The Forrest City times., 1894-03-09
Commissioner of Public Buildings
 Reply to the Architect.
Editor Times:

Reply to the Architect. Editor Times:
 I wish to notice through your col- umns publication by l.. M. Weathers, of Memphis, Tenn, purporting to be an official report of his inspection of jail building in this city, erected by Mir. Featherston. The numerous and frivolous objections smacks of unfair ness in business transaction. Mir. Weathers had grounds for com- plaint. frankly admit, not having | been advised with and called to inspect | the jail work as often as he thought was necessary for the erection of the jail building strictly in accordance with the plans and specifications not hav- ing been paid his fees promptly changing his plans and specifications from iron beams and concrete floor to wooden material in jailor's balcony and female cell. jnstities offense. But l do not think these causes justilies | MT. Weathers in charges that would lead to the conclusion or inference that all concerned in the erection of the jail building have acted in bad faith. ob- jected to the changes made in jailor'SN balcony and female cell room at the time. 1 think it would be safer and better house to have followed the plans and specifications. But Judge Hinton thought, and still thinks, the changes are for the best l recom- mended n change of three feet in height of jail room. It was done with the advice of the architect, based on his calculation, approved by the county court, and signed in writing by the cor- tractor. architect and myself, which is in accordance with the specifications. also changed plan of pantry in kitch- en, because you would have to pass through the pantry to go from kitchen to diningrOom. l am responsible for taking the two inch oak blanks from Under floor of the jail room. have since heard that the courthouse in Helena was built on four inch plank and it's decay endangers the house. However, if could have had the archi- tect here, as Iwished to, would have conducted the changes as l did the first.
 1st report says, Brick work badly done. joints irregular, mortar of poor quality and badly frozen" All of which is positively untrue. There was no freezing weather until the brick work was near completion. Mir. Ste- vens. 0t Memphis, had the brick-work by the thousand. He was painstaking in all parts of his work. He supervised the mortar and all parts of the brick work. He lost day after day rather than expose the work to freezing. The | foundation, brick, sand and cement was on the ground and pronounced | good by Mir. Weathers. The same sand and cement was used i'll concrete floor and pronounced nOt good in his sweep ing report.
 His frivolous and glaring statement about the front door steps, iron ceiling not well nailed, wall not cleaned off. and galvanized iron cornlce about to fall off, is absurd and ridiculous. His objection to the piinting is unjust, as he we'll knows no one pretended it was finished.
 The woodwork was done by Mir. Leggett. believe all who know him aud all for whom he has worked, will bear me out in saying he is careful and painstaking workman. He has built some of the best residences in the county.
 Mir. Weathers said to Judge Hinton, accepting as good the changes made by him in jailor's balcony and female cell room. he (Iiinton) could pay Mir. Feath erston S400 of the $500 that we were | lOIQlDB UdCk uIitI LiS WOik NdS uil- ished. and stated the SlG0 would finish the painting and cover cost of other de- fleets that he would make a minute of and give to me before he left town. in lthe same conversation he stated to Judge Hinton that he had requested MT. Landvoigt not to say anything about the jail. I told him if there was anything wrong. to go and publish 1t, and that would help him. lie said he would publish nothing; at the same time he was under d promise to Mr. Landvoigt to furnish him d report for publication. So all call see that he made one statement to Mr. LandYnigt and different one to Judge Hinton.
 I will hereafter leave the plans and specification at the County Clerks sf- flee. and request all concerned to eA- anime plans and specifications. aud look over the jail bnileing, before eeil- suring those in charge of the work.
 Very respectfully,
 ADLAI c. WORD, Com, of F. E. 1 Aarcl | 1904