Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-10-11
fact and how it came about reason is

| fact and how it came about a reason is
suggested by no one.
In due time Mr.. Alexander was On hand
and after answering questions propounded
he retired.
He had scarcely shut the door when
Buckeridge to his feet made motion
that Steinmetz & Sullivan be awarded the
contract for constructing the sewer. He
had scarcely concluded when his COM
pauion from the Second ward, Downing,
gave second.
HealY was next 90 the floor and stated
that it might be well TO get word
from Clarkson before awarding the
thesis Mr.. Clarkson left for
his home in Chicago Tuesday morning
and his bid showed he had figured on
double strength brick main for outlet in
stead of single strength as called for IN
the specifications. This would make
several thousand dollars difference and he
inquired if that should not be further in
vestigated and see if he would not prove
the lowest responsible bidder. It was
also included in the conditions that 10 per
cent OF the contract price should go as
rebate to the city for engineering eI-
penses, etc. In order TO find If Mr.. Clark
son understood the 10 per cent dis
count he was wired early in the evening By
his attorney. Mr.. Apollo who IS in the city
but no answer at that moment, Mr.. Healy
was speaking of his bid, came, and in fact,
did not come last night. Mr.. English sug-
gested that Mr. Clarkson was a well known
sewer builder and had good bid in, and
it might be best to further consider his
bid wait for an explanation, as his attor-
ney was not prepared TO answer some Of
the very important questions and referred
them by wire TO Mr.. GARRISON
The city attorney suggested that 1t
would be best first to decide who was the
lowest bidder This would be the most
legal way of getting at it.
Upon this suggestion Mr.. Buckrldge,
with the consent of his second Mr. Down
ing, abandoned his motion and moved that
Steinmetz Sc Sullivan be declared the
lowest bidders.
When be had put his motion Mr.. John
son Inquired If they were the lowest bid
ders.
Buckridge replied that they were and
Glaze seemed also to coincide with Buck
ridge.
English stated that he did not think
they were the lowest bidders and hence
would oppose the motion.
Healy stated that they belonged TO the
city and that was in their favor.
The motion was put and johnson said it
seemed like most of the members thought
Sullivan & Steinmetz were the lowest bid
ders. and he would vote in the affirmative.
Mr.. English, in answer TO his name,
voted in the negative.
Mr.. Buckeridge suggested that Sullivan
& Steinmetz be sent for and sign the con-
tract and have the thing done.
To this the city attorney suggested that
an adjournment would be the
best thing under the circumstances,
and take another session for signing con-
tracts, arranging bonds and getting an
understanding about the ten per cent dis
count On Motion of Buckridge the coun-
Gil adjourned until o'clock this morning
when Mr.. Steinmetz & Sullivan will be on
hand 10 close the contract.
Despite the late hour most of the con-
tractors and assistants We're about the city
OttIiuAnS duu Oh Tic slItet near w.
Each one seemed to expect to be
called up into the presence of
the council at any moment. The
councilmen coming out of the chamber
soon found each member buttonholed by
some contractor, but they would shake
their heads, look very wise and try to act
dignified, and some of them liked TO fall
down trying to act instead of being nat
ural No, no. they would not tell any
thing: nothing had been decided on"
and all that sort of stuff that sounded
very funny TO one who had just left the
phone and rushed to the street to see the
alt-wise body. Buckridge suspicious that
the snap was out of the box, in animated
Language stated that it would not do to
publish it. He was given assurances.