Chapter 817. Authorizing the construction of a bridge across the Cumberland River at or near Carthage, Tennessee
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CHAP. 817.— An Act Authorizing the construction of a bridge across the Cumberland River at or near Carthage, Tennessee. March 2, 1901. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled*, That the town of Carthage,Carthage, Tenn., may bridge Cumberland River at Carthage. a municipal corporation in the State of Tennessee, organized under the laws of said State, either singly or in conjunction with the county of Smith, in the said State, upon such terms as may be agreed upon, be, and is hereby, authorized and empowered to construct, maintain, and operate a bridge across the Cumberland River at or near the town of Carthage at such point as, in the judgment of the Secretary of War, may be suitable to the interests of navigation.
Sec. 2. That the bridge built under this Act and subject to its limitationsLawful structure and post route. may be a drawbridge or of fixed span or spans, but in any event shall be a lawful structure, and shall be known and recognized 958as a post route, upon which also no higher charge shall be made for the transportation over the same of the mails, the troops, and munitions of war of the United States than the rate per mile paid for transportation of said mails, troops, and munitions over the railroads and public highways leading to said bridge; and equal privileges in Telegraph, etc., companies.the use of said bridge shall be granted to all telegraph and telephone companies, and the United States shall have the right of way over said bridge and its approaches for postal telegraph and telephone purposes.
That the bridge authorized to be constructed under this Act shall be built and located subject to such regulations for the security of navigation of said river and the passage of vessels and other floating craft under said bridge as the Secretary of War shall prescribe; and to Secretary of War to approve plans.secure that object the said town of Carthage shall submit to the Secretary of War, for his examination and approval, a design and drawing of said bridge, with a map of the location thereof, and shall furnish such other information as may be required for the full and satisfactory understanding of the subject, and said bridge shall not be built until the plans and location thereof shall be approved by the Secretary of War; and should any change be made in the plans of said bridge during the progress of its construction, or after its completion, such change shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary of War: *Proviso*.Draw.*Provided*, That if said bridge is constructed as a drawbridge the draw thereof shall be opened promptly upon reasonable signal for the Lights.passage of boats, and the said municipality shall maintain thereon, at its own expense, between sunset and sunrise, such lights and other signals as the Light-House Board may prescribe.
Sec. 3. Transit.Tolls. That said bridge shall be constructed to provide for the passage of wagons, horsemen, and vehicles, for the transit of animals, and for foot passengers for such reasonable tolls as may be approved *Proviso.*Railroad rights to use.from time to time by the Secretary of War: *Provided also*, That at the option of said town of Carthage said bridge may be so constructed as to permit railroad, street car, or dummy lines to pass over said bridge upon such terms as may be or might be agreed upon between the said town of Carthage and any company or corporation operating any such line or lines, all such companies or corporations desiring to use said bridge to have equal rights and privileges relative thereto.
Sec. 4. Amendment. That the, right to alter, amend, or repeal this Act is hereby expressly reserved. Sec. 5. Commencement and completion. That this Act shall be null and void if said bridge is not commenced within one year and completed within three years from the date of approval of this Act. Approved, March 2, 1901.