Chapter 119. To authorize the construction of a bridge across Saint Francis River, in the State of Arkansas
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CHAP. 119.— An Act To authorize the construction of a bridge across Saint Francis River, in the State of Arkansas. April 11, 1898. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, * St. Francois Bridge and Plank Road Company of Paragould, Ark., may bridge St. Francis River, Arkansas. That the Saint Francois Bridge and Plank Road Company of Paragould, Arkansas, incorporated under the laws of said State, is hereby authorized to construct, operate, and maintain a drawbridge across Saint Francis River, at or near the township line between townships sixteen and seventeen north, in Green Secretary of War to approve plans.County, State of Arkansas.
Said bridge shall be constructed in accordance with such plans as the Secretary of War may decide to be necessary—draw. in the interest of navigation; and the draw shall be constructed in accordance with such plans as may be approved by the Secretary of War, and may be of pontoon or other construction, and may, by permission and under the direction of the Secretary of War, be changed. Passage of vehicles, etc.Said bridge shall provide for the passage of wagons and vehicles of all kinds, for the transit of animals, and for foot passengers, and the said Toll.company may charge reasonable rates of toll, to be approved by the Secretary of War.
Sec. 2. Lawful structure and post route. That said bridge constructed under this Act shall be a lawful structure, and shall be recognized as a post route, upon which no charge shall be made for the transmission over the same of the mails, Telegraph companies.troops, and munitions of war of the United States; and equal privileges in the use of said bridge shall be granted to all telegraph companies; and the United States shall have the right of way across said *Provisos.*Secretary of War to approve location, plans, etc.bridge and approaches for postal telegraph purposes: *Provided,* That before the construction of any bridge herein authorized is commenced the said company shall submit to the Secretary of War, for his examination and approval, a design and drawing of such bridge and a map of the location, giving sufficient information to enable the Secretary of Aids to navigation.War to fully and satisfactorily understand the subject, and unless the plan and location of such bridge are approved by the Secretary of War the structure shall not be built: *Provided further,* That any bridge constructed under authority of this Act shall at all times be so kept and managed as to offer proper and reasonable means for the passage of vessels and other water crafts through or under said structure; and Lights.for the safety of vessels passing at night there shall be displayed on said bridge from sunset to sunrise such lights or other signals as may be prescribed by the Light-House Board when any vessel shall signal to pass.
Sec. 3. Commencement and completion. That this Act shall be null and void if actual construction of the bridge herein authorized be not commenced within one year and completed within three years from the approval of this Act. Sec. 4. Amendment. That Congress shall have the power at any time to alter, amend, or repeal this Act, or any part thereof, if in its judgment the public interests so require. Approved, April 11, 1898.