The Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1869-1872, 1871-02-25
Thn Sta,e C.pito.l.

]
memorial has been presented to the Leg
islature BY the Board Of Capitol Commission
ers, stating tha, they have proceeded in ac-
cordance with the provisions Of the act to pro-
vide for the erection Of State Capitol at Car
son City, approved February %. 1859; that
they had let the contract Of constructing the
Capitol building 10 one Peter Caranaugh for
the price and sum agreed upon. They nov
say that the cost Of the bulldog has been
much greater than ut first calculated upon.
and that the contractor is unable to pay the
cost of said building as agreed upon, either
! from the Capitol Building Fund, created by
said act, or from his private means or other
wise. The memorialists therefore recommend
an apportionment to relieve the contractor
The amount called for reaches $54. 900. II
appears that Hr. Cavansugh contracted to con-
struet the Capitol building for SS4, 900, and
gave bonds as guarantee TO fulfill his obliga-
lion. He has also received S15, ZOO from the
Commissioners, as extra compensation, and.
as some assert without any authority of law.
On Saturday last, the presiding officer Of the
Assembly appointed a special committee, to
which was referred the bill to provide for the
payment Of outstanding claims for labor and
material furnished, and expenses incurred in
the completion of the State Capitol building.
The bill makes an appropriation Of S54, 600
for the purpose.
The subject of making an appropriation to
relieve Mr.. Cavanaugh, has elected spirited
discussions in the Legislature, and the press
has also bad its say concerning the Justice of
allowing for the apparent bad figuring Of the
job. 1t is contended by some that Mr.. Cava-
naugh has no legal claim against the State.
On the other hand, Mr.. CavapanCh saws the
State agreed to furnish the stone for the build
ing, already dressed, from the Prison quarry:
but for some reason IL seems il failed to per-
form Its contract. As the time for the COM
pletion of the building was limited to less than
year, he was obliged to have a new quarry
Of stone opened and to procure his supply of
dressed stone from new quarter, thereby
mourning large expense. 1t appears that he
has performed a good piece Of work, and it is
generally admitted that the State will be DOS
sessed Of a fine structure and really worth the
Sl54,ooO. The building has cost some So
600 more than the contract price; and as Mr..
CaJansugh was assured by influential parties
that the Legislature would be favorable for
passing relief appropriation for him, lie went
forward with his work. Now come the ques-
lion, shall the appropriation be allowed? We
think, that although Mr.. Cavanaugh has not
clear legal right for the relief, still as the
State failed on its part in fulfilling a por-
ton of its contract in not furnishing material
requisite for the construction OF the building,
and 1t was necessary TO have the building fin
ished at the time required, and as it will re-
ceive good and Substantial building. and
really worth the sum expended, it would be
bnt matter Of reasonable justice that he
should receive from the State sufficient relief
to clear hun Of the liabilities he has contracted
IN carrying on the work.