarily unacquainted with regard to it, the scheme would have failed.

In regard to the moat central or practicable route, bridge at the upper crossing would have been the most desirable, but the great advantages in the La Center crossing will be seen from the following: The valley is narrow at this point with a moderate current in the river and a solid clay bottom. A bridge would stand as long as the timbers would last, while the cost of building would be but little more than the upper bridge.

There would have been none of the attending expenses of keeping it up, and the bridge would have been available at all stages of the water. As nearly as we can judge, the road leading through the valley to the upper crossing is about a mile long and crosses the three branches of the river, which are bridged, besides several creeks and sloughs. In time of a freshet these sloughs are impassable, thus rendering the bridges useless.

When the water is at a medium stage, the river can easily be forded at this point, with a loose sandy bottom, and when high, a violent current. The bridge across the main branch of the river has stood remarkably well. In making these comparisons, we have tried to be impartial. If there is any misstatements in the above we hope some person will correct us. This bridge is of importance to but a comparatively small portion of the people.

What the masses want is a bridge that would be accessible at all times. Such a one would be of incalculable benefit to the country, would do away with the vexatious annoyance of a broken down bridge on a public thoroughfare, and what is worse than no bridge, one that is not accessible when most needed.

Semi Occasional.
Lewis River, W. T.. May 27th, 1877