St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-05-30

progress that is supposed to be omnipresent
in St. Paul, has not sighted this particu-
lar industry. Not long ago the hoe was
the only implement used in this work, but
year or two ago the city engineer intro
duced the broons now in use, and last
summer followed it up with street sweep
ing machine, which does the work of
good many hands. 1t will not be
long before another will appear
upon the streets and again cut
down the only pay roll of laboring men
May the cost in wages of street cleaning
was S4,0S9.5S; Men at this work are paid
S1.25 per day, day and teams So. A night
force of ten men is employed to follow the
street sweeper, who receives $3.50. The
total pay roll for May of the street and
sewer forces is as follows: First ward,
S50S.69; second ward, S1.45S. 63; third
ward, 1894 90; fourth ward 21.924.15;
fifth ward, 50, 514.9 "a; sixth ward, S79S.71:
seventh ward, S27. Total, IS, 226.75.
THE CONTRACT SYSTEM.
For thirteen years the present methods
in public works have been observed, and it
was longer ago than that when the city did
its work other than by the contract system.
AT present the expense of public improve
ments, all of which are let to contractors,
is enormous. The report of the city eng-
neer for May shows that ffty-six contracts
were in operation during the month, and
that S92, 633.67 was allowed on estimates.
In view of the fact that so many working
men are in favor of doing away with the
contract system. and of letting the city
makeand conduct its own Improvements,
the following interview with Controller
John w. Roach may be of interest:
''Well, of course there are two sides to this
question. On the one hand if the city does
its own work corrupt rings and powers are
formed. This has been the experience of all
cities that have tried it, when the employ
ment of large number of men depends on
the voice of one man that man will probably
become q political influence. and when posi-
lions within the gift of a man and their
tenure depends upon his will you can see the
probable consequences. There are oppor-
tunities and temptations for steals and by
and-by the rings become so backed with
smoney, influence and members that
Fit is difficult to break them.
All things considered the contract system is
kthe cheapest to the city. If st. Paul were to
undertake the other system it would involve
! the employment of 5000 men during the sea-
kson and an immense number of overseers
land inspectors where now there are EMPLOYED
Ebut between thirty and forty during the busy
hseason. The work might be done better in
many instances, but it would not be likely to
be done as cheaply as public boards and
superintendent are not apt to be as economi-
cal as a contractor. They would naturally be
more liberal and create unnecessary expenses.
Minneapolis has lately discarded the contract
system and so far it seems to
WORK SATISFACTORILY.
and 1 am inclined to think that in few years.
at most, these objections, among others, will
become apparent By a change in this city
the same amount of work could not be done
at increased wages without greatly incress-
inc the Still I In NOT biplr hot tbo
average laboring man is paid sufficient wages
to support family. OF course if the city
did its own work it could pay what it
pleased. As to requiring contractors for
city work to pay as much per day You
know an ordinance was passed recently by
the council making such provisions, but was
vetoed by the mayor on the ground that it
would invalidate assessments. No such steps
can be taken without special legislation, and
it might be good plan to secure the legisla-
ton necessary to that end at the next session
of the legislature. The experiment could be
tried for two years at least. AS it is, think
some further protection might be given to
the interests of laborers working for
contractors. More care might be exercised
in letting contracts only to responsible bid
ders. All contractors are required to give
bonds which secure, among other things the
payment of their labor, but laboring man
with few dollars at stake will not carry his
case into court. The law requires contracts
IL.
says that ''the responsibility shall be in the
bidder himself meaning that he must be
reputable and financially responsible himself.
The law provides that if man
has not confidence in the contractor
he may file his claim with the
comptroller and the amount;will be reserved
from the estimates. If the debt is hot ac-
knowledged by the contractor the employee
must, however, bring suit within sixty DAYS
or forfeit his claim. Under the ordinance
governing that point contractor cannot be
allowed an estimate at any stage of the work
unless he files an affidavit that his labor has
been paid. These afiidavits are always fled
whether the labor is paid or not In the
thirteen years that this law has been in force.
between $4,000 and 500, 900 have been saved
to laborers by their fling claims with the
comptroller, and during that time I suppose
that less than $4,000 have been absolutely
lost. Last year laborers lost considerable
amounts through either the dishonesty or
failure of contractors
The Trades Assembly.
At the meeting of the trades assembly
last evening the case of the members of the
Bakers union, indicted for conspiracy, was
discussed, and committee of three was
appointed to secure counsel to defend them.
1t was the sentiment of the meeting that it
should be made test case, and that an
able lawyer should be secured. Pending
the settlement of the case it was resolved to
discontinue all boycotts by the assembly.
and the boycott committee was discharged.
A member called the attention of the assem-
bly, to some rumored abuses at the county poor
farm, and committee of three was ap-
pointed to investigate the matter. 1t was
claimed that some of the inmates were ILL
treated and not properly cared for, Thomas