The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1897-12-20

The specifications after being approved
a second time by the Finance Board. were
filed with the Mayor officially on Decem-
ber 9. The Mayor contended all along
that the ten days allowed him in which to
approve or disapprove expired today by
reason of the tenth day falling on Sum
day.
The Finance and Street and Water COM
missioners were advised that the time ex-
plring on Sunday made it cumpulsory for
His Honor to act not later than Saturday
Ever since the Mayor received the
amended specifications, it has been ru-
mored that he proposed vetoing them in
asmuch as his wishes were not in every
particular observed. Where the rumor
found foundation no one can explain, as
His Honor had refused to discuss what
action he would take. He consulted with
engineers from whom he had sought adj
vice, but even to them he did not fmpart
any information.
The Finance and Street and Water
Commissioners, in declining to adopt all
of the Mayors suggestions held that they
too had consulted competent, disinterested
engineers and had been advised by them
that the Mayors recommendations would
in nowise make the specifications any
more binding or better for the interests
of the city than they are at present.
On Thursday last, just as the Mayor
was about to give the amended specifi-
cations his consideration, he met with a
painful accident. He sprained his right
leg The tendons became swollen and
it was with the greatest difficulty and
pain that on Friday he attended the ses-
sion of school teachers. He was unable
to walk from the schoolhouse to his
home. A carriage was sent for him:
Since that time ne has been confined
to his bed and has suffered great deal.
1t is doubtful if he will be able to get
out and attend to his duties before the
end of the week. Had not the Mayor
met with an accident he would, it is said.
have communicated with the Finance
Board on the water subject. Whether
he would have vetoed the specifications
or not is a matter of doubt, as he is anx-
ious to have the city obtain an independ-
ent supply of pure and wholesome water
as quickly as possible.
Since the specifications are in opera
ton the Clerk of the Street and Water
Board may now advertise for proposals
under them. The specifications are to be
advertised in full for at least a month.
This, the Commissioners say, will give the
public an opportunity to study them and
form an opinion as to whether or not the
citys interests have been carefully guard
ed. The specifications are, to be put in
shape as soon as practicable.
Owing to the absence of Clerk George
Bouton and the consequent additional
work piled upon Mr.. Tolson and his as
sistants, it is not likely that the speoifca-
tions will be ready for advertisement
much before the first of the year.
The Street and Water Commissioners
may at their meeting this afternoon fix
time for the reception of bids. 1t will
probably be some time in February. Af-
ter bids are received the officials will in
spect the several watersheds offered by
the individuals or companies submitting
propositions.
The members of the Finance and Street
and Water Boards are confident that
there will be more bidders than ever be-
fore, and that lower prices will rule. Mafyr
New York bankers and contractors have
made inquiry as to the time set for the
reception of bids