The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-02-01
sTATE-HoUsE INVESTIGATION.
Commissioner Seward Examined at Length
Expert Testimony to the Charac-
ter of the Stone Work.

Adam Scott, of the firm OF Scott & Nicholson,
contractors, appeared before the State-house in
vestigating committee last night, as an expert
in stone masonry. Very little satisfaction re-
suited from his examination, from the fact that
he required some time to make estimates that
would be at all definite. hurried approxima-
ton led him to think that the old work could
have been done for rs cents per cubic foot and
the new for 81. He thought that the differ
ence iu cost OF material since the awarding of
the contract would make an excess in cost OF
stone work OF fully $1,000. When asked to
make definite estimate of the different branches
of the entire work, Mr.. Scott said that he needed
more time, and was given until tonight to COM
plete his calculation.
In answer to the query, Had the work been
done in a workmanlike manner7" the witness
would not hazard an opinion, but simply re-
marked. THAT is hard question to answer"
He was asked If stone can be put in place
cheaper by machinery than by hand, and re-
piled that it depends entirely upon the way the
machinery ia handled.
Mr.. David Nicholson, of the same firm, was
called as witness, but. upon his statement that
ne nad not been actively engaged in business
since the construction of the courthouse, he was
relieved from testifying.
The remainder of the evening was devoted to
the examination by Mr.. Heffrcn of Mr.. W. 8.
Seward, one of the State-house commissioners.
He stated that he dissented from the item in
the last annual report of the commissioners, In
which the Legislature is asked to make an addi-
tional appropriation. He stated that the board
construed the law referring to the State House,
as authorizing an expenditure within 50, 00o, 900
for the completion of the building. With refer
ence to the withdrawal OF KRnmacher from the
Job, he made the following statements: He I'M
derstood that Kanmacher mOrtgaged the tools
and machinery, without the knowledge Of How
ard and Denig, to secure outside individual in
debtedness amounting to $4,000 When his
associates heard of IL thew greatly
displeased and troubled, and Howard an
nounced his intention of withdraw
Understood that the latter was induced TO with
draw upon the payment by Howard OF a certain
sum necessary to meet his wants
Mr.. Seward said that the board held that 1t
had right to disc barge the present contractors
and to relet the work il It was deemed advisable.
He was asked to state the reputation of the sew
eral persons connected with the work as to their
financial standing, and replied that both Denig
and Kanmacher were reputed to be insolvent;
Howard solvent, and the sureties all good for
the amount Of their pond.
The witness made the following statement re-
excess of 100000; necessary to Gem
plete the contract, 81 ,26O,o0O; making a
total cost of ST 100000 This estimate is based
upon the present price of iron The surety bond
is $25O,0O0, to which, adding $65, 1000 In bonds
bearing 10 per cent. interest, makes the total
security So 5000 He stated that this estimate
is about $3.50, 900 in excess of the original con-
tract.
In speaking of other matters Mr.. Seward said
that the commissioners had about decided to
substitute marble for iron steps, which would
make an additional cost of about 81 900. They
also purpose to reduce the thickness of the walls
OF the upper story, which would lessen the cost
and not detract from the beauty nor substantial
bility Of the structure.
The committee concluded with an inquiry in
detail concerning the labors and compensation
of the commissioners. Mr.. Seward said that
there has hardly been "a day since the building
was begun that it was not necessary to have a
quorum OF the board in readiness TO decide mat
tiers appealed to it by the architect, contractors
or some others connected with the work. He
understood that nonresident com mission
ers are entitled to remuneration for
travelling expenses, board and other
necessary outlays of money, in addition to the
per diem. He said that the Board is under
bonds that the State-house shall not cost more
than 50, 000, 600, and its members propose to
perintend the construction very carefully, be-
cause OF their great esponsibity in the matter.
Other details, of little no interest to the pub
lie, were canvassed, when the committee resolved
itself into secret session. Mr.. Seward will be re-
called to-day