Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1874-03-21
THE DISTRICT INVESTIGATION.
The Street Pavement Contract, Etc,


Cancellation Yesterdays Proceedings
After our report OF the District investig alton
closed yesterday, VIM. B. Parsen, who was on
the stand, was further examined at length
AS TO The MERITS OF VARIOUS PAvEMESrs.
On cross examination by Mr.. MatJingiy, the
witness was asked what the price OF the Scharf
patent pavement was III New York. He replied
s. 80.
Mr.. Mattingly then read from Parisen's testi-
mony before the investigating committee of
1sI2 where he said that they had received from
500 to $3.50 per yard for the Scharf pavement
in New York.
Parsen (interrupting THAT reporter was in
error. IL | said that l lied. We never got $3.50
yard for the pavement.
MIR. Allison (to witness. You had better sit
nearer our reporter, then, or you may b. again
msrepresented.
The witness took a chair next to the official
reporter In reply TO a question, he stated that
he thought the concrete pavement the best in
the world. Wood will rot, but with concrete all
that is needed TO be kept in repair is the surface
1t there is any error IL will show itself in one
wear. He was then asked by Mr. Mattingly If
be did not think a guarantee for three years
was sufficient to cover any defect that
might arise, to which he replied, eyes" He
was cross examined at length in regard to the
work that he had done in jackson Place; then
by Mr.. Black as to the interest Mr.. Evans had
in Mr.. Zug's stone-crushing machine. The ex-
animation developed no new facts either for or
against the District government.
THE ANSWERS TO COLUMBUS ALEXANDRR's
PAVEMENT CIRCULAR.
Mr.. Christie said he desired to INTRODUCE GER
tain documents as a basis for their demand for
subpRnas dIceS tecum. He then produced let
ter, saying it was from G. L. Fuller in the Office
OF the city engineer OF Troy, n. Y, who ex-
pressed his opinion in regard TO certain pave
ments. This, with other papers produced, were
examined with good deal of curiosity by the
counsel for the District and the members OF the
committee. IL appeared that they were in an
swer to a circular sent by Mr.. Columbus Alex
ander to various parties, a copy OF which circu-
lar MIR. Christie said he would furnish.
Mr.. Allison said these documents must be con
sidered BY the counsel for defense TO ascertain
whether they would take the written word Of
these men. II they declined to do tn at, then the
committee would have TO act upon the question
of issuing subpGnas and sending for them. He
supposed the object of the memorislists was 70
show that psvements had been laid that had
proven failures elsewhere.
Mr. Christie-fes; after they had been
proven bad they had continued laying them
here.
Mr. Thurman said that published reports
might be convenient for reference, if any had
been made and printed after these pavemests
had been found interior. They might prove
something, bat the letters OF individuals, who
might be interested parties, could hardly be
taken.
Mr.. Mattingly said he thought the counsel
should produce the circular to which the letters
were answers.
1t was finally decided to turn over all the p7-
peIs to counsel and let them give their ans yer
to-day.
In answer to question of Mr.. Allison. Mr.
Latta, hilbourn, Tug, and Clepnaue.
TO-day's Session.
The committee reassembled at 10 O'Clock this
morning, all the members being present ex-
cept Mr.. Jewett.
Mr.. Christie called the attention of the COM
mttee TO certain requests of the nrst memorial
lists, asking for the appointment Of a competent
civil engineer. He thought one should be ap-
pointed. The memorialists were willing TO nav
Al he IN sal hut in rda
give such report verify, he thought an engi-
neer should be appointed by the committee.
Mr.. Harrington suggested that the memorial
lists appoint an engineer, the District govern
-ment one, and one be selected by the chief en-
giDeer of the army.
Mr.. Allison said the committee would take
cognlzance Oh the request, and early action
might be expected.
Mr.. Christie called attention to certain en-
tries in Gov. Shepherds answer on page 422,
cobble stone from Pennsylvania avenue at u
cents per square yard. In this connection he
called attention to the expenditures OF tue
Treasurer OF the Board OF Public Works, for
certain payments made to Albert Gleason for
the removal of cobble stone on PENNSYLVANIA
avenue between I7Jh street and Rock creek.
He asked Tor the production and inspection of
certain contracts numbered in the memorial
lists charges, of which he furnished list 10
counsel for the District government. He said
he desired TO prove that sdyances were made to
certain contractors.
Mr.. Mattingly-we admit in our answer
that advances were made. Mr.. Christie called
for contracts numbered 81 and 81, which were
produced. He offered In evidence a portion OF
NO 81, contract made with Lewis 5. Hilbert;
he said the original blanks in the 8th section
provided for partial payments upon ths certif-
cation OF the engineer of the Board of Public
Works, and not until such q certitcation was
given; he then read an amendment in the con-
tract, which provided that partial payments
should be made by the board Ii they deemed
the same necessary to more vigorous prosecu
ton OF the work. He also called the attention
OF the committee to an extension OF a contract,
No. 80, which gave 25 cents additional prices 10
the sum named in the body of the contract. 1t
was needless for him to say that he deemed it a
violation or the statutes.
TIE DISTRICT AUDITORS CHIEF CLERK ON
THE STAND.
John Morris, sworn. and examined by Mr..
Wilson.-Am chief clerk in the AUDITORS Off CO
OF the District government. Witness explained
practice, as far as he knows, for the engineer TO
certify only to the quality and quantity of work
done; not to extend the prices on the vouchers;
the Auditor extends such amounts. He ex-
planned at length the Parisen bills with the
board, and the amounts paid him; the certiti-
Gates issued amounted to $50, 436. 50.
y. Then the statement in the Governors
answer that certificates were issued to him for
S43 GOO lie q mistake? A. No, sir. There is a
mistake In the heading. The cost Of the mate
rial furnished by the board should be added:
Iors figures submitted in his report.
Witness was handed paper and asked if he
recognized tnc signature! ne 0iQ as that
Mr.. Lay, the auditor. The paper contained fiy-
ures relative to 9th street, Vermont avenue aud
other payements, which, upon motion OF Mr.
Christie, was admitted as evidence.
MORE PAPERS ASKED FOR.
MI Christie asked for all vouchers made with
Lewis & Co. pertaining to the contract IN ade
nished.
AT the suggestion Of the committee, couns, d
for the memorialists agreed to inspect them apd
present this portion Of the case more delib,-
rately after they had examined the papers
Mr.. Allison--I find in my desk q circular adj
dressed TO major and chief engineer signed by
Columbus Alexander; do you wish to offef this
in evidence.
Mr.. Christie.-Yes, sir.
Mr.. Allison.-Any replies brought about by
that letter, and any documentary evidence
elected thereby, you may leave with the COM
mittee, and We will examine the same.
At quarter before twelve O'Clock the commit
tee took q recess until ID. m.
APTBR RECESS.
The committee reassembled at 1 O'Clock.
MT. Christie submitted q number Of letters
and reports from certain cities, with regard to
the cost OF laying different kinds of pavement.
NH LATrA ON THE STAND.
lanes n. Latta sworn and examined by Mr.
SLhsue; MY business IL that Of o real estate
bourne since 1865. A A'' ALI
". State u any money was advanced To vonr
about y