Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-04-09
THEY'LL COME HIGH,
But We Must Have Those Mononga-
hela Dams and Locks,
so COL. ALLEN is PUSHING THINGS.
Important Testimony, Tending to Fix Loci
No. 4 at $236,OOO.
THE EVIDENCE TO BE CLOSED TO-DAY

The case Of the United States against the
Monongahela Navigation Company, insti-
tuted for the purpose of condemnlng the
lock and dam system of that company, and
ultimately making the Monongahela River
free navigable stream, was opened at the
company's Office, in the Bakewell building,
at o'clock yesterday afternoon.
All the viewers but J. NJ Clark were
present Colonel Allen, the United States
District Attorney, represented the Govern
ment, and George Shiras, Jr., and R. B.
Carnahan looked after the interests of the
company. There were also present num-
Der of Government officials and several of
the stockholders and officers of the naviga-
tion company, all of whom were deeply in
terested in the testimony.
The first witness produced by the company
was John II. Drake, of Middletown, N. Y.
one of the heaviest contractors and builders
in the bridge and dam line in the United
States. He testified that he was not a civil
engineer, but had been engaged in river and
railroad contracting for 20 years. He was the
contractor for lock No. of the navigation
company, which was completed in 1884 In his
examination in chief the witness testified, in
answer to Mr.. Shiras, that he believed the
difference in the value of dam constructed
and put in place and one which had been COM
pleted and stood a practical test of three years,
which is the time generally deemed necessary
to determine the permanent qualities of these
dams, would reach in most cases, and in the
one in question particularly, so per cent of the
cost of construction in favor of the latter. He
said some contractors would say the dam that
stood the test would be worth only 25 per cent
more than that which had not, but the majority
of them, like himself. placed it at so.
He also testified as to the history of the Mo-
nongahela river in regard to floods, showing it
to be the most difficult stream in the country
on which to maintain lock or dam, not only
on account of the rapidity of the current, but
because of the frequent floods and washouts.
BUT HE HADN'T SEEN IT.
On cross-examination the witness admitted to
Colonel Allen that he had never seen the dam in
question, and that he did not know the object of
his visit to Pittsburg, which was in response to
a telegram received Saturday night to be in
Pittsburg Yesterday.
LV. Hoag Jr., the next witness, corroborated
the first witness, but placed the increased
value by reason of the successful test at 20 per
cent. This witness also admitted that he had
never examined lock and dam No. 2, and per-
sonally had no knowledge of its construction
or stability.
In answer to Colonel Allen he stated that
he would be willing to guarantee the dam for
the next four years only on condition that he
be given the care of the dam during that
period.
William D. Stratton, of Middletown, N Y, a
partner of the first witness, corroborated him,
and placed the increased value of the property
q 0f
tion. Witness never saw the dam in dispute,
and could not testify as to its qualities.
Colonel 7. P. Roberts, chief engineer of the
Monongahela Navigation Company, testified
that he has been civil engineer since 1868, and
has been chief engineer of the navigation COM
pany since 1884, has had many years experience
in the river line and was for considerable time
member of the corps of United States Engi-
neers of Western Pennsylvania; knew when
lock and dam No. was constructed and was
acquainted with its details and its materials.
After the three years test had been made, he
believed it ADDED at least 25 per cent to the
value of the dam. In addition to this he
thought the deposits of silt which from year to
year have been made in this dam have in
creased its value at least Is per cent, this be-
cause the debris had filled all crevlces that
might have made the dam weak during the
first year and formed in itself a solid mass
almost as strong as the bank of the river itself.
He testified to the difficulty of constructing
and maintaining dams on this river on account
of the frequency of floods and the power of the
current.
WHY IT WASN'T SAFE.
He also detailed the numerous risks assumed
in building dams on this river, and said it was
never safe to place close estimate on the
probable cost OF dam on stream like this.
He then cited the case of the Davis Island dam,
which was originally estimated at $3.50 900, but
when completed was found to have cost $3.50. 900.
Mr.. Carnahan then read the report of United
States Engineer Merrill, showing the estimate
of the cost Of Dam No. s, which is being con-
structed by the Government about five miles
above No. 2, of the navigation company, and
which Colonel Roberts testified was of the same
character and SIZE. generally as No. z. This
dam, it is estimated, will cost S236, 000
ColonelAIlen, on behalf of the Government,
objected to all testimony offered to show that
the dam and lock had enhanced in value by
reason of the deposits of silt, or because they
had stood the three years test. In cross-exam-
lining Mr.. Stratton he proved that Dams Nos
l. 2 and of the Monongahela Navigation Com
pany had all suffered from washouts or breaks
even after standing Il years without apparent
defects. This, the Colonel claimed, was suf-
ficient to show that Lock and Dam No. might
sufferer in the same way two hours after they
if such things could be considered in the pres
ent case, but they could not, for the reason
that the act of Congress under which the pres
ent proceedings are instituted direct the view
ers to estimate and determine the cost of the
dam as it stands to-day, and that it was unfair
for the company even to assume to charge the
Government for the gifts of nature which may
or may not have made the property of greater
value than when it was constructed.
The testimony being admitted subject to this
general objection, the relevancy of this testi-
mony will have to be determined before the
viewers can pass upon the case. The company
will close its case by noon to-day
Atameeting of Battery B last night it was
decided to leave for New York to participate
in the Washington Centennial at 7:30, on April
Is. 1t is not yet known whether the battery viii
parade mounted or dismounted.