Wheeling times and advertiser. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1839-1849, 1848-06-24

an average so cents, $500
2nd. 5000 perches of rock uncovered and rea-
dy for quarrying, at rs cents, $500
In round numbers $4,000, or go cents perch on
the wall actually built.
Deducting from the above item this sum, 60
We obtain for the cost of the finished work exclu- -
sive of depreciation, per perch 50 80
But to get at the true cost we must add to this re-
suit, the depreciation of stock, tools, boats and
machinery of all sorts; which depreciation |
think it will be safe tn estimate at 40 per cent. on
the aggregate probable investment in such ma
teral. Forty per cent. on Sll 900, is Sf,f0O,
which sum s. to be equally distributed over about
$4,000 perches of masonry, and will amount to
very nearly % cents per perch, 25
The addition of this amount gives for the actual
cost for the finished masonry SO So
Toapply this experience to the future work of the
same character on the west side, we must allow
for extra lifting, in consequence of the increasing
height o. the wall, and for additional cutting, say 35
Making the probable cost of the remainder of that
abutment and wings, per perch, SO 90
Now, think from the caution with which these results are
derived from the experience so far obtained, | am entirely safe
in assuming that the autual cost of the masonry already laid has
not exceeded SO 62I per perch, and that the probable cost of
the balance of the western abutment and wings exclusive of
towers) will not exceed 81 per perch.
My original estimate for the average cost of all the masonry
on both sides of the river, including towers and slope wall, was
SO 90 per perch. cannot now, by making use of all our pre-
sent experience, attempt to offer a closer average.
The quantities of work will vary somewhat from the amounts
iSmdu siiHdt anu VIII Dts Ill lc dDgTtRdlC, mCISdStu.-
My confidence in the whole estimate, though donot even now
feel assured that | have allowed enough for contingencies, which
always swell up the closing cost, is quite as great as it has ever
been.
We started with the plan of coming up to the limit of our
means--of producing the best work that the available capital
would create-and the original estimate left little room for con-
tingent lea way. My hope is that it will be nearly, if not quite
sufficient.
The stone are quarried and delivered for very much lessthan
any offers | could obtain for doing the work, and for less than l
offered to pay by contract, when the whole charge was first put
in my hands.
Knowing the doubts then entertained by the Board, of the
propriety of constructing the bridge by the day, as l deemed it
to be my duty to recommend from the beginning, and feeling
perhaps too much the responsibility of going in face of a popular
prejudice, | was extremely anxious to let The job, or parts of it,
to responsible men. But men of responsibility will look for
sufficient price to yield not only reasonable profits, but also to
cover unreasonable contingencies. Hence such bids are almost
always high.
Late in the season, in view of the difficulty of getting the
foundation of the abutment laid during the winter, l offered Sc
veral parties So a perch for the first eight feet in height of the
western abutment, and 81 all round for the balance OF the work
on the west side, exclusive of towers, and to pay for all excava-
ton, embankment and pumping in addition.
This offer was refused, yet the price offered and rejected is
nearly 20 per cent. higher than the work has actually cost.
l am fully satisfied that the Board are pursuing the right
course, though we must hope to improve in detail as we pro-
coed. We are at this moment expanding more than is neediul.
because the quarries can be worked faster than the stone has
yet been consumed. This state of things will be speedily
changed, and additional exertion will then be required at the
quarries to keep pace with the demand below.
The railways for which we are preparing on the west side,
will further the work, but will not lead, except in that way, to
any appreciabe saving of expense.
We have not yet done any thing by contract below the esti-
mate-whne all the work undertaken by the day, under super
intendents, has been done within the estimate. If there is any
exception it must be in the masonry, on which our experience
is less decisive than in other items.
| have engaged a superintendent in whose skill l have conf
dence, to take charge, under Mr.. Dickinson, of all the masonry
on the east side. This part of the work will now be pressed
from week to week with greater vigor.
am daily expecting another superintendent to assist on the
west side, whom | have also found to be energetic and compe-
tent.
We have now nearly 900 men employed, and are in a condi-
ton to increase the number weekly, as fast as we can supply
materials to keep them at work.
In conclusions, | feel some hesitation in replying to the ques-
ton so often prompted by the anxiety of the Board, and the
Impotence of the community, as to the probable time of COM
pleting the structure.
The inclination, in such cases, is almost always to deceive
ourselves-to allow our conclusions to be swayedby our wishes.
In the present case must say, that the bridge will not be en-.
irely finished until some time in the coming Spring; and yet |
know of but one serious difficulty in the way of rendering it
passabe during the present year, viz: the erection of the west
en abutment.
All other parts ofthe work-Aooring, cables, anchorage, pro-
lection walls and eastern tower, may be, and | feel well assured,
will be completed, or sufficiently advanc I'd, for the use of the
bridge, before the first of December; and my hope is to bring
forward the western masonry and finish it along with the other
work.
This will require great and unceasing activity; but to accom-
plsh such an object will be a triumph sufficient in itself to
sm ulate every agent to his utmost exerton. l rely confidently
on the capable officers in immediate charge, and also expect,
hereafter, to devote much the greater portion of my personal at
tentiOn to this work.
Great as the enterprise is, itmay be accomplished within the
year, and if allowed a continuance of health, | will endeavor to
do it.
| am, gentlemen, respectfully,
Your obed't servant,
HAS. ELLET, J.