The Washington times., 1895-04-03

very inferior and very much under the grade
required by the specifications.
Whe ther those resp onsible reg arded
the specified terms as not necessary to
good construction or whether they were
careless in the performance of their duty
or were incompetent supervisors was not
a matter for inquiry. 1t is, however, q
very pertinent question, and deserves the
serious attention of the public.
The general charge OF the faulty con-
struction and flagrant violation of specffi-
cations was made in good faith by this
body, and an investigation was demanded
in the interest of the public, actuated
solely by q desire to force, If possible,
honest methods and honest construction OF
the public buildings in this District. Those
responsible for this defective work have
charged that we We're prompted by malice
toward the non-union w0fkmen employed
upon the building. This statement is posi-
lively untrue.
They have also emphasized the asser-
ton that a portion of the defective work
was done by men belonging to a trade
union. While frankly admitting the fact,
we deem it necessary TO state that we
hold neither the union or non-union men
responsible for this very defective work
As employees they ere under the absolute
control and subjected TO The orders of
those having charge of the construction.
sistent carelessness, they constructed de-
fectiyely, they should not have been re-
tanned. But the union men employed were
thoroughly competent to do good work
but working upon the basis of contract
price which would not admit OF good work
without loss to the employer, the sole eff
fort was quantity, not quality. That the
men employed were aware of the defective
character of the work is evident by the
fact that while employed they called
Mr.. Bradys attention TO the matter some
time before the charges were made public.
Your committee, after investigation, do
not regard the L street school building as
unsafe, and we are pleased to so report.
We are convinced, however, that had
the specifications been adhered to the
building would be very much more stable,
secure and durable Work such as this
should not be permitted, particularly in
schoolhouse construction, and if those
having legal charge of the erection OF
these buildings would competently and
conscientiously discharge their duty to
the public such inferior work would not
be permitted.
IN conclusion your committee, prac
tical craftsmen of many years expert
ence, with a full knowledge of the de-
tails of building construction, in the dis
charge OF a conscientious duty TO the pub
lie, declare the charge and specifications
most pOSltlVety Proved Wild lut Single
exception above admitted.
We reiferate and publicly challenge n
denial that in tie construction of the East
school building the contract and specified
tions have been flagrantly violated, the
stability of the huilling is impaired, and
the public has been grossly imposed upon.
The committee recommend for favorable
consideration that this body request of
the District Committee OF Congress a fun
investigation of the contract method and
the manner of the construction of public
buildings in this District as preliminary
effort for the repeal OF the public contract
law, which testers dishonesty at the ex-
pense and to the injury Of the people.
Respectfully submitted.
WILFoRD sPoHN. Chairman.
GEORGE o. COOK,
JAMES Nick NIGHT,
THOMAS f. WEBSTER,
W H MAGHAN.