New-York tribune., 1903-07-15
RESERVOIR MONEY HELD.
4queduct Commission to Hear
Merchants CHARGES.

ent at the meeting of the Aqueduct Commission
yesterday, when representatives of the Mer,
chants Association appeared to oppose the pay
nnent of 100000 out of the sum retained tempo
rarily under the contract between the city and
John 2. Mcdonald. for the building of the Jer-
ONE Park Reservoir. IT is contended by the as
sociation that the masonry wall of the reservoir
probably will have to be rebuilt, at cost OF
S350.000. The sum retained 20 insure the per-
Torrance of the contract is $3.50 900 OF which
Mr. Mcdonald has asked for $2O0000
George L. Duval. spokesman for the asso-
citation. said the payment opposed. unless
the Aqueduct Commission was prepared to say
the work properly done
What proof have you that this money should
not be paid to the contractor at this time?'
asked Mr.. Grout.
I'VE have considerable proof" said Mr.. DuvaI,
but it is now before another tribunal"
This is the only proper tribunal TO submit
questions on the subject of retaining part of the
contractors money. Now, have you any proofs
why he should not be paid?" insisted the Con-
troIler.
JEROME SAID NOT TO TELL.
We have proofs" replied Mr.. Duval, but
Justice Mayer and the District Attorney told
US we should not devulge them yet"
They did. did they?" said Mr.. Grout. They
didn't have any right to do that and they
know it. Now, if you have any proofs, bring
them here when you can. and submit them in
public There won't be any star chamber pro-
ceedings in this commission. nor in its hear
ings When can you get your documentary
evidence ready
by Saturday" replied Mr.. Duval
"An right" responded Mr.. Grout.
At this point a letter from John 3. McDon-
aid was read. 1t said:
4 ask and expect to receive this money,
a simple matter of justice and fair play. But,
Mr. President of the Aqueduct Commission, if
there Is any lack of confidence in the con-
tractor or in the character of his work the
reservoir for which he is not responsible he will
withdraw his request"
PRAISE FOR THE CHIEF ENGINEER
This letter from Mcdonald listened to
with rapt attention. and il was then decided to
let the question Of advancing the 100000 to
Mr. Mcdonald stand over until next Tuesday.
The Mayor then handed out statement lauda-
tory Of William r. Hill. in part as follows;
William r. Hill was appointed chief engineer of
the AGueduct Commissioners on December %. 1892
TO succeed a. Fteley. who had resigned on account
January /. 1900 He resigned the position Of chief
engineer and superintendent of the syracuse " ter
the first day worked with great applicauo and
work was undermining his health he continued TO
give the strictest attention his duties until April
the heart. and for time his life hung in the bal
He resumed his work much sooner Lnan al
vised TO do ny his physician Although about TINS
time he was subjected 10 severe criticism, which
added greatly his burdens. he courageously con-
| tnued to do his work
Last month his health again failed, and he was
granted a leave of absence for two weeks His rest
proved Of benefit to him, and therefore. at the
nsistence of his family and his physician, Dr.
/ Lawrence p. A. EIagGan. he handed in his reslg-
/ nation. -, -
make such recommendations in view Of Nj tteiey S
/ great and well deserved reputation These Plans pans
! might naturally have been assumed TO be taGltless,
and their literal execution by Mr.. Hill would have
been expected and readily acquiesced in. Several
Of the members Of his engineer corps who had oeen
employed in their preparation did not hesitate 10
criticise him and stand for the integrity OF the
original plans.
The Aqueduct Commission passed resolu-
ton extending Mr. Hlls leave of absence as
| chief engineer allowing his resignation to lie
on the table, and appointing Mayor Low, Chair
man Ten Eyck and Commissioner Curtis COM
! rnittee to recommend a successor to Mr. Hill,
II was asserted after the meeting that the
Merchants Association was investigating re-
port that MIR Hill, while ostensibly away from
his duties on sick leave and vacation, was really
installing water plant at MddletoWh, N J.,
for which he received $4,000.