An artist's conception of the Brooklyn Bridge tragedy of May 30, 1883

Etching showing disaster caused by bridge walkway collapse. Caption: "The conditions of the safe passage of a huge crowd across the bridge were as plain before the disaster as they are now. The two currents should be kept separate, and the police force should be adequate to keep them constantly moving and to clear the approaches from loiterers. Peddlars and every kind of obstruction should be summarily moved on. This will be now probably done. Harper's Weekly. June 9, 1883."