New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-05
NETWORK DAILY TRIBUNE. FRIDAY AUGUST 5. 1893

classified ns rock which was looscned by picks and
which undoubtedly could be more cheaply piousncd
than blasted.
We arc OF the opinion that poHion OF the money
paid Whnlen e. Higgins was Improperly paio, ana
superintendent Of Public Works In awarding the
contract containing an unbalanced bid. ana or me
Engineering Department in straining the specinca-
tions IN such manner as to enable the CONTAGIOUS
to profit thereby
The State officers have failed to realize that the
contracts should be construed as confined TO guam
titles contained in the bidding sheets WIN reason
able but have treated Sd dne nothing to do
with the amount OF work actually DONE IedEns
gressed This conception Of the relation Of the
contractor to the State is not In accordance T NH
spirit Of the Constitution can he obeyed only by
making contract which specifies the amoun,u OF
work to be done within reasonable limits as well az
prices
HOW EXTRA WORK WAS PAID FOR.
Extra work" was also to a great extent done
upon force account allowing the contractor the
actual amount OF money that he paid for LABOR
teams etc. and adding TO this 10 per cent FOR proht.
This force account. however, was not always hxed
at the prices paid by the contractor for the use OF
teams steam pumps and other machinery was paid
for at agreed prices. In most OF the cases the
agreement was to pay to the contractors Is cents
an hour for labor. This in some cases-notably FOR
a portion OF the work done upon contract No. T.
Middle Divsion-was in excess OF the price actually
Maid by the contractors. The contractors upon
that contract paid the greater part OF the labor
during the year 1897 1919 cents per hour. and were
allowed - cents The contractor reptesen.a,usI
| claimed. in testifying, that that was the actual
cost OF labor. because it included lodging, the use
of shovels ETC. which he afforded his workmen'
but upon further examination II appeared mat me
laborers paid the contractors for their lodging Inc
money paid on force account cannot. In the nature
OF things be expended with proper economy. Inc
and az the contractor has charge OF them. and as
his allowance for profits increases as tne amoumo
paid for labor Is Increased there exists no motive
In certain cases contractors have proceeded with
thercaftcr have made claims for allowances on
ground that work not by n Of Pubic
Works and State Engineer have constituted them;
selves judge upon ae sa,ns the st u
such claims in some cases were made FOR %ors
which seems to be included within the specihca-
lions for baing and draining.
WORK NOT ONE-HALF DONE.
When the people voted to supply 100000 for the
Improvement of the canals they were lea 70 &c
ueve that amount sufficient for the work. Ihe
entire sum has been expended and the improve
ment Is not one-half done They have demahoeu
that they be Informed why the money has not
sue,ced for the Improvement. and how their FUNDS
have been expended We have given such iiaorma-
ton as 10 expenditures as diligent invesuSauoh
| has brought forth. They have also DEMANDED that
| they be told finally what money Will be needed 70
| con,nlete the work they have sanctioned, ana WE
bava replied with all the defnieness possible the
result Is surprising to those unacquainted Win 'ne
facts ,,,u, he .hout
TWO and one half times what the people we're toid
would he necessary while the facts we rave ascer-
| taJnnd and reported account for the improper ex-
nandture of at least S. 10000. exclusive OF money
paid out for ordinary and extraordinary repairs
which amounted to not less than 81 10000
| w,rs we have criticised the expenditure of a
| n.rt ~ Tho 100000 fund for work that should
have been taken Of by the ordinary ana &
traordlnary repair funds we would car a pe
legality such expendtre and not upon Of Us Hor
| ppbicb IN It's nature is repair and not improve
| ments and practically It makes no difference from
| what fund It Is paid fot
| Cor introduction to Canal Report see First fase)