The record-union., 1896-10-14
ALL THE BIDS REJECTED.
New Ones to be Asked for the Costumes
Bridge.
Engineer StOddard's Report on the
Various Plans That Were
Submitted.

The Board of Supervisors met in ad-
Journed session yesterday, all the mem
bers present
The report of Expert Stoddard on the
plans and bids for the Costumes bridge
was read. He stated that after examin-
ing thirty bids from nine different bid
uerS, ranging in price from So,2OO to
|IO492, and length of span from II
Aeet to 21O feet, he found none that he
could fully recommend, partly from un-
satisfactory plans and partly on account
OF errors or omissions in strain sheets,
plans and Specifications; whether from
carelessneSs or for other reasons, he
was not prepared to say, but if it were
his contract he would feel inclined to
throw them all out and readvertise,
Which possibly might be the best course
to pursue, although he would not like
to advise it, as they might come worse
next time
He continues: TT is evident from
these, as well as plans that l have here
tofore examined, that bridge builders
generally consider it an easy matter
to humbug Boards of Supervisors. 1t
is an old saying that figures will not
Ie,' but it would appear that they are
liable to do so when made by bridge
contractors.
As to the plans on hand. all things
considered as far as possible, / am in
clined to favor proposition No
o, presented by Cotton Brothers
Co, Of a 2O0-foot single span steel
bridge for the sum of 5000, as being
the best for the county. But even if
this general plan is adopted, there are
some additions that should be made
that in my Judgment would materially
improve the structure. The upper chord
should be supplied with cover plate
whereas the strain sheet says laced
L would also suggest more material
in the end diagonals by as much as half
an inch addition to width, floor joists
oXl6 inches in place of 3x14 inches
L would recomend piers to be not less
than five feet in diameter to the plac-
ing and filling of which very careful
attention should be given-it is a very
essential part of the structure The
specifications do not call for painting
afer erection, which should be done, and
which might have been the intention
With these notifications, l would
consider that the bridge might be fairly
satisfactory. l could extend this re-
port, but in multitude of roads there
is not always wisdom. 1 would, how
ever, like to say it is based strictly on
my unbiased Judgment, having in
mind what is best for the county
have been called upon at various times
by the Supervisors to advise on public
work, and in strict justice to them,
myself and others, can say there has
never been any attempt on their part
to influence my opinion or decision for
or against any individual or contract,
directly or indirectly. my honest judg-
ment only being asked for 1t is all
have to Offer
THE REPORT DISCUSSED.
Chairman Morrison said it was very
important matter, and great care should
be taken in deciding it, The bridge will
be subjected to much travel, and very
heavy loads viii be hauled over it, The
committee should examine into the
matter very carefully.
Highway Commissioner Irvine who
was present, said that if a State road
We're built it would go across the bridge,
down through San Joaquin County, and
all the travel from Siskiyou to San
Diego would cross it. 1t behooved the
boeiiOt lHci6lOIe, 10 act Win judgment
in the matter, and he would advise the
construction of a strong bridge, as
there would be economy in building
good bridge. Road rollers weighing
fifteen tons and upward would cross it,
and so, probably, would traction en-
gines of the same or greater weight
Engineer jenkins, representing one of
the bidders, said that in the prepara-
ton Of the two plans submitted by him
he had figured upon that point and had
allowed for strain of twenty tons on
a single bearing. He felt therefore that
the report was unjust.
Chairman Morrison said he was no
bridge builder, and the board had Sc
cured the services of an expert, who
was acknowledged as a high authority
and perfectly disinterested He was
willing to stand by his report
Supervisor Todd said that the ability
and integrity of Mr.. Stoddard were un-
questioned by anyone, and it was be-
cause no suspicion of unfairness has
ever attached to him that he had been
selected to examine the plans. His
opinion, therefore, was entitled to the
consideration of the board.
The Contract Committee retired to
turn asked that it be allowed time to
consider the question and ascertain
from Mr.. Stoddard his reasons for the
report in the case Of each plan sub
mitted.
Chairman Morrison reminded them
that the time was getting short and
some decision should be speedily ar
rived at, as the road must be kept open
while work on the new bridge is being
carried on. If this bridge is advertised
again, it will run into the winter be-
fore the contract is let unless 1t is de-
cided Immediately to advertise.
Supervisor jenkins said the question
Of time was the one on which the COM
mittee was figuring. He knew just what
was needed in the bridge, and If there
were any plans that would give the
county a solid, substantial bridge that
would be the cheapest for the county
ne wanted to see them adopted without