150 years ago

FEB. 25, 1876

The people of Marion County have again spoken with no uncertain sound.

Last week, the Record appealed to them in behalf of justice, fairness, and right and begged that spite not be permitted to rule the county in the defeat of Florence bridge bonds. From the hills and valleys and plains comes the response: a 196 majority.

We would not unduly exult, but we would honestly rejoice at the most gratifying result. Florence has long needed this bridge; Marion County has long needed it. But without support of Peabody and her allies, it was deemed impossible to secure for the project the requisite three-fifths vote.

Peabody’s vital interests demanded the bridge, but Florence would not assist in inauguration of a county seat war, and pledges, self-interest, and admitted justice availed only to secure for the bridge five votes out of 156.