Chapter 21. To authorize the Southeastern Railroad Company to construct and maintain a bridge across the Lumber River within the boundary lines of Robeson County, North Carolina
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CHAP. 21.— An Act To authorize the Southeastern Railroad Company to construct and maintain a bridge across the Lumber River within the boundary lines of Robeson County, North Carolina. February 15, 1900. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled*, That the Southeastern Railroad Southeastern Railroad may bridge Lumber River, N. C. Company, a corporation created and existing under an act of the gen30eral assembly of the State of North Carolina, be, and is hereby, authorized to construct and maintain a railroad bridge for the passage of —location, etc. railway engines and cars across the Lumber River, at such point as may be selected by such company and approved by the Secretary of War within the boundary lines of Robeson County, North Carolina, said bridge to be so constructed as not to obstruct the navigation of *Proviso*.
Lawful structure and post route. 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 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. Secretary of War to approve plans, etc. 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 the said company or corporation shall submit to the Secretary of War, for his examination and approval, a design and drawing of the proposed bridge and a map of the location, giving, for the space of one-fourth of a mile above and one-fourth of a mile below the proposed location, the topography of the banks of the river, the shore lines 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 said bridge during the progress of construction, such change shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary of War.
Sec. 3. Amendment; changes, etc. That Congress reserves the right to alter, amend, or repeal this Act at any time; and that if at any time navigation of 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 said bridge, at its own expense, in such manner as may be proper to secure free and complete navigation without impediment.
Sec. 4. Draw. That the draw provided for the bridge herein authorized to be constructed shall be opened promptly, upon reasonable signal, for the passing of boats, which said company or corporation shall maintain, Commencement and completion. at its own expense; and if actual construction of the bridge herein authorized shall not be commenced within one year from the passage of this Act and be completed within three years from same date, the rights and privileges hereby granted shall cease and be determined.
Approved, February 15, 1900.