The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-02-09
Iron THE REPUBLIc.l


MESSRS. EDITORS Having seen the Report Of
the Commissioner of Public Buildings in your pa
per of the 2Sth ult., beg leave through the same
channel To make a few remarks on that part of it
which relates to the additions of the Patent Office.
Mr.. Mudd says in his report, that the contracts
in all instances made with the lowest bidder,
las reported to him by Mr.. Mills.) How far this
may be correct with regard to other parts of the
work. IL not correct in respect to the contract for
the marble now being used in the east wing of the
Patent Office building, as will shortly show by the
attached table of measurement and prices. The
subscriber one of the bidders, and his bid was
much lower than the bidders that have been so
highly favored with the contract for this part of
the work; and defy any man or party to contra
dict my statement, or say 1t Ia not correct.
Ii would have given me much pleasure had MIR.
Mudd looked closer into Mr. Mills's returns and
ascertaned if his report correct, before he
cluded a contract with any party whatever. l
know Mr.. Mudd used the precaution, after consul
tation, of making contract for the marble re-
quired for the east wing, so as those who were ag
grieved might have it in their power to have the
cheat detected, if any did exist. This in some
measure, may excuse Mr. Mudd for his seeming
neglect in not doing so.
Some time ago made statement to Mr. Mudd,
showing the unfair dealing in this contract busi-
ness but he 10 have taken notice Of it, and
also made similar TO MIR. Ewing, but lie too
seemed TO be careless of making any Inquiries for
the present. putting il off until more convenient
season; and, did not feel disposed TO bide Mr..
Ewings time, have thought proper TO bring this
nefarious transaction before the public. The state
ment made by me shows excess, for the work
done up TO the month OF November last, of from
five to six thousand dollars what the same
would have cost if the contract had been awarded
10 me, as | am the lowest bidder and un Justly de-
privcd Of the work in question.
Here follows Mr.. John C. Harkness's measure
ment as he has made his return to the Commits
sioner; also, the prices Of the three gentlemen,
Messrs. Winter, Symington, and Provost, who are
doing the work, and the subscribers prices attached
TO said measurement.
Work cith Winter & Co.'S Prices, paid ;.p TO
22d November, 1919.
Feet Dolls.
s,672 cube fine faced s.one, at SIPS
per foot. Observation-Disclosures. Il,IOO l6
l0,3l4 superficial, beds builds, at % cts. 1851 80
6,l62 ineal, bevel rustic, single line, at
22cts. ......... ..........,., 1885 "a
234 superficial, window sills, face
measure, at Sl.09., ............ 255 90
l6l superficial, beds & builds to ditto,
at2S cts ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. 45 o.
Other Work, rett~ned, lying The ground.
26s superficial, fine faced stone cube,
$40 superficial, beds and builds to do,
at Is cents. .....,............. 246 IL
90 superficial extra cube marble, at
Sl.25..... .................... l26 ~
SI6,359 "a
". Is. have put about 2 OOO feet extra al marble
in the first item above, as returned BIZ he nearuer
Same Work at Gilbert Camsron's Prices, no charge
being made for Beds and Builds.
Feet. Dolls
1912 cube, fine faced stone, at Sl.l2l
per foot. .............,...... 1856 20
6,l62 lineal, bevel rustic, single line, at
20 cents -. .........e...,...... 1882 20
234 superficial, window sis, face mea-
sure, at Sl.05................. 2t5 20
26S superficial, fine cut cube stone on
ground, at SLIP ............. 30l so
80 superficial, extra fine cut cube stone
on ground, at Sll2l...t,.,,.. Ill 81
SlI,6i6 g7l
Showing difference in favor of G.C's
bid of....."........:..... s4,7l2 76l
II we measure the rustic by the double
line, instead Of the single, add to this
sum-. ........,..."..... Clio %
Total difference. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ,s2s SCI
paid by Government over and aboye Gilbert