The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1894-01-29

ILL "a N0t@H daNN
patent to us that as, between syenite at a low
figure and granite at a higher rate, the
former was for us the best bargain. As
between syenite and trap-rock, we found that
in the open market, syenite ruled ana was
readily purchased at a price from
$40 to SIS per thousand higher than trap
rock, and even at the increased figure, was
difficult to obtain, by reason OF the demand
made for it. A comparison of the wearing
qualities of each stone resulted in a further
confirmation of our opinion, that at the
prices submitted to us syenlte was mucn 10
be preferred. Granite when first laid pre-
sents a beautiful appearance, but being OF
soft composition soon wears into ruts. Trap
rock presents all the elements OF toughness
and durability, but they who manufacture
it into paving blocks, either cannot
or will not cut it uni
formly. Per contra, with syenite, the
cleavage is almost perfect, and in laying, the
blocks can be placed closely together, SO that
when finished a street will not only present a
more uniform surface, but water is less
liable to insert itself between the joints, and
becoming frozen disintegrate and destroy
the pavement. We, therefore, awarded the
contract to that bidder whose figure for
svenite was the lowest, for, after the thor
ough investigation we had made, that seemed
to BE the most business-like procedure. The
declaration of our intention opened the Hood
gates of criticism. We were assailed with
out mercy and without reason. The sensa-
tionaI press was filled with column upon col
umn of news about the great job. In face
of the fact that it was a known and listed
commodity for years before we had taken IL
mn. and that eminen biologists had recog-
nized and written about it, the accusation
was made, that we had discovered and
named it. Notwithstanding the fact that
five % separate and distinct bidders rendered
proposals for furnishing the material, it was
claimed that the bidding was restrictive.
THE DOGS DO BARK, INDEED.
SIT was also discovered that the ma
terial was not ~syenite. but was simply "a
higher Grade of trap rock as if such a dis
covery made the slightest difference in its
rood qualities. What if those who first
cave it name had chosen to denominate it
green corn,' would that have altered its
commendable qualities as a street pave
ments a We believe If not, Al and that wlth has 8
been claqued against the 'syenite job
we would not alter the record we
have made in this matter one jot or tittle,no
do we desire to deviate SO much as a hairs
breadth from our original declaration Our
course in the matter has been subjected TO
the minute review of at least two SEMI
judicial Investigations, but we observe that
the sun still shines, the rain rains and dogs
yet bark.
STREET CLEANING.
tsThat our streets should be maintained in
a condition of cleanliness, we, in common
with others, are free to admit. But when
comparisons are made with other cities, we
would request that they be also extended to
cover the amount of money devoted for the
purpose. We buy as many dollars worth OF
clean streets as we are allowed dollars for
the purpose and exercise the care necessary
to get all that we pay for.
SEWERS IN
1.-THE Woodlawn sewer Improvement is
progressing slowly, and we sincerely trust
that it will have been finished before the ex-
piration of the year. Property owners on
the west side of the Greenyille section have,
after overcoming many obstacles, finally
succeeded in presenting a sewerage petition
which, we believe, will stand the tests OF
the courts. 1t calls for a main sewer ex-
tending along and parallel with the Morris
Cana from Girard to Danforth avenues,
thence making a right angle to Newark
Bay.
Proposals to do the work based on petit
ton, nave been received, and unless the bene-
~fciaries themselves demonstrate sufficiently,
the work will proceed. If completed, this
will prove the key to a vast amount OF
drainage territory.
IN WEST BERGEN.
ssThat portion of the city generally refer
red to as the West Side, and which COM
prehends West Bergen and the adjoining
territory, has as yet no sewer system. Sew
eral petitions have failed by reason OF legal
objection, which could not be foreseen and
provided against, but one application cover
ing a portion of the territory is now being
proceeded with by us, whilst others covering
the balance are being prepared for clrcula-
ton. We trust that this entire neighbor-
hood will very soon have ample accommoda-
ton for all its needs, both present and pros
pective.
RAvINE RoAD SEWER.
"The matter of proper outlet for the Raw
inc road sewer is as yet an unsolved problem.
At times it seems almost ready for solution,
only again to elude us. Its solution Is no
nearer, yet no further away than it has been
for some years. Different boards and varl-
Gus Grand Inquests have endeavored to at
tach the responsibility for existing conditions,
but as vet without practical result. We
trust that the corporate and legal difficulties
which at present bar a solution of the diff
Guilty will eventually be overcome and relief
afforded.
s'The work on the joint outlet sewer be-
tween Jersey City and West Hoboken, IS
progressing and when completed. Will add
largely to the proper drainage of the upper
Jersey City section. As an adjunct to this,
we have permitted the West Hoboken
authorities to connect with certain OF our
sewers, that corporation bearing all the ex-
pense when it is necessary for the purpose to
build through territory under our corporate
control. Both of these improvements will
prove of common advantage, n will, to a
farSe degree, meet the drainage demands of
this section.
EVE RECONSTRUCTION.
"The condition of the sewer system In the
old Jersey City and Bergen sections has been
referred to in previous reports. 1t is but
reasonable to expect. that with the lapse of
years, matters have grown worse, and while
we endeavor to maintain them in such condl-
ton that house drainage may not be sub
jected to interference, we find that almost
the entire time of the men delegated to this
branch of the service, is taken up in remedy
ing complaints; little or no opportunity be-
ing afforded in which to anticipate require
ments.
eve might with truth claim that the APP
preparation available for sewer drainage was
far too small, but we do not believe that an
augmented fund would be a practical solu-
ton of the difficulty. The time is fast apr
preaching, if not already at hand, when
very substantial provision must be made for
reconstruction. 1t must be done intelligently,
and should be inaugurated Immediately.
We would suggest that such legislation
be secured as will permit of the In
nual diversion of such fractional portion of
the license monies as will, in a period of ten
years, complete the whole amount estimated as
necessary for the purpose. Some such course
must be adopted, else the bonded indebted
ness of the city will have to be increased to
provide a fund for the purpose.
RAPID TRANsIT
sDuring the past year we were called
upon to decide which of two aspirants was
best qualified to provide rapid transit to the
residents of this city. The Consolidated
Traction Company had already secured con