Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-04
INCREASED In VALUE.
Expert Testimony Regarding the Con-
StructiOn of Lock No. Z.
TIE WORTH OF A SIX YEARS TEST.
One Question Calls for an Hours Address BY
Mr.. ShiraS.
NEWS NOTES FOUND IN THE COURTS

The testimony given yesterday in the case
No. 4, il the MonOugahela river, was to de-
termine the value of the lock when il was
built and the present value. Those who
went on the stand during the DAY consider
that it has increased in value % per cent on
account of withstanding the test of six years.
Thomas MCGOWAN, superintendent of re-
pairs for the Navigation Company, thought
the lock was worth % per cent more to-day
than when built. The lock and dam In
question he considered one of the finest ever
built and it might survive in good condition
for 100 or even 200 years.
u. w. Browne, superintendent of the city
water works, testified as an expert and
was certain of the remarkable stability OF
its construction and its increased valuation
by its long test. {. II. Harlowe, VINO was
the chief engineer OF its construction, also
detailed its soidlty and Its consequent
increased worth. w. S. wilkins. another
engineer testified in detail as to the cost of the
lock and dam and, said he would be willing
to give at least % per cent more for dam
that had been tested as this one has, than
one that was about completed.
A FIRST-CLASS JOB.
John NJ Goodwin, engineer of the Erie
Ship Canal, had inspected the work thor
oughlY and detailed the cost of the work as
allowed by first-class engineers. The whole
work was excellent and nothing but the very
finest material was used and the best workman
ship employed in Its construction. A portion
OF the stonework cost $50 per square yard. and
a part of the concrete must have cost not less
than s. per square yard. The stone filling and
cribbing was also of the very best. The timber
was exceptionally good. some of it costing $50.
some $50 and some S35 per LOCO feet. de es-
tiInated the dam to De worth at present from
s2l5,OcO TO S22O.O00 That was more than the
original cost. but the severe tests of years had
made it more valuable. He agreed with pre-
vious witnesses that it had added % per cent to
Its value. He cited number OF instances to
prove that dams had become more effective in
their application By growth of years
Nj. Bakewel, Secretary and Treasurer of
the company, was recalled and Mr.. Shiras
asked him wnat the capital stock of the COM
pany was. Mr. Lyon objected, and
LARGE-SIZED SNAG APPEARED.
Mr.. Lyon asked what it was proposed to show
and Mr.. Shiras said for the purpose of showing
the proportionate value OF this dam to the
whole OF the company's property. Mr.. Lyon
SAID it was irrelevant and that the balance of
the property was not in the case. He wished
the Court to decide the point. Judge Acheson
then asked Mr.. ShlraS Tor precedent to allow
OF the testimony.
For an hour Mr.. Shiras cited cases in point to
show the valuation placed on franchise. The
company held q franchise with the dam that
must be also paid for as well as the actual
value OF the dam.
Mr.. Lyon held that the franchise could not
De Claimed by the company, for the reason that
the water was owned and controlled by the
Government. There is no question as to Its
title TO the river, which II can lay claim to at
any time, notwithstanding any Improvement
made on 1t by any individual or company. The
right secured from the State cannot hold good
when the National Government steps in. Then
she State righ, ceases. However, the Govern
mcnt was willing to pay for the actual value
OF the dam, but it would not pay for any fran
chise.
The case continues to-dav