The morning call., 1894-03-04
COSTLY PLUMBING
The Veterans Home Runs
Big Bills.
An Expose Probable Over Plumbers
Charges-Dr. McAlIister Elected
Physician.

The Veterans Home Association direc-
tors held a special meeting yesterday for
the purpose of eIecting medical director
Of the institution at Yountville. p. j..
Aiken, NJ. D., rendered his resignation as
physician at the home, and it was accepted.
Director Hyde moved that every ply
stefan authorized to practice Ia California
be entitled TO nomination whether his
name is presented or not. The motion was
carried without objection.
Drs. j. G. Crawford, Henry Myers and
w. +. McAllister were placed in nomina-
ton. as applications from them were read
by the secretary. DR.. McAllster, the ex-
Quarantine Officer, was elected.
The salary for medical director is 500 a
month. with board and quarters. At the
special meeting yesterday an expression
regarding his income was freely given in
favor OF giving the physician $50 or STE
IN ore in lieu of board. as he Will be required
to keep his own table after moving into the
doctors residence now in course of con-
struction.
Director Arbuckle. chairman of a special
investigating committee, appointed to ex-
anime bills for plumbing, stated that
plumbing work had been stopped on the
new buildings. He thought the board
might take action and let the work pro-
coed.
An explanation was made by HYDE to
| the effect that the committee on buildings
and grounds had not time TO report. Post
Donement In the premises was urged by
him until bis committee could make a
statement He also assured his comrades
| that the home would not suffer from delay.
Eventually the question was admitted 10
be out o! order at the meeting. so discus
sion was deferred until the next regular
| session.
After adjournment an informal chat
about the plumbers bills took place. The
question was asked il the contractor would
continue his work at so much day, indie
pendent of the contract. He has been
working for daily wages.
1.-The contractor receives no instructions
from this board" replied Chairman Bur-
nett. 1.-THE directors know nothing ABOUT
what he does. and he may not be paid II
be does anything without proper orders"
| There Is likely to be an eruption in the
board at the next meeting over those bills.
The architects specifications and plans
were for 5000 for plum bling, and con-
| tract was let at that figure. Extras have
| been added by the building committee,
and the result is an additional bill of $500.
| A discrepancy of $500 is hinted at, but
| this Is mostly surmise so far.
"The first bill was $780," said Mr.. Ar
| buckle, "but they have run tie bills up to
$1,000. Plum bers have been working extra
at so much per day, although they made a
contract to do the same work. Many dis
agreeable things will lave TO come out in
this Investigation; as, for instance, they
bought the oldest and commonest fire-hose
reels, and the price is more than would
| buy the newest and best.
1.-THE contractor refuses TO go ahead
with the work. because there is a difficulty
over his bill. But as matters stand at
present it is necessary to make connec-
tions between the heaters and steam pines
to com pleie one portion of the plumbing"