The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1875-07-08
City Council.
A WARM SESSION AccEPTANcEoF HAMBLE-
TONS BID FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF
THE WATER WORKS, &C.. &C.


A WARM sEss1oN-AccEPTAN NOE OF HANDLE
TONS BID FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF
THE WATER WORKS, &C., &C.
The regular semi-monthly meeting of the
City Council was held on Tuesday night-al
of the members being present except Mr.
Hoge. There was also number of spectators
present, attracted by the desire to hear the re.
port of the special water committee to whom
had been submitted tile Various bids for the
construction OF the water works.
In anticipation OF the length OF the meeting,
and in consideration OF the temperature of the
atmosphere; one member sent out for supply
of palm-leaves, others unbuttoned and relieved
themselves OF their shirt collars, While the
thoughtful messenger replenished the cooler,
upon which large and frequent drafts were
made.
On motion the reading of the minutes OF the
last meeting and the regular order Of business
submitted an ordinance, which, after several
amendments, was adopted. The ordinance
provides that all hydrants, water-pipes, &C.,
shall be placed in position, and repairs to the
SOME made by the superintendent OF water
works only; making it an offence against the
law, punishable by fine, for citizens to en-
ploy any other workman in that capacity
For all such work the superintendent shall
charge at the rate of 40 cents per hour, shall
collect and deliver to the city authorities all
CIR cho11
ceive an annual salary Of $1,000.
After the adoption Of the ordinance, Mr..
Evans, from the Special Water Committee,
stated that three bids had been received by the
committee, for the construction Of. the water
works, viz Hambleton & Bro, Baltimore,
100000; Mcmahon and Green, $77. 436.92; Har-
man and Hartman, $4,000, all payable in s per
cent. water bonds of the city at par: The last
two bids were accompanied by the assurance
that satisfactory security would be given for
the faithful and speedy performance of the
contract. A majority Of the committee (Messrs.
Evans and Alby) reported in favor Of accepting
the Ham bleton bid, and minority (Mr. Graf
tam reported in favor of the lowest bid-Har-
man and Harman's. ~s,A- s44
In explanation Of the majority report Mr..
made upon the same plan and specifications,
the majority of the committee had arrived at
the conclusion that the acceptance of the Ham
bleton bid would be the most advisable in the
outcome, for the reason that that gentleman
had come here and made all proper tests and
experiments and for a long time was the only
bidder for the work. He had come with no
written recommendation, but with national
reputation as q hydraulic engineer;had submit
ted his own plan which had been adopted by
the construction of the work. The committee
hsd carefully considered the proposals of the
other gentlemen and were induced to favor
them not only on account OF the figures at
which they bid, but because they were home
men, and as such, entitled to the preference
The two lower bidding parties had been very
successful contractors or work of a different
character, but in undertaking this contract they
were engaging in a work in which they had had
no experience whatever, and consequently
knew very little about it. On the other hand
Mi. Hambleton had made a speciality Of pre-
csely this kind OF work. ds before stated, had
achieved national reputation in its prosecu.
ton and knew exactly what he was expected
to perform from the outset. He was a mar
who could not afford to do q bad job. Tf
other gentlemen could doubtless give any Sc
curity required, still what was wanted, ant
wanted now, was not security but water. L
the work should prove a failure, the security
might run into court and it might be 20 year
before anything could be realized.
Mr. Alby-The best guaranty we could have
bleton, and what we want is water and no
bond and security. =
Mr.. Grattan-When there is a particular
plan and specifications, taken from other work
and the City Engineers estimate, and tw'
bids are submitted, one proposing to execute
the work for 100000, and the other for $75, O0
both giving good and sufficient security,
does seem to me that the lowest should be &C
cepted. 1t may not make much difference nov
but when the extra $4,000 has to be paid,
Gen. Echols moved that the verbal report Q
the Special Committee be referred back to tn
same committee with instructions to prepare
written report accompanied by the plan, speci
fcations, contract, &C., and approved by tn
city attorney.
Mr.. Evans said that the committee had don
all they could 90 in the premises. The repor
submitted was not verbal report, and wa
accompanied by the plan, contract, &c. !
had been examined by the City Attorney, VIII
had said that it contained no material obJec
lions, but that there was some minor altercatlo
which could be made before the contract wa
signed. -
| Gen. Eehols' motion was then placed befor
the Council and lost. ~. - ),
Mr.. Grattan moved that the minority repor
be substituted for the majority report. Lost
| Gen. Echols-Does the, committee conslde
the proposition of Mr.. Hambeton q. reasonabl
and economical one?
Mr.. Evans-With all the.liglts before them
they do. u
Mr.. Evans then moved that the bid OF F. Il
Hambleton, of Baltimore, be. accepted and til
committee be Instructed toesnlake a contrae
with said Hambleton, subject tothe approvs
of the City Attorney and the City Council be
fore it shall be binding. on'the citysi
The ayes and noes were called with the to-
lowing result Ayes, Messrs. Bickle, Abby
Burke. Bagby, Witt. Grattan, German, Evan
l - H.