Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-04-18
AS LOW AS POSSIBLE.
That seems to be the Motto of Colonel AL
len Regarding the Purchase of Dock
Nm. S-Testimouy for Him.

That Seems TO be the Motto of Colonel Ale
len REGARDING the Purchase Of Dock
Z No. 5-Testimouy for Him.
The Board of Viewers appointed to take
testimony and report in relation to the dam
ages of Lock No z, met yesterday afternoon
in, the Office of United States District Attor.
ney Allen. Attorneys George Shiras and
R. B. Carnahan represented the Navigation
Company.
Mr.. Bakewel, Treasurer of the company,
was recalled and asked about some extras
that were charged up in the bill for con-
struction that were not specified in the con-
tract. He made full explanation of them
all.
Colonel Allen read from the reports of
the company, showing that the coal and coke
shipments through the lock in 1881 were
go, 900, 900 bushels, while in 1885 they were
only $1,000, 900; the amount Of classified
freight was 10000 pounds less in 1885
than in 1881, and the amount of Lumber and
timber was 13, 600, 900 feet less in 1885 than
in 1881. Mr.. Bakewell said that in 1888 the
company had done larger business than in
any previous year.
William P. Wood, the company's book
keeper, was called. He was shown bills
for repairs, dredging and towing, contracted
during 1888. They we're for amounts rang
ing from $500 to $500. He testified that
they all related to lock No. Z.
w. G. Wilkins and George H. Brown,
both experienced civil engineers, were
called. They had made visit to the lock
last Monday, at the request Of Colonel Rob-
erts. Their testimony in the main was to
the effect that, in their judgment. the lock
was in a substantially good condition. The
walls are built of good material, are un-
usually wide and the character OF the
work is excellent.
Jacob Friday, masonry contractor, who
built the piers and abutments OF the Smith
field street bridge, has also examined the
lock recently, and agreed with the former
witnesses that it was in a good condition.
Colonel T. P. Roberts was recalled, and
said the lock had been repaired less than a
year ago, and attributed to careless con-
struction the fact that the wall is nearly an
inch out of line at one place. Mr.. Nc
Gowan, Superintendent of Repairs, was
called and testified to the quality of cement
used in the walls, and the hearing was ad-
iourned until this morning at 10 o'clock.
Colonel w. E. Merrill was present at the
hearing and will testify to-day.
United States District Attorney. Allen
has his figures for the price of the dam
ready; but, as he intends to make an argu-
ment in the case, he thought it not good
policy to disclose the amount for the present.
Said he, to reporter last evening: 'The
Monongahela Navigation Company claims
the dam cost them from $165, 900 to S175, 600.
There will not be much of dispute On that
point; but they claim in addition that,
since the dam has stood the test of floods,
etc., it is worth from 20 to 40 per cent more
than it cost. The law recognizes no such
rule in estimating damages. The Govern
ment claims that the lock is damaged, and
must be either totally or partially recon-
structed. The compsny's aim is to secure,
indirectly, damages for their franchise,
which is forbidden by the act of Con-
gress."