Wichita eagle., 1889-09-22

Kos HARRIS,
u. Y. HEALY,
Il. II. ROYS
Mr. Oscar Barnes moved the adoption Of
the report with Mr.. Peter Getto as sec
ond.
Mr. Niederlander stated the object in
closing the contract so long before the
paving commenced was to give the gas
and water companies ample time to
change their mains after being assured
that the paving would be done. Mr.. Healy
said that very little time would be neces-
sary for the change of the mains as the
franchise demanded the tamping and
flushing of the trenches both by the water
and gas companies.
Dr. Mathews stated that the cedar block
had given good satisfaction in Mime
apolis, whereas the stone pavement was
regarded as an intolerabie nuisance. The
cedar blocks, he said, had the reputation
of lasting, and several streets which he
had seen were in good condition after be
ing down nine years. The speaker fur
ther stated that the asphaltum pavement
in Topeka had some enemies and was
regarded by some as hard on horses.
At this juncture Mr.. Trammen came in
with samples of bois dare and was intro
duced by the chairman, stating that he
would be glad to answer any questions
concerning his paving material. The ma
jOrity of the meeting was quite well ir-
formed concerning the wood, and others
took advantage of the opportunity to in
form themselves.
Mr.. Trammell drew the attention of the
meeting To the elasticity and toughness of
the wood after having laid in the streets
of Dallas for nine years. He then gave Il
short and concise history of the experience
Of the Dallas people in paving. The claims
for the wood are: First, it is Us noiseless as
any known pavement: second, l. is imDer-
viOUs TO any liquid and, therefore, safe
from danger of decay or emitting any I'M
wholesome odor; third, its unquestionable
durability.
Most of the pavements in Dallas are laid
on sand or gravel That foundation seems
to answer the purpose and is cheaper than
concrete The interstices between the
blocks are filled with sand or gravel
and covered with coal tar, about
two gallons to the square yard.
In answer to the question Mr.. Trammell
stated the cost ofpaving would be nearly rs
much as asphaltum for fifteen years. He
supposed it would cost not more than $3.50
per square yard and they would guarantee
it for twenty years. Mr.. Trammell said
he did not like the idea of giving a bond
for fifteen years but would leave a fair
portion OF the contract price in the hands
of a trustee. Mr.. Schnitzler asked what it
would cost for the wood alone. Mr.. Tram
NELL said he did not like to make a figure
as it would not strike anyone favOrably.
The main expense in handling the wood
was getting it out and saving it into
blocks as it was so very hard. The price
quoted did not include grading or extra
excavation. The cost of material would
be about one-thlrd the cost of paving and
that is the only amount that would go
outside of the city. The size OF the blocks
used in Dallas vary according to specifca-
ton from three and half inches to nine
inches Mr. Trammell underwent a rigid
cross examination for over an hour
the Bots dare and seemd to be
OF absorbing interest 10 the audience. The
cost of laying the pavement in Dallas is
about - 80 per yard. He thought labor
and material, viz: sand and tar, was a lit
tie higher here than in Dallas. He had
figured the freight at about 65 cents per
yard Labor in Dallas cost them $50 to
81 90 per day. Without consulting his as
sociates he could not make price on the
blocks in Dallas free on board. BY dis
pensing with the guarantee quite num-
Der of cents could be saved on the cost
The main cost of the guarantee would be
in keeping An agency here and keeping
watch Of the gas and water companies. He
did rot think they should be held reSpon-
BILE for damages caused by excavations.
but that would be source of complaint
from the public and they would have 10
protect themselves by explanations, at
least.
The material would weigh about 80
pounds TO the square yard and the freight
would be from ~ 10 - cents per hun
dred The guarantee would be an incou-
veuience. equal to - cents per yard on say
rs. eco square yards Of pavement That
would reduce the cost Of paving to about
S5.00.
Mr. Allen suggested the committee be
continued and authorized TO ask for bids
from other bidders on Bots dare.
Mr. Harris suggested that Mr. Trammell
would give all the needed addresses. The
gentleman said he would be happy 20 DO
50. 4 short discussion eusued on the IL
reption Of the first resolution Ringing on
the meaning Of the word practicable II
was discovered 10 be one Of Mr. Harris
words and met all objections, covered all
contingencies and suited all the exigencies
Of the case.
Mr.. Ross thought the meeting should
not altogether lose sight Of other pave
ments.
Mr.. Harris moved that it was the sense