The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-04-10
Bid Cut 100000 and Limestone Decided
On as the Principal Material
to BE Used.
PROTESTS NOT CONSIDERED
ARCHITECTS AND CONTRACTOR AL
MOST READY TO BEGIN WORK.
Government Acting slowly ON the In
diana War Characterization Bills
Prepared by Senator Fairbanks.
pecial to the Indianapolis Journal.

Special TO the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, April 9.--The Board OF
Awards Of the Treasury Department to-
day recommended to the secretary OF the
treasury that the contract for the con-
struction of the new Indianapolis federal
building be awarded tc John Pierce, of
New York. and that limestone be the
principal material used IL the construc-
ton. The original proposal OF Pierce was
changed in some places, but were all
agreed to by contractor and architects.
Rankin & Kellogg. The price was cut
about $4,000. which will make the entire
cost of the building sl.267.59O.
The Board of Awards did not seriously
consider the protests made against Pierce,
which were 10 the effect that he was gen
orally behind with his contracts and was
continually i'm trouble with the labor
CARNATIONS. Supervising Architect Taylor
says that it would be impossible for the
government to reject or accept proposals
on the strength of protests against or ap-
peals for contractors. Should heed be paid
TO these protests they might be compelled
to accept the highest or most unsatisfac-
tory bid The $4,000 reduction in the pro-
posal was caused by a change in the
marble TO be used in the courtroom, the
use of enamel brick No. 2 instead Of No
1 in many parts OF the building. and the
use of wrought iron in many Instances.
Contractor Pierce and Rankin * Kellogg
will have a consultation Immediately and
arrange to have the preliminary work
commenced as soon as possible. The ar
chitects state they ready TO proceed
with the work at almost any time, and
81, xrrtT1 h.
sary delay. There is no doubt that Sec
rotary Shaw will approve the recommends
ton of the Board of Awards He will an
nounce his decision tomorrow.
The auditor of the War Department has
called on Controller of the Treasury Trace
well for some additional evidence on the
Indiana war claimship, which has delayed
the hearing before the controller. Attorney
General Taylor thinks the auditors report
will be made some time tomorrow, and he
will present his arguments Immediately.
The government officials are proceeding in
very cautious manner. this is the first
case, and they are taking every precaution
against establishing a precedent that will
make it possible for half a dozen other
States to get through exorbitant claims.
Xxx
Senator Fairbanks has prepared and will
introduce the following bills: To increase
the pension of Edwin W. Harleman, of
Wabash to $50; granting the pension Of sl2
per month Of Maggie E. Knight of ST.
Paul, Ind; also a pension of $40 a month
to Benjamin +. Caster, of Indianapolis.
xSN
Nicholas Harper, an attorney from An
derson who has been employed in the
census Office, has returned to his home.
Walter Bonfer. cashier of the Third Ma
tional Bank of Greensburg, is in Washing
ton, and will ask Secretary Shaw to make
his bank a depository for government
money
The postOffice at Oak Grove, Jay county,
Indiana, will be discontinued April Is. Mail
should go to Redkey.
The controller of the currency to-day au-
thorized the City National Bank of Evans
ville Ind, to begin business. Capital, soc.
600: Francis ]. Reitz, president; Francis A.
Foster, cashier.
The subcommittee of the House commit
tee on public buildings and grounds will
give a hearing tomorrow on the bill APP
propriating $50 900 for a new federal build
ing for Richmond. j. J. Mills and S. S.
Stratton, jr., of Richmond, will appear be-
fore the committee