Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1902-07-09

the water works construction had
been called to the attention of the
council during the auditing of the bills
and the first general matter taken up
was whether or no an inspector should
be employed and If so who and at
what price. Stoddard did not think
any inspector was necessary until pipe
laying began and said that Pat. Walsh
complained of the presence of one on
the job now; Laux thought an inspector
necessary on the reservoir but not on
the pipe line; Symmes thought an en-
gineer ought to be on the reservoir
work at all times and that an occa-
sional visit to the trenching by the
engineer would be less expensive and
more satisfactory than a regular in
spector; Eldridge believed an inspec-
tor necessary and wanted the opinion
of the engineer. who had gone to his
Office to correct a bill.
Stoddard moved and the motion pre-
vailed, that no inspector be employed
on the works except as appointed by
the engineer and approved by the
council, such appointee to be a prop
erty taxpayer in Lewistown.
When Engineer Stafford had re-
turned and his opinion was sought he
vigorously upheld the need of an in
spector at all times and on all work;
stated the man employed was COM
petent and reliable, a disinterested
party and responsible to him for all
work; that he was not surprised that
the contractor should complain Of the
presence of an inspector as he (the
contractor) had taken a job on which
he could not come out even on and
would Skin the city" if permitted to
do so and 1t were necessary to make
even. Mr.. Stafford rendered his resig-
nation II the council were unwilling
to uphold him in the employment of
what he considered essential and rea-
sonable men and in taking all precau-
tions to see that specifications of the
contract were actually complied with.
Very sharp i~nterchanges resulted, the
employment of an assistant city engi.
neer. also entering the discussion. and
while the resolution previously adopt
ed was not rescinded the discussion
ultimately resulted in a practical up
holding of the engineer. Not until
adjournment, however, was the sub
iect dropped.
A majority of the ordinance COM
mittee reported favorably the applica-
ton filed a month ago by G. j. Wiede-
man for a franchise granting him
and associates the right to cross any
alleys and streets in the erection and
maintenance of a plant for the distri.
button of heat. Alderman Eldridge
and Symmes said they were both indi.
rectly interested and it developed that
Alderman Stoddard was also. Symmes
announcing that the Wiedeman plan
was to furnish heat to the Montana
Hardware Co., Lewistown CONNER
cial Co.. Lewistown Telephone Co,
and Power Mercantile Co. and IL q
surplus should be developed to sell
heat to anyone who might apply. Mr.
Laux opposed the proposition, an
nouncing himself in favor OF a recon
pense to the city for any and all valu'
able franchises. Mr.. Stoddard thought
the franchise might be limited to q
plan as Immediately proposed accord
ing to Mr.. Symmes' announcement.
and Mr.. Symmes suggested a restric'
ton Of the term of the franchise to
ten years. No motion to adopt OF
reject the ordinance being offered, II
was agreed to lay it over.
On behalf of Edward Quigley and
Peter Tus, Attorney Blackford ad'
dressed the council, stating that Mr.
Quigley had signed the reservoir con
tract and also had made an assignment
of the same to Peter Tus. the signed
contract and a proffered bond of 81,
900 given by Peter Tus, Philip Laus
and Chas. Lehman being handed the
mayor. Mr.. Symmes raised the point
that as Mr.. Quigley had failed to com
ply with the conditions as imposed
by the council and agreed to by the
bidder. he thought Quigley had as
signed something which he didn'
have and that the contract should &c
to the next lowest bidder. Laux op
posed delay. Eldridge considered the
contention good and so did Stoddard
but neither seemed willing to furth
er postpone the closing Of the contract
The offered bond was read and tht
city attorney confessed he could moi
understand It's meaning-to the re
porter ii sounded like the indiscrimi
nate mixing OF about three hundred
words. Stoddard moved the accept
ance of Peter Tus as contractor. may
or and CLERK to sign and deliver con
tract upon furnishing of satisfactor!
bond and the motion prevailed. Tus
who was present, said he would begi.
work right away.
From the special committee appoint