16

THE ASHTABULA DISASTER.

The structure settled, as the edges were removed,about six inches, and necessitated the change ofthe process.

This error was remedied by the cutting awayof iron, so that the braces could be turned, andthis change occupied nearly a year. It waswatched with interest by the citizens, and wasregarded by the builders themselves as a doubt-ful experiment.

In its erection Mr. Tomlinson, the engineer,differed with the president so much that he re-signed his position, and, even Mr. Charles Col-lins never acknowledged that it was a work ofhis inventing, or a bridge receiving his ap-proval. Before the committee, appointed by thelegislature of Ohio , he acknowledged that itwas an “ experiment,” and even when it was inprocess of erection he gave no orders, but ratherleft the responsibility with the president.

The deficiencies of the bridge, as acknowledgedby Mr. Tomlinson, who made the drafts, werethat the braces were smaller than was intended,and the weight was very great. Its dead weightwas 3,000 pounds to the square foot, making