Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-05-02
REPAIRING STREET PAvEMENrs.
Nj. Cr.nford Talks on the suhjsct-Not Re-
spo1sible for Delay.

MI. CI.nford Talks the suhjsc4-Not Re-
sponsible for Delay.
''why should discuss the question of street
repairs?" was the question put STAR reporter
by Maj. H. L. Crawford las. night There has
been Q good deal printed on that subject within
the past few days, but my end OF the case needs
no defense hold myself entirely biamelcss
and any one who is acquainted with the facts
knows that I am guiltless. The charge has
been made that our asphalt pavements have
been too slowly repaired; am not responsible
Tor this alleged elaboration. am ready and
willing at any time to increase the repairing
force in a reasonable manner. but the engineer
department says l must not increase the number
ofrepairing gangs because the department can
not furnish additional inspectors. Under the
present system there are two gangs and two In
spectors. Six weeks ago offered to organize
a flying force Of repairers which could attend
Immediately to faulty places on any OF the
principal thoroughfares, but that offer has not
yet been accepted.
CAN'T WORK WITHOUT ORDERS
"One thing / want distinctly understood,
cannot repair any street unless I receive orders
to do so. When the orders do come attend to
them. OF course we cannot make repairs when
II
falling. but in fine weather 1 can keep up with
the orders. My plant is the largest IN the
world, and its capacity exceeds that OF any
other. Issue the orders and will do the work.
''As to l4th street? Let me disclaim all TO
sponsibility for that thoroughfare. Ny orders
were not to touch it 1t would have been
money in my pocket to have had 1t repaired,
put was opposed to expenditures thereon at
this time because the Washington and George
town Railroad Company is about TO tear the
street up to lay its cable
What would you do to temporarily improve
that street?'
Simply fill the holes-none of them are deep
or dangerous-wit gravel or such like material
until the cable is in operation. That sort of re
pairing could be done for 900"
How much would il cost to patch it with
asphalt?"
How MONEY COULD BE WASTED.
About 81 $780," replied the major, ''and il
the patching process is decided upon the money
will be practically thrown away, for there is
nothing to tie the patch work to. The east side
OF the street is to be resurfaced this season
mat Is the only way to deal economically with
those old pavements. Ny views on this matter
are not selfish ones. Here is a copy Of letter
which sent to each member of the District
committees in Congress last winter: Enclosed
Is tabulated statement of old concrete and
asphalt pavements on streets in the District
"Ai'n "io nov costing very iaf &c "ihoHht Vi
money annually to keep in decent repair.
A great many Of these pavernents are costing
rs much every one or two years for patching as
1t would cost to rcsurface them, when they
would be good for from ten to fifteen years
without any cost for repairs. 1t is evidently a
great waste of money to keep patching these
old pavements, especially as they make the very
best foundation for the new covering at 50
small cost; whereas, if allowed to so much
longer they will become SO decayed that they
Will have to be taken up entirely and new pave
ment laid at full cost An inquiry into this
matter will prove the foregoing to be fact. 1t
would seem that in the interest of the District
OF Columbia. of economy and the good condi-
ton Of the streets it would be wisdom Of the
amount Of the appropriation is limited) to do
less new work and make good the old. Another
point is that it would do away with the contin-
uous repairing on some of our prominentstreets,
which is great annoyance to the public.
HE COURTS INVESTIGATION.
Il cheerfully invite investigation in this
question Of repairs. A committee of citizens,
the District Commissioners or a congressional
committee can command me at any time and !
Will give them all the information l possess"