The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-12-05
AN OVERSIGHT OCCURRED

Somebody Blundered 10 the High
School Heating Matter.
TRYING TO PLACE THE BLAME
Responsibility Could Not Bs Fixed ON
the Supervising Engineer or Any
body Else. So the Committee
Shoulders the Burden Itself.
It has Just leaked out that q serious
delay to the new high school building
was threatened by a misunderstanding
about the steam heating.
So serious en- aspect did this affair
assume that the supervising engineer.
Fred P. Smith. Of New York city. was
summoned here yesterday to meet with
the officials of the Steam Heat and
Supply company, Hunt & Connell, the
contractors, and others interested. A
meeting was held last night in the
board of control rooms, at which there
was present A. E. Hunt, Of Hunt &
Connell, ex-Judge H. A. Knapp. solicit
tor of the board. Superintendent Of
Schools G. w. Howell, A. B. Stevens,
manager. and Ira T. Holly, engineer of
the Scranton Steam Heat and Supply
company, Mr.. Smith, the supervising
engineer. and Messrs. r. ]. Jennings,
w. ]. Welsh, C. H. Won Storch, Her.
man Notz, w. G. O'Malley and F. L.
Wormser, Of the high school commit
tee.
1t appears from what came out at
the meeting that the board and Mr..
Smith were at variance concerning the
responsibility Of an oversight costing
in the neighborhood Of $1,000, which was
occasioned by the change in the sys-
tenn Of heating made last July The
original plans called for local boilers for
supplying the steam. but a good offer
being received from the Steam Heat
company, the board decided to substi-
tute this means Of supply, and secured
the consent Of Hunt & Connell and Mr.
Smith to make the change. The plans
were altered by Mr.. Smith and every
thing relating to the generation Of
steam was stricken out Of the con-
tract, the board receiving rebate of
81, 400, which 1t was estimated vas what
the local steam generating plant would
cost.
One Important Matter Ignored.
But during all their meetings and
lengthy deliberations over the change
one very important matter escaped
their attention. According to the offer
Of the Steam Heat company it pro-
posed only to carry the steam as far as
the walls Of the building. Mr.. Smith
thought that the steam heat people
would take care of the connections
and the disposition Of the steam
and condensed water before 1t
entered the sewer. The board took 1t
for granted that Mr.. Smith figured on
doing this thing at his own expense
when he acqulesced to the agreement.
Contractor Conrad Schroeder being
ready to commence the plastering
short time ago, made request for
steam; and then the difficulty, which
became apparent shortly after the July
meetings, demanded attention. This
demand resulted in last nights meet
ing.
Mr.. Jennings, who presided. called
upon Mr.. Smith for a statement. Mr..
Smith in response explained that to
make the heating system complete ap-
paratus would be necessary for reduc-
ing the pressure from twenty-five
pounds to Ave pounds before 1t was al
lowed to enter the radiators, separate
line would be necessary for supplying
the engines and a plant would have to
be constructed for the purpose Of re-
ducing the heat of the exhaust steam
and condensed water from 212 degrees
to 112 degrees, the maximum heat at
which the city ordinance permits water
to be injected into the sewer. These
additional items Mr.. Smith supposed
the steam heat company would pro-
vide, as, he says, is customary else
where. The steam heat company dis
claimed any such intention being ex-
pressed and implied in their PROPOSE
ton. Such additions are charged ex-
ira for.
Mr. Smith on tho Rack.
Then Mr.. Smith was subjected to |
some very pointed questions prepared |
by Mr.. Jennings, Mr.. Welsh and Mr.. |
Wormser, all Of which tended to show |
that the committee behind him was re- |
sponsible for the oversight and that he |
should be held accountable for the ex- |
ira cost. Mr.. Smith, however. COM !
batted their arguments successfully at |
every point and did not hesitate to say |
that the committee had In his eyes act
ed indifferently In the matter UP to that
time.
The outcome Of the matter was that |
the committee shouldered the RESPONSE
bility, ordered the missing items to be
provided for and directed Mr.. Smith to
make plans for the necessary improve
At this juncture Messrs. Stevens and
Holly Of the steam heat company, |
raised an objection. They claimed that
It would be only fair for Mr.. Smith to
submit his plans for their approval be-
fore they were submitted to the board.
They could not be expected. they as
serted. to allow their original offer to
hold good In view of the possibility Of
Mr.. Smith making specifications that
might innure to their disadvantage.
Mr.. Smith Informed the board and
Messrs. Stevens and Holly that he was
under bonds to do his work satisfac-
torily and was not submitting his plans
10 outsiders.
The meeting broke up without any
owe feast ending
The Pennsylvania Roofing Company
has the best pipe covering In the city
Estimates cheerfully given. !"