The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-05-16
WHO WAS THE BEST BIDDER.
Awarding OF the Contract for RemodeIiinQ
the Gas-Works-The Work TO Commence a,
an Early Day.

an Early Day.
The Committee on Light met I'm I'm
Council chamber yesterday evening at
O'Clock for the purpose OF opening ant
awarding the contract for remodeling The
gas-works. Mr.. Higgins, chairman, ant
Messrs. Bowie, Gum, Glasgow. Taylor
Phillips. and Powers were present.
Before the bids were opened IL wa
stated that Mr.. Anderson. one OF the bid
ders, had said that in view OF the fact tha
he had acted as consulting engineer 10 thC
committee, and had drawn the plans adopt
ed, he had put in the same envelope with
his bid note stating that he expected tc
be paid $1,000 for these services. 1t
il was therefore thought best to send a
EcOmmittee to Mr.. Anderson and ascertain
definitely his position on this question be-
fore the bids were opened. and the Chair
lappOinted as this committee Messrs. Bowie
Gum, and Phillips. When We committee
returned they confirmed tn. report first
made, but said that Mr.. A derson was
willing TO leave the price TO the committee.
Mr.. Gum said he thought the charges
steep.
Mr.. Glasgow said he didn't know that
Anderson had been employed rs consult
ing engineer.
Mr.. Higgins, in answer to n remark
made by Captain Phillips, which intimated
that Anderson had been employed as con-
suIting engineer, said that he sent Ander-
son message to meet him in Washington,
and that he did so.
Mr.. Glasgow remarked that it was the
universal custom FOR contractors 10 do all
that Mr.. Anderson had done, and do it free
oi cost; and he said such charge was I'M
heard Of.
Mr.. Phillips moved to open the bids, as
the committee had the right TO reject any or
all Of them.
Mr.. Gum was opposed to this. He said
81 300 was too much 10 pay for Il plan.
Mr.. Knowles had written to Anderson, and
asked him II ne charged. and TO this no
reply had been made. II the bids were
opened and Mr.. Anderson's bid rejected,
the city would have to pay the $1,000.
II was thought that resolution not to
open the bids and acquaint Mr.. Anderson
with the fact that his terms were unsatis-
factory should be adopted.
Mr.. Bowie thought not. This would not
be fair 10 other bidders, and It had been
advertised that the bids would be opened.
Captain Phillips moved that Mr.. Ander-
son he notified that his charges were cX-
orbitant for plans furnished, and that the
bids be not opened. This resolution was
adopted, and the Chair appointed Messrs.
Gum, Phillips, and Glasgow.
Mr.. Glasgow suggested that better plan
would be TO invite Mr.. Anderson TO appear
before the committee.
This was done, and Mr.. Anderson came
in: and Mr. Higgins informed him Of the
feelings OF the committee. Mr. Anderson
said: Have you opened my bIdI There
i, note in it which explains all. | am
perfectly willing to leave 1t all to the COM
miTtee."
Mr.. Phillips moved that Mr. Anderson
be allowed to open his BID and read the
note. This was done, and Mr.. Anderson
read a note saying that he had made several
trips. given much thought to the sub
| iect. been consulted more than year
ago by invitation OF Mr.. Curtis, chair
man Of the Committee on Light,
and written many letters on the subject.
lie didn't think when all the bids were
opened he would be found much out OF the
way. Mr.. Anderson said he had direct
order for the plan, and the drawings iur-
nished were not those usually gwen. lie
said he was willing to leave the mat
Ter 10 tic NDliliAlllfNff hnANHNA ~
ccptcd hi, plans and bids or not. and he
was willing to throw himself upon the
committee whether he got the work or not.
This seemed satisfactory, and on motion
the bids were opened and read by Mr..
Higgins.
Mr. Gum moved that the contract he
awarded TO Gardner Brothers, Of Pitts
buryh. they being the lowest bidders.
Mr.. Philips moved TO substitute Mr. An
derson i'm place Of Gardner Brothers. Mr..
Anderson understood the plans anu, be-
sides. agreed 10 buy all the iron used from
the Tredegar Company.
Mr.. Gum thought the contract should
be awarded 10 the lowest bidder.
Mr.. Gllseow thought it would be wei
10 get the opinion OF Colonel CutshaW, CltY
Englneer. a. II Mr.. AEder>On's services rs
consulting engineer.
Colonel Cutshaw said he was reluctant
TO speak about gaS engineers charges.
Real engineer, charged 10 per cent. OF bid a;
architects , per cent. The latter would make
Nr. Ander,On's bill about $500, and travel
linz expenses added. il he was employed.
The plans were not as elaborate a archl-
tcct,'. Ii would take two weeks 10 draw
them. In answer 10 questions from Mr.
Philips. Mr. Glasgow said that the iron
used i'm remOdelling the works would cos'
in round numbers about $1,000. MI
Philips said he was willing TO 20 10 per
cent. on his city. We were getting large
enough to take care OF ourselves, and ne
wanted to do it.
MIR Higgins explained his business meet
ings with Anderson. lie had no persona
interests to subserve, only the city's int
rest. and taking into consideration Ander
sons familiarity with the plan and Tho
small difference in the bids, he thought tha
il would be well to give the contract L
Anderson.
Mr.. Philips moved that $1,000 be Siyer
Anderson for his plans and services.
Mr.. Higgins suggested that Mr.. Philip
alter his motion 50 as to award the contrac
10 Mr.. Anderson at his bid, the same Il
include all his professional services rem
deed the city, I'd this was done.
Mr.. Gum called for recorded vote OF
Mr.. Phillips's motion, and when taken i
stood:
AYEs.-Messrs. Higgins, Phillips Powers, an
SoTs.-Messrs Gunn and Bowie-2.
EXCU sED.-Mr. Glasgow.
Mr.. Anderson, it is said, Is ready 10 50
IN work at once. HIS bid was Sl2,523.
Gardner Brothers bid was about Sl,2O
less than Anderson's.