The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-10-03
THE CONDUITS PROGRESS.
MR.. MURPHY SAYS THINGS ARE
NOT MOVING AS THEY OUGHT.

Five Engineers experimenting q
Work Proceeding at the Rate Of
200 Feet a Month-The Clash Be
tween the Foreman and Engineer
Dayton-Mr. Murphy Denies He Ever
Received Chairman Cams Iustruc-
tons
| Thomas Murphy, foreman OF the conduit
work at the new wafer works, who was dis
charged last week by the water COMMITTEE
which now has charge Of the conduit work,
is indignant at the manner in which be was
treated, aud proposes to have something 10
say. Mr. Murphy,it will be remembered was
! foreman for Robertson g. Weaver, who we're
deprived of their contract with the city
after Mr.. Weaver's charges against the en-
gineers at the water works failed to be sus-
tained by the water COMMITTEES. 1t was de-
clded that Mr.. Murphy should continue as
foreman under the water committee and
superintend the work as before.
Mr.. Murphy was seen yesterday by
MORNING NEWS reporter and talked freely
about the matter. He fatty d.niss Chair
man cams statement that he ever guar
anteed or agreed with him or with the en-
gtneers to push the construction OF tue con-
dult at the rate of twenty feet day.
NEVER WAS ANY UNDERSTANDING.
There was never any understanding as
to the amount of work to be done per day,
Mr.. Murphy says. Besides he claims it is
impossible to complete twenty feet day
with single force and one machine work
ing only at one end OF the conduit.
AS to the matter # economy IN thS con-
struction of the conduit MIR. Murphy said
| he never employed any more men than were
| actually necessary for the work, and be
| even refused to employ men sent to him
with recommendations from the engineers.
Mr.. Murphy found the same trouble with
| his work that Weaver did. He was unable
| TO geU along with the engineers.
tine upshot Of the whole NATTER he
said, was that they wanted to get rid of
nue.. | knew my business too well, and |
know too well what was going on. Ii is
the first job of the kind was ever engaged
on that required five engineers to look after
when the progress made was not over 200
feet q month"
THE CLASH WITH ENGINEER DAYTON.
There was a clash as to authority between
Mr.. Murphy and Engineer Dayton shortly
after the city took charge Of the work Mr.
Murphy complained to Chairman Cam,
who laid down the duties of each distinctly
AMI instructed Engineer Curtis to furnish
each with written copy of his instruc-
lions.
Mr.. Murphy did not receive his copy of
instructions, and upon the investigation OF
second clash Of authority MIR. Curtis said
be had not sent out Chairman Cams in
struction because Supervising Engineer
Johnston had taken them Off to Chicago 10y
mis- take.
Mr.. Murphy regards 1t as very queer that
one man should have been required his en-
tire time to inspect cement when the work
was being done by Robertson q Weaver,
but when the CONTRACT was taken out of
of their hands it should be found that DO
inspection was necessary aud the inspector
discharged.
He charges that it is the intention OF the
water committee and the engineers to make
| the conduit work consume every dollar of
Robertson & Weaver's contract with the
city, and if possible their bond for $40, 900
besides as punishment for their assump-
ton in daring to charge inismanagement
and fraud. The matter will end in the
courts, Mr.. Murphy said, where it be given
| a thorough airing.
Mr.. Murphy has a pocketful Of testi
monials from large contractors all over the
north as TO mis- efficiency and knowledge of
his business.