A $6,000 Performance

 Marietta Daily Times, October 9, 1913

Admitting that it is unkind to call attention to the city's experience with the late lamented pontoon bridge when the city administration, particularly Director Meisenhelder, is trying so hard to let the public forget it, our excuse is that it cost the people $6,000 and they are interested in it to that extent.

The bridge disappeared almost before the public had become familiar with it. In the first place, the apron at the west approach was so arranged that when a heavy rain came, water ran down the approach and into the boats, sinking a section of the bridge. Then a real storm came during the night. For three or four hours after daylight the following morning there was opportunity for making the bridge secure, for the water came up gradually. But nothing was done until the river was a raging torrent Then there was no use in attempting to do anything. The bridge was carried out and dashed to pieces.

If there was any other responsibility for this than his own, Director Meisenhelder has never taken the public into his confidence, and consequently the people hold him responsible, for he is the head of the department.

This is a sample of the sort of management the city has had for the past three years. The men who have been performing such $6,000 disappearing "stunts" for the people are working energetically for the election of Col. Riley. They seem to think they know where they will be after the election if he is elected. If the people want a change they can get it by defeating Riley by voting for David Okey.

Following the destruction of Marietta's Putnam Street Bridge during the Flood of 1913, a temporary pontoon bridge was built across the Muskingum.