The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-09-09
A HITCH IN HOUSE DRAINAGE.
COUNCIL ASKED TO INDEMNIFY THE
CONTRACTORS.

Messrs. Miles and Dradt Made Their
Did Conditioned on the Compile
tion of the System by December,
1899, as Specified by the Cfty-Ex-
tending the Work Over Four Years
More Make II Cost Them More.
Council Has Not Yet Taken Any
ActiOn-WOrk May BE Begun Oct. 1.
1t now looks as If there viii be hitch
before the house drainage contract is
awarded to AIessrs. Miles & Bradt. as de-
cided on by Council, since that firm has
opened its eyes to the probable effect of the
clause requiring that the work be done Ia
four sections a section to be completed
annually. This condition puts an entirely
different complexion on the matter, and
one the contractors say, they should have
known at the outset.
The successful bidders are wondering
what the real cost will be in executing the
work by sections. An entirely new light is
thrown on the contract, as the estimate
was for the work as a whole, whereas 1t
Is now to be done in parts, because of
which fact the cost may exceed the con-
tract estimates
Realizing this division may materially af-
feet their contract, the contractors have
called Councils attention to the matter.
and asked certain concessions. Mr.. Bradt
appeared before the meeting yesterday and
presented his side of the matter, but the
board did not take any action on the prop
ositlon he made.
Another point which, 1t Is said, may
affect the contract is that estimates have
been made on the present cost of material.
and not on what it will be two or three
years hence. II is understood Mr.. Bradt
brought this also to the attention Of the
board and asked if the city would indem-
Nifty his firm against such additional cost
for material after the expiration of the
time in which it was originally intended
to complete the work. Just how this could
be done is not known, unless by a COM
parison Of bills, which it is said the board
would not consent to. 1t is therefore a
matter to be hereafter decided, in case the
city is inclined to so qualify the contract,
In view of the resolution to extend the
work over four years. An arrangement of
some sort may be made by the board
looking TO the removal of these objections
by Miles & Bradt, but in case an agree
ment appears improbable it is said Gran
ford & Co, the next lowest bidders, may
be offered the contract on the same con-
ditions.
Speaking of the matter yesterday, a
party interested in the firm of Miles &
Bradt stated he did not believe there was
any doubt but the firm would reach a
thorough understanding with the city
and that the work would proceed without
interruption. He thought the city would
make such concessions as the change in
the time for executing the work demand
ed. There is no disposition, he said to
ask anything further than what will en-
able the firm to do the work under their
estimate.
In the event Miles & Bradt do the work
they viii commence Oct. /. Everything
necessary for starting Is now on hand, or
Will be provided by that time. AS the firm
mas not done any sewer work of any
consequence, it was thought there might
be some delay on this account in the
event they were awarded the contract
Mr.. Bradt stated this would not be the
case, however, and that considerable ma
chinery is now on hand which can be
used in carrying on the work. Such i'm
plements as il will be necessary to buy
can be shipped from the manufacturers to
Savannah, it is stated, about as quick as
from the firm 8 headquarters in Atlanta
If this work Is done by Miles & Bradt
1t will not be executed by them alone, but
a portion will be done by MeKenna &
Welsh, the local contractors and plumb
ers. These firms viii enter into an ar
rangement so that they may work togeth-
er 10 complete the work. the firm of Me-
Kenna q Welsh to be sub-contractors.
1t is understood this firm win do that
part OF the work where small pipes are to
be laid, while Miles & Bradt will execute
the more difficult portion themselves,
such as the outlets, and other places where
there Will be troublesome excavatng.
The turn the situation takes win be
watched with considerable interest by all
concerned. While those of the contractor
talked to express no uneasiness about
losing the plum, yet the members of Coun-
ell dissatisfied with the recent action in
recognizing Miles & Bradt may WELD an
influence to bring about a change in the
matter. There is no one in the city now
TO push the bid of Crawford & Co., but
in the event there is any rupture in the
present arrangement with the lowest bid
ders. the city may make that firm some
kind of proposition.
Nothing whatever was said yesterday
about the resignation of Alderman Owens
in caucus from the drainage committee
The fact that he IS chairman of the house
drainage committee makes it highly inn
portant that he remain in his present po-.
sition. There is no question but he has
reconsldered his intention at the strong
solicitation of his fellow aldermen, as well
as Mayor Meldrim, and will overlook any
slight difference there may have been be-
tween himself and those of the board who
advocated accepting the lowest bid against
the recommendation OF the committee. Ii
is understood Alderman Owens viii re-
main at the head of the committee, and
continue his efficient services in bringing
about a successful completion of the work.
RULE AGAINST JOHNSON.