The Osceola times., 1883-09-29
OFFICIAL FAv0RlTISM.
That's What the Committee Say is the
Matter With Supervising
Architect Hill.
And Tha. the Business has Grown too Big For
One Man To Weld.
FEATURES or THE REPORT.

which was submitted to Secretary Folger on
Monday: Respecting the modification OF the
Is per cent. contracts and the charges
against Mr.. Hin in connection Herewith,
the committee say that they felt some hesl-
taiion because Of the fact that these cont acts
were modified In accordance with the
recommendation Of commission composed
OF three members-Assistant Secretary
French, Col. Casey Of the army and Mr..
Hill. Only the last named was under
charges.
After reviewing the history Of how these
contracts were made by Supervising Archi-
tect Mullett and OF the official action OF Sec
retaries Morrill, and Sherman under the legal
advice OF the attorney general, and review
ing the conflicting testimony respecting the
cost Of the Philadelphia public building, the
commission says: First, that the testimony
of one expert, Mr.. Stienmetz, in regard to
the
EXCESSIVE AND UNNECESSARY COST
of cutting the stone for that building, al
though startling, was not corroborated, but
was decidedly contradicted by the testimony
of other experts, and the commission were,
therefore, not willing to regard it as suff-
cient proof OF fraud or corruption on the
part OF Mr.. Hill. They are Of the opinion,
however, that the cost OF the stone, and the
dressing thereof, for the Philadelphia build
ing, was greater by about 1865, 900 than II
would have been had the old contracts been
annuled and new ones made after inviting
free competition. The commission says that
there were legal obstacles which prevented
the cancellation Of the old contracts, and
therefore the best that was practicable un-
der the circumstances was probably done.
Respecting the charges brought by Paulson
& Eager, the commission find that they were
not sustained by the evidence and that the
action OF the supervising architect was
proper.
The next matter taken up is the fire proof
shutter contract for the Cincinnati public
building, involving the controversy between
the United States Shutter company and the
Manly Cooperative company. After re-
viewing and
SITTING THE TESTIMONY
relating to the charges by the latter firm,
the commission find that there was an ap-
parent determination on the part Of the sup
eryising architect not to allow free ccmpe-
ttion, but to give the contract to the United
States shutter company, although the Manly
Cooperative company offered to do the
work for less sum, and they are driven TO
the conclusion he not only did not do all he
could In that case to save $40, 900 to the gov
ernment, but that he did not intend the
Manly Cooperative company should have
the contract at all.
In regard to the contract for fire proof
vault and safes, the commission found that
bids have been invited by advertisement
only once since 1875, and that during the last
eight years Geo. l.. Damon, who is also an
officer Of the U. S. Shutter company, has
held the contracts for furnishing all the safes
and building all the vaults required for pub
lie buildings. During that period he has
been paid 1898, 200. While it is not shown
hat good work and material have not been
furnished at fair prices, the commission are
of the opinion that proposals should have
been advertised for each year in order to
ALLOW FAIR COMPETITION.
In regard to elevators for public buildings
the commission found that since May, 1879,
when a committee Of experts made a report
In favor Of the Hale patent, it has been in
use and no competition invited or SLOWED
as the law requires. In this respect they
say that the supervising architect has acted
contrary to law, and is guilty of official dere-
LECTION.
The Wilbur charges to the effect that the
supervising architect and one OF his subor-
dinates had demanded a commission OF ten
per cent. in consideration OF approving a
certain bill for work done and materials fur
nished, are dismissed.
Respecting the charge that Mr.. Hill had
corruptly favored certain contractors who
furnished slate-roof fasteners of certain
patent, the committee find that, on the
contrary, he acted for the best interest Of
the government.
After careful analysts and review Of the
charge, that the supervising architect acted
improperly in approving certain extra bids
for iron work on the New York post office,
the commission say that in their opinion he
should have given greater consideration to
the report OF Mr.. Steinmctz relating to that
subject inasmuch as the circumstances Of
the case were such as to provoke the most
careful scrutiny. Nevertheless, the COM
mission express the opinion that the allow
ance made 10y Mr.. Hill was
SUBSTANTIALLY CORRECT AND JUST.
The commission devote considerable space
to the charges respecting the heating appa-
ra'us for the Chicago post office and custom
house. They comment unfavorably upon
the fact Mr.. Hill paid to a member of one Of
he firms competing for the contracts a very
large sum, -, 800 each, for making the plans
for heating the public buildings in Chicago,
st. Louis aud two other cities. They believe
the making of these plans, as well as for the
heating apparatus itself.
They also find in respect to the heating Of
the Chicago buildings that the work and ma
terials did not fulfil the requirements Of the
specifications. In this connection they point
out that the supervising architect appointed
to inspect this job is a young man who left
the service Of the contractors, by whom he
was paid only 81 80 per day, 10 enter gov
ernment service where he received 50 per
day, and that as soon as the job had been
completed and the contractors paid be went
back into their service. The commission
believe thst the employment Of this person
rnder the circumstances was
HIGHLY IMPROPER.