St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-05-19
HAS PREVENTED BUILDING.
Opinions That Labor Agitation Has
Prevented Many improvements.
A General Sentiment That Now is u
Good Time to Make Contracts.

Good Time to Make Contracts
In a document submitted to the chamber
OF commerce directors at their last meeting
by President ScribDer of the Contractors
and Builders association, it was stated that
In the opinion of the association there was no
longer any reason for further delay in build
ing operations ON account of the unsettled
condition of labor throughout the country.
and In st. Paul. Interviews with numer-
Gus contractors, architects and others, in
position to have studied the situation,
tend to corroborate the above. About all
who were questioned on that point agreed
with the statement of the contractors union.
There was also an almost unanimous eX-
preston from a dozen or more gentlemen
interviewed on the subject, that consider
able check had been put on building opera
lions by the general labor agitation. At
the same time it was the general testimony
that even under this condition of things
the amount of building is greater than last
year. The opinions of the gentlemen quot
ed below will be of interest.
AT THE BUILDING INSPECTORS.
Building Inspector johnson stated that
several large and costly buildings. intended
to be erected this spring. would now be
under way had it not been for the strikes
and general uneasiness in labor circles.
And | think" continued Mr.. Johnson.
''that this Office would have shown fully
500, O000 more in permits last month and
thus far the present month had not this
trouble come up. The figures on our books
show considerable Of an increase. as it is,
this year over last, but this is natural and
owing to the natural and rapid growth of
the city," The reporter was informed that
the building permits of April, 1885, were the
largest in amount of any month of that
year, and were considered enormous as
We're the aggregate for the entire year.
April of this year the amount exceeded that
of the same month last year by $40, 900.
May Of 1885 was the next largest
month for that year, and thus
for during the present month the amount
has exceeded May '85, nearly $500, 900.
Last week the permits reached about $249,-
600. 1t is also estimated that the permits
for the present year will run nearly a mill 4
ion dollars over those of last. Whilst these
figures would seem to indicate no material
effect upon building interests by the strike,
all the large contractors who visit the CITY
inspectors Office are of the opinion that the
building boom would have been considera-
bly, larger had there been no uneasiness
caused. They, however, say there is plenty
of work as it is, A representative of the
building and contracting firm of Agnew 6
Cox Informed reporter that several large
blocks announced to go up this year have
been postponed, as the builders became I'M
easy and felt that they could afford to wait.
A $500, 600 block for offices. etc., contem-
plated by a syndicate, and to have been
nrQOtnd a nE with TDoI.z
streets, has been shut down on for the present
for similar reason. Several architects re-
port that jobs in contemplation have been
stopped in the architects hands with in
structions to wait for future Developments.
Architect Ward reports several plans and
specifications suspended until later in the
season. and Mr.. E. P. Bassford thinks the
recent strikes have resulted in stopping a
number of proposed extensive improve
ments for the present if not for this year.
ARCHITECTS VIEWS.
George Wirth thought the labor troubles
had somewhat effected building operations.
but not a great deal, and the effect had been
overestimated. A large number of build
lngS had been talked of and some would not
be built and had never been seriously in
tended. He said contractors had not much
work at the present time and were very
anxious to figure on jobs, and building
could be done cheaper now than later be-
cause materel was bound to go up. He
thought the present the time to make good
contracts.
II. S. Treherne said the labor troubles |
had knocked about $500, 900 worth of work |
out of his office, or at least had postponed |
it. The plumbers had bothered him in the |
completion of his own residence, but he |
thought the labor troubles would not ma
teraliy affect the building of small resi-
deneeS, while there was no doubt that the |
projectors of large and expensive buildings
were very cautious about beginning any
work.
E. j. Hodgson said he at first thought
the labor troubles would have no effect on
building, but had concluded the contrary
was true. However, the business was now
The troubles had had an in
timidating effect, but in another week this |
would all be eliminated.
d. w. Willard thought the troubles had |
been detrimental to business, but he only |
had one piece of evidence. He knew of |
one large building which had been post
poned on this account.
Smith & Ulmer, stone contractors. |
have more work than at this time last wear.
it is the general impression that |
building operations have been considerably
delayed.
Thomas Fitzpatrick, carpenter contractor.
i personally know of 1925, 600 worth of
building that has been. shelved through a
lack of confidence in the situation. Nine
tenths of those who build borrow money to
do it with, and they are naturally little
cautious. I think that the labor troubles
Of this spring have been great damage to
the city. Yes, wages and hours are prac-
tically settled for the season, but still that B
lack of confidence remains. +
ID. d. Doyle, contracting carpenter.-I
know that building operations are consid-
erably retarded, but don't think that it is
as much owing to the labor troubles as
many suppose.
Paul Martini don't know of any par
ticular buildings that have been delayed for
the reasons named, but 1 believe that it is
the general understanding. l think that
good many buildings that have been tenn
porarily shelved will be started during the
summer and fall.
Lauer Bros, stone contractors-There is
not as much work now as at this time last
year, and it is probably for that reason.
Although wages for stone cutters have
been slightly advanced, work can beedone I
lust as cheap as last year, for stone is a
little cheaper. '-' +
The California Wine House.
Nn1