New-York tribune., 1875-02-23
THE FIFTH-A We. REPA VEMENT
MERITS OF THE GRAHAMITE ASPHALT
PATENT.


PATENT.
THE CoMPANY,s DEFENsE-COsT OF THE PROPOSED
woRK-oulET AND CLEANLINESS SECURED BY
AN ASPHALT PAVEMENT
TO the Editor Of the Tribune.
SIR: The recent discussions Of the PROPOSE
ton TO repave the Flfth-ave. with genuine asphalt
pavement on proper foundation have brought forth
many unnecessary and ufriendly statements concern
ing the asphalt pavement laid BY this Company the
avenue, opposite the Worth Monument, nearly two
years ago. In order to correct any false impressions
Which may have been produced the public mind by
the persistent and Industrious circulation OF these I'M
founded and malicious reports. beg leave to submit
for publication few OF the statements OF eminent en-
gineers architects, and prominent builders, which
have been furnished TO u.s. The asphalt pavement op
poste the Worth Monument has sustained the extensive
rac at that point during nearly two years with little
perceptibe and without repairs, except in single
instance where small section had been cut out during
the night by persons unknown to u.s. probably for the
purpose OF surreptitous analysis careful inspection
of the pavement and OF the aldavits OF Superin
tendent and all our employees will substsntiate this
statement II It be necessary
Regarding the cost OF tho proposed work. about which
the widest have been made 1t proper
to say that from Washington square to Nnetieths 1t
would amount to about s720OO less than onefeenh
Of one per cent onthe assessed valuation Of the realty
ent the necessary excavations to rectfy the
rresent iuharnonious grades, the construction OF an
hydraulic concrete foundation six Inches IN thickness,
and the preparation and laying thereon OF an asphalt
concrete four inches In thickness. The present pave
ment belongs to the city. and when removed Will be
worth $4,000 for repairs of similar pavements else
whore.
Any attempt to break the bondage OF stone under
which this city suffers and get rid of Its dscomfOrts
and flth seems to meet with the most determined re-
sstanoe and is at once characterized Job" The
streets York could be repayed with an asphait
pavement laid over the present pavcments which would
last @ years cost OF ~ 80 to - per square yard ana
the avenues cost OF to s6 per square yard accord
ing to character foundation and thickness OF surface
layer.
with sunh pavement the streets could be washed
eyery morning perfectly clean. and tho benefits which
would result the health and comfort OF the pubic
from the quiet and cleanliness thus obtained would DO
incalcuable. Respectfully.
W. W. AvERELL, President.
oeaee Grahamih Asphalt Passment Company Ne0-
York, Feb 20. 1875
OPINIONS IN FAVOR OF THE PATENT.
FROM CHARLES X GRAHAM, ENGINEER-IN-cHIEf OF
THE DEPARTMENT OF DOCKS.
Gen. w. w. AvERELL, President g. A. I. Co.,:
In compliance with your request submit tnG toiOwioG
ready successfully lad by your Company III se'era
Of streets
The Chemical and expert evidence you already pos
sess cumulative and convincing that It Is quite need
and the asphalt pavements Of Paris likewise SO well
known great portion OF our citizens Dy lnspecuon
and to all by report tnat descrpom o FTbare
between Twenty ty-fourth and Twenty hith-sts. nav,
its smoothness elasticity MOI ,eess1ess. and compara
tive freedom from dust and moist surface deposs
demonstrated by the fact that sections cut from us
surface within the last few months ior the purposG o
making gas connections. having been IN position since
the Snrine of 1873 exhibit no apprecabe dminution In
thickness. The section In Thoinas-st nave IKE
wise personally examined, and from conversations
with The occupants OF the extensive mercantile
establishments in that neiGhoOrAood, 1 Judge
70 draw thereon and its freedom from noise &C. are
highly appreciated. Tho nOnconductive Ptcuaty oi
it can be removed make necessary repairs ana
replaced again without occaslonlnc oraKS or pres
more generally adopted in Winters lho the present tx
ON SSna
out the waterppes and connections oy tne @ ~
pense OF the operation would be greatly decreased and
the OF the replaced pavement would suner no
To avoid a misconception which might arise from the
descriptive you have applied to The material IS
proper to state that am not In any way, con
nected with the original promoter Oi your cDerprse.
aud simply give my indorsement TO ,nS sU!9S. !
sauce more generally introduced, and at the same time
energy yon have devoted 10 lts in'rouuc'iOA
suOs'an'''h' ''""''''' wy CHARLES X GRAHAM
Engineer in Chief Department of DOCKS
PROM LIvRRY-siABLE PRoPRIEToRs.
We the undersigned. propHetOrs OF livery stables In
the City of NewYOrk, having carefully examined the
asphalt pavement opposite the Worth Monument. which
pavement we have found durable, noiseless, and free
from DUST most earnestly request the honorable tho
Leeslature TO pass the bill for the repavement OF Fifth
ave with similar pavement, as from the reports Oh an
our drivers 1t found be less slippery for the horses
great saving of wear and tear carriages and
animals, and Of great comfort to pass,engers; s.
Mann. ~ ftee ~. o.; W t'.a D.s'..,s