The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-06-13
BIDS ON MONUMENTS
COMMISSION WILL
LET THE CONTRACTS TO-DAY.
Dealers in the Carved stones Feared
to Make n Combinn tiOn-Ruling
on Designs.

The large and small agricultural halls in
the Statehouse were occupied last night
by two opposing factions, each fearful that
the other would learn what il was doing.
The large room occupied by seven
members OF the Chckamauga commission,
while the small room contained about
twenty manufacturers Of monuments. The
commissioners were discussing ways and
means to compel the dealers TO make their
bids low as possible, while the manu-
facturers were talking over matters in
formally. each one anxious to have some
one present make a move in the direction
of a combination on prices, but afraid to
make the start in that erection Thus
ii was that every person who entered either
room was scanned with eagle eye. and un-
less he could give a satisfactory account
of himself was given hint that he was
not wanted.
The trouble which arose during the day
over the submission of designs by the
manufacturers seemed to have been settled.
The manufacturers came here with de-
signs, supposng that if their designs should
be accepted they would receive the con-
tract for the work. The commission an
nounced that all designs must be submit
ted and become the property of the COM
mission, and that when the commission
selected such designs as it desired the
bidding would be open to all, regardless
of the one who submitted the design. This
did not suit most of the manufacturers,
who supposed their design would be their
own property. 1t was contended that the
least that could be expected was that the
commission should pay, for such designs
as il selected This the commission re-
fused TO do. There was some talk during
the afternoon of all the manufacturers
Withdrawing their designs. but the matter
was finally amicably settled and the de-
signs remained in charge OF the commits
sion.
Last night the commission met to adopt
rules under which bids for building the
monuments will be received. An effort will
be made to get at least a number of the
monuments in place by the time of the
dedication Of the park in September. on
this account the contracts will call for the
completion of the monuments by Sept. 10,
with penalty of s. a day for every mon
the bids are received, If the commission
thinks the short time allowed has increased
the bids to any great extent: all will be re-
longer time for the work. The bids will
be received to-day, at O'Clock. Last night
the committee made selections from the
designs submitted, and the approved de-
signs will be on exhibition in the Agri-
cultural halls this morning.
n nnandsrv So far ss could be learned
no one was brave enough 10 make any
proposition looking toward combination.
vet all of them know that the commission
expects the bids to be higher than other
wise on account of the short time allowed
for the work. Each one is wondering
whether his neighbor will try to take adj
vantage of this knowledge and slip in ahead
of his competitors with a low bid. and thus
get the work. Another thing that bothers
them is to know how much Of an increase
over ordinary prices the commission will
stand. They want as much as they can
get. but do not want to take the risk of
having to submit second bid.
A number of the smaller dealers criticise
the commission for its provision in its rules
that all persons who bid shall submit a
bid on each of the thrty-nine monuments
to be erected. 1t is not provided that the
bid must be for the entire number as a
lot. but separate bids for each. The
smaller dealers fear that this may throw
the work into the hands of some large cor
poration. to the exclusion of all others.
The commission reserves the right to ac-
cept such bids as ii sees fit, and may &C
cept any part of the bids of any one firm.
The members of the commission say there
is little chance for any firm TO get the
entire contract, and do not think more than
six or eight contracts will be awarded ia
any firm. The commission will meet again
this afternoon and open the bids.