Chapter 148. to authorize the Natchitoches Cane River Bridge Company to construct and maintain a bridge across Cane River, in Louisiana
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CHAP. 148.— An Act to authorize the Natchitoches Cane River Bridge Company to construct and maintain a bridge across Cane River, in Louisiana.April 22, 1890. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled*,Natchitoches Cane River Bridge Company may bridge Cane River at Natchitoches, La.Wagon bridge. That the Natchitoches Cane River Bridge Company, a corporation created and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Louisiana, be, and is hereby, authorized to construct and maintain a wagon bridge across the Cane River at such point as may be selected by the said bridge company within the limits of the town of Natchitoches, the said bridge to be so constructed as not to interfere with the Location.Draw.*Proviso*.Lawful structure and post-route.navigation of said river, and to be provided with a suitable draw: *Provided*, That any bridge constructed under this act and according to its limitations shall be a lawful structure, and shall be known and recognized as a Postal telegraph.post-route, and the same is hereby declared to be a post-route, and the United States shall have the right of way for a postal telegraph across said bridge.
Sec. 2. Security of navigation. That the bridge authorized to be constructed under this act shall be located and built under and subject to such regulations for the security of the navigation of said river as the Secretary of War shall prescribe; and to secure that object the said company or Secretary of War to approve plans, etc.corporation shall submit to the Secretary of War, for his examination and approval, a design and drawings of the proposed bridge, and a map of the location, giving, for the space of one-half mile above and one-half mile below the proposed location, the topography FIFTY-FIRST CONGRESS.
Sess. I. Chs. 148, 49. 1890.59 of the banks of the river, the shorelines at high and low water, the direction and strength of the currents, and the soundings, accurately showing the bed of the stream, and shall furnish such other information as may be required for a full and satisfactory understanding of the subject; and until the said plan and location of the bridge are approved by the Secretary of War no work upon the bridge shall be commenced; and should any change be made in the plan of saidChange of plan while building. bridge during the progress of construction, such change shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary of War.
Sec. 3. That Congress reserves the right to alter, amend, or repealAmendment.Obstructed navigation. this act at any time; and that if at any time navigation, of the said river shall in any manner be obstructed or impaired by the said bridge, the Secretary of War shall have authority, and it shall be his duty, to require the said bridge company to alter and change the saidSubsequent changes, etc. bridge at its own expense, in such manner as may be proper to secure free and complete navigation without impediment; and if upon reasonable notice to said bridge company to make such change or improvements the said company fails to do so, the Secretary of War shall have authority to make the same at the expense of said company. and all the rights conferred by this act shall be forfeited; andForfeiture of rights. congress shall have power to do any and all things necessary to secure the free navigation of the river.Free navigation.
Sec. 4. That said company shall be permitted to charge and takeTolls. such rates of toll for crossing said bridge as may be reasonable, subject to the approval of the Secretary of War. Sec. 5. That the draw provided for the bridge herein authorizedOpening of draw. to be constructed shall be opened promptly upon reasonable signal for the passing of boats; and said company or corporation shall maintain, at its own expense, from sunset till sunrise, such lightsLights, etc. or other signals on said bridge as the Light-House Board shall prescribe.
Sec. 6. That all telephone and telegraph companies shall beUse by telephone and telegraph companies. granted equal rights and privileges in the construction and operation of their lines across said bridge; and if actual construction of the bridge herein authorized shall not be commenced within oneCommencement and completion. year from the passage of this act and be completed within three years from the same date, the rights and privileges hereby granted shall cease and be determined.
Approved, April 22, 1890.