The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1895-08-02
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 1895.
This paper is Democratic IN principles
and is Independent in its views on a~ local
questions.
situation of the Water question.

of the Finance and Street and Water
Boards on the water question, this morn
ing, was a secret one and so we have
no means of judging of its importance.
1T is understood, however, that it was the
last proceeding antecedent to the award
of a contract. At present, there is every
reason to believe that the Street and
Water Board will take action on Tues
day next, at its regular meeting. 1t Is
almost equally probable that the action
man-not even the members of the
board themselves. we believe-can tell
whether the East Jersey Water Com
pany will get the prize on its latest offer
or the Jersey City Water Company On its
formal bid, or one of its supplementary
pliers.
Down to Tuesday of this week, it was
believed the Jersey City Company was
in the lead. 1t was expected, indeed.
that the award would have been made
to that on that day. But at
the last moment the East Jersey Com
pany seems to nave made an effective
dilatory coup, the outward evidence OF
which was Mr.. Corbin's guaranteed estf-
mate of the cost of constructing the
water works under the c~ompany's sup
Elementary offer. This delay, general
gossip had 1t, was procured in order
that the contract might not be awarded
TO the rival bidder before General Sewell
and Carrot A. Hobart returned from
Europe. These gentlemen are looked fo1
today. They are coming on the st.
Louis and they sailed from Southampton
last Saturday. There is really no gooo
reason to believe that they will take
any part in this water contest. General
Sewell has no known interest in 1t, ana
Mr.. Hobart has been so effectively re-
presented in his absence that it is hard
no see how his personal presence can
affect the result. Stll. current rumoi
runs as we report it.
But. after the award has been made
by the Street and Water Board, it must
be concurred in by the Board of Finance.
THE attitude of the members of that
body keeps everyone guessing. Presi-
dent Jones. it is alleged, is very much
inclined to favor the East Jersey Water
Company on the basis Of Mr.. Corbtn's
statement. Mr.. Bailey, on the other
hand, is said to have his mind irrevo-
- 49, To- . We of tho Jersey
City Company. Mr.. Detwiller is SAID
to incline tina way too. but not SO
strongly as Mr.. Bailey. Mr.. Simpson IS
the unknown quantity. He appreciates
the strong points of both bids. 1t is said'
and their weak ones too. Both COM
panies' representatives are eager to con-
vince him and secure his vote; but, so
far as can be learned, he has not yet
committed himself. Mr.. H~ardenbergh,
it is we'll known, is opposed to any
award on the present bids. He may be
regarded as a sure negative against
either company.
After the concurrence of the Finance
Board if an award is secured-if it is
ever secured-the resolution goes to the
Nnavor for his approval. He is in favor
of the Jersey City Water Company, ac-
cording to the general understanding.
Some even go so far as to say that he
would veto an award to the East Jersey
Water Company. This belief is, OF
course, wholly speculative. The Mayor
has never said or lone anything to war
rant 1t. It is merely the estimate put
ON his view of the question by observers
of passing events.
The supplementary bid of the East Jer-
sey Water Company, Which is the sub
ject of present consideration, was that
known as No. 8. 1t is an offer to give
the city all water rights and privileges
needed for a full supply from the Rock
away above Boonton. and to pay all
damage for diver.ing the water and
other damages. also to supply all lands
needed and all rights of way. all for 81
1885, 600. Also to build the water works at
cost plus 20 per cent. for services, fnanbc-
ing and profit to the contractor. Pay
ment to be made in cash or in 4 per
cent. bonds at the city's option. Mr.. Cor
bins supplementary statement filed last
Tuesday gives as a maximum estimate
for the cost of construction plus 20 per
cent. as above. s5.145.00O. This makes
the cost of the entire plant S,61o,O0O.
This is for a single pipe line. The price
for a double one ds $3.50. 600. Mr.. Cor
bins offer TO buy the surplus water
above $4,000. 900 gallons at 10000 a year,
which he figures in as a possible capt.
talized deduction of 100000. need hardly
receive much attention. The city has
been proceeding On a rigid principle of
undivided ownership and undivided sup
ply. and it is preppsterous to think that
the officials would surrender that princi-
pie in the very act of making a contract,
and for SO small a consideration.
The figures of the formal bid of the
Jersey City Company are 1855. 600 for q
single pipe line n sS.55o.oO0 for a dou-