Question

In the course of the construction of the Bridge a number of lives have been lost. Does it not sometimes seem as though every work of enduring value, in the material as in the moral world, must needs be purchased at the cost of human life? Let us recall with kindness at this hour the work of those who labored here faithfully unto the death, no less than of that great army of men who have wrought, year in year out, to execute the great design. Let us give our meed of praise to-day to the humblest workman who has here done his duty well, no less than to the great engineer who told him what to do.

—Opening Ceremonies of the
New York and Brooklyn Bridge,
Seth Low

What is the central idea of the paragraph?

The engineer was the greatest worker on the bridge.
The mayor thanks the many people who worked on the bridge.
An army of men worked on the bridge.

Answer 1

The central idea of the paragraph is that the mayor thanks the many people who worked on the bridge. The text highlights the contributions of both the humblest workman and the great engineer, emphasizing the collective effort and sacrifice involved in the construction of the bridge.