The Washington times., 1903-12-21
SATISFACTORY WORK.
At FILTRATION PLANT
Col. A. NJ. Miller Reports to
War Department.
ANSWERS HOUSE INQUIRY
Shows Responsibility of Firms En-
gagged in the I'm
crovement.

A report on the progress OF work at
the District filtration plant. submitted 10
the War Department by Col. A. NJ Mil
Ter. in charge of CONSTRUCTION, proves Of
special interest because of the resolution
recently introduced in the House which
questioned the financial responsibility OF
the companies TO whom the contracts
for the work We're awarded
The report gives detailed resume II
the work. and sets forth that the plant
will In all probability be completed with
in the time limit. Colonel Miller saws the
financial condition of the companies in
yolved has been found good. and he an
ticipates no trouble as to their ability
TO finish the work according to con-
tract
The bulk of the work in the construc-
ton of the plant is handled by Cowardin.
Bradley Clay & Co. The company recent
ly went into the hands of a receiver. and
there is little question but that the reso-
luton was a direct result OF their finan-
cial complications. The court appointed
John d. Maclennan receiver for the
company. and since then the work has
been carried on without interruption.
Extent of the Contract.
The Cowardin company began actual
work on May 4, 1908 Their excavating
plant, while capable Of removing 6 600
cubic yards of earth daily. has so far
been able to handle only 5000 cubic
yards each day. Colonel Miller says. be-
cause of the inconvenience and diff
culties at the dumps.
The contract calls for the excavation
of $4,000 cubic yards. of which 4i6 900
have already been removed. At the
present rate. Colonel Miller SAYS. the
task should be completed in l54 days.
or about six months
But at present the plant is working
/ much more advanta geousIy." he con-
tinues. The dumns are closer and bet
ter arranged than in the beginning. and
an average Of at least 1000 cubic yards
a day should be handled: this would
reduce the time for completing earth
werk 70 l16 days, or four months from
date. and there is no physical obstacle
to the completion of this work in the
specified time
Half Years Concrete Work.
The concrete work consists of III. IOC
cubic yards. The apparatus. in position
10 handle the work is capable of an
output under favorable conditions Of
LOCO cubic yards each day. It is csti-
mated that the concrete will be laid
within six months. Preparations have
been completed to keep the work gcine
night and day.
With an allowance OF FIVE months
loss of time. Colonel Miller says. the
plant would still be completed in the
time limit, which is December ]. 1901
There is at present no probability that
the work viii not be kept up at the pres.
ent rate.
Companies On Good Basis.
As to the financial conditions of the
: companies. Colonel Miller says: The
financial responsibility OF the firms OF
parties with whom contracts have been
entered into was, as far as could be
ascertained. good. The law requires that
bonds shall be given by contractors with
the United States for the proper full
fillment OF the contracts" He also says
each company has given good sureties
in the amount OF 20 per cent Of the con-
( tract price, with bonding corporations
listed in the Treasury Department as ac-
ceptable for Government contracts.
While the report is not an answer tC
the resolution, none having been called
for, il covers fully all the points in
voIved. and sets at rest any fear that
the plant Is in danger of becoming in
volved in difficulties.