The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-12-18
THE FIREBOAT SNOOUALMIE.
Her Builders Propose Thorough In
vestigation.

SEATTLE, Dec. IL, 1890.
To THE TAxPAYERs OF SEATTLE: The Seattle
Dry Dock and shipbuilding Company having
about completed its contract with the city for
the construction Of the fireboat, and the boat
having been tested and proved to be a complete
success for the purpose for which she was con-
structed, 1t only remains for the council COM
mittee and superintendent of construction to
make their reports as to whether she has been
built according to plans and specifications, and
Tor the city to pay the contractors the balance
due on the contract price. This would be the
business course, under ordinary conditions, in a
transaction of this kind.
But it has been insinuated in q somewhat pub
lie way by malicious PERSONS that in some way
there has been job connected with the build
Ing OF this vessel and that the city has paid too
much for the same. Doubtless misled by this
irresponsible talk, some councilmen introduced
resolutions in the present council providing for
an Investigation of this, among other financial
transactions OF the two former councils This
company had expressed its desire that this iu-
yestigation should be made and the facts given
TO the public, knowing that these fact s would
forever put TO rest the infamous ISLANDERS which
have been disseminated by malignant or by lily
informed persons.
1t is now evident that this official investiga-
ton will not be made. Under the cloud raised
by its enemies (even if no bigger than man s
hand) this company cannot afford to rest. 1t
was organized by reputable citizens of Seattle
Tor the purpose OF building and repairing ves-
sells, at n time when the business OF shipbuild-
ing, which the people of the city had created,
and which had helped to build her up in past
years, owing to the occupation Of the water
front by railroads and docks, was about to be
transferred to other points. 1t is now engaged
Ill this business, and has built and operated
large sawmill and other works, which for
years have given occupation to hundreds
OF worSmcn and support to their families. This
company has built the Snoqualmie with the la
Dor OF Seattle mechanics. 1t has built her hull,
engines and boilers here, and purchased every
pound of material in Seattle that could be OBJ
tanned in this city. 1t pays taxes in this county
ana Is entitled TO at least fair treatment.
Concerning the letting of the contract for the
frcboat, ii was found, after three different calls
for bids, that the company was the lowest bid
der. The contract was let 10 it at the price of
s3S,f75, being s1s,025 lower than the next bid,
which was that of the Fulton Iron Works, of
san Francisco.
This company has, as it believes, completed
its contract with credit to itself and honor to
the city, and ii has done this ut loss it is its
own concern.
IN order that the facts in this matter may be
got before the public, for its final Judgment the
company has taken this action, to-wit: 1t has
requested three citizens, gentlemen against
whose honor 10 man dare utter word to take
Charge OF this matter and investigate thoroughly
whether the company was the lowest bidder,
and whether the boat, as piece of property, is
worth what the city has paid for the same. The
committee may appoint subcommittee to in
yestigate the proceedings of the letting
OF the contract by the council (Which are
all matters of public record, and very easily in
vestigated), and also subcommittee OF CONNIE
tent mechanics, to appraisc and state what the
actual value, in dollars aud CENTS of the boat is
today.
The company names as such committee to
take charge, Messrs. a. A. Denny, Judge r. S.
Greene and Thomas w Prosch
SEATTLE Dry DOCK * SUP BUILDING Co
By RoBEET MORAN,
Vice President and Manager.