Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-09-26
URGES PROMPT ACTION.
The Northwest Suburban Association
Pleads for Chemical Engine House.


Mr.. c. c. Lancaster, Mr.. II. s. Jones,
Dr. c. W. Richardson and Rev. H. E. r.
Reck, a special committee Of the North
west Suburban Citizens Association, have
written the District Commissioners urging
them to take prompt steps to build the
house for the chemical engine company to
be located at Tenleytown.
The association, the committee states.
September IS, 1898, recommended to the
Commissioners appropriation of slo,ooo
for house, lot and furniture for the sec
ton named. This recommendation received
the approval of the Commissioners, and
through the efforts of this association. 1t is
claimed was included in the act making
appropriations for the expenses OF the DIS
trct Of Columbia, approved March 3, 1899.
A site has been purchased and plans ad-
vertised for the erection of the building.
No bids were submitted for the erection
of said building. and it is understood the
Commissioners intend to delay further ac-
ton and to request Congress to make an
additional appropriation. From reliable
information received at your office and else
where we understand" states the commit
tee that no bids were submitted for the
reason that the plans as advertised are
more expensive than the appropriation
available, and that contractors cannot bid
on the same without financial loss. We
are also informed that the failure to re-
ceive bids is due to the increase in the
these features of the case careful consider
alton, and the opinion of our association
is that they are not sufficient to cause this
delay.
I'm making out a report to the Commits
sioners," the committee states, "a very
careful estimate was made on the cost of
the lot, building and furniture, and the
amount recommended sufficient was APP
proved by your honorable body and appro,
priated by Congress. While II is conceded
that there has been an increase in the
cost of certain building materials, We are
clearly of the opinion that the plans of the
special architect should be revised and cut
down, that the building could be erect
ed at the earliest possible moment at fair
profit to the contractor. If we cannot Sc
cure an expensive building. we are will
ing to take more economical building in
accordance with the funds available. We
see no good reason why the erection of this
building should be further delayed in order
to secure an appropriation from Congress.
We are convinced that 1t would be unwise
to appeal to Congress under the c1rcum-
stances for an additional appropriation. and
unwilling to aid your honorable
body in making this request, as we regard
the scheme as impracticabe.
1.-The taxpayers of this section are In
great need of this fire engine. and any de-
lay In giving them the early benefit of
their efforts in securing this appropriation
would work great injury to their inter-
estS Our section is solely benefited by
this Improvement and we believe the Com
missioners will fully discharge the trust
confided to them by carrying out the wishes
of our taxpayers and property owners.
Public spirit animates the members Of
this association to work in harmony with
the efforts of your honorable body. and We
would sincerely regret that any serious
conflict should grow out OF a failure on
your part to execute the law to advance
the interests of our section. We therefore
earnestly recommend that no further de-
lay be permitted in this matter. and that
the plans be so revised and bids solicited
from responsible contractors that will
cure the completion of this building at
early date"