The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1903-11-06
ALL LAMP POST
BIDS ARE REJECTED
Aldermen and Assemblymen
Turn Down the Whole Matter
and Order a New Call.

men and the assembly last night.
This decision was reached after a
star-chamber session, held in one Of the
council ante-rooms, which lasted near
ly two hours. The only explanation
offered was that the posts of the Amer
lean Development company, whose bid
was over $4,000 lower than that of the
Cleveland Vapor Light company, were
not satisfactory.
The true state of affairs, as explain
ed by one member, was that number
of members, prejudiced because of the
presence of the American Development
company, which had unexpectedly dis
tanced the Cleveland concern, refused
to give their vote to the firm. and as
they constituted majority, nothing
could be done.
For the 1870 posts which the speci
fications required to be installed at
once, the American Development COM
pany had bid $3.50 a post, and the
Cleveland Vapor Light company's bid
was $7.S5 per post. Three other bidders
made prices in line with the figures Of
fered by the Cleveland company. On
the contract the American Develop
ment company was the lowest bidder
by over $4,000.
Expecting an argument that would
undoubtedly be lively, some members
proposed a star chamber session, and
this was agreed to, though when a
standing vote was called for the clos
ing of the doors, Aid. Dahlquist of the
number alone remained seated.
Reports Posts in Fair Condition.
Into this secret session went City
Engineer Rundlett to make his report
on the posts which the American De-
Velopment company proposed to fur
nish. This report stated that about rs
per cent of the posts that he had eX-
amined were in fair condition. Of the
number the report said 500 used by the
company in a previous contract were
fully in keeping with the specifications,
while 1880 located at Clark and Whit
well streets, Mr.. Rundlett noted, were
somewhat rusty, though cleaning and
some paint, he thought, would make the
majority fit for use.
The star chamber session was live
ly one. There could be no doubt about
that, for frequently the door opened
and the sounds of strife reached the
ears of the audience which patiently
waited for the members to begin the
regular meeting.
Its a split" said Assemblyman
Schurmeier, when the members APP
of aldermen took their seats. Aid.
Dobner was the first to secure recogni-
ton from the speaker, and following
an explanation that as neither body
could agree on an award, he moved
the rejection of all bids, the prepara-
ton of new specification by the board
of public works and another call for
bids.
1t was seconded and without fur
Their argument the other nine men,
bers voted for it.
Two AssembIymen Protest.
Following the adjournment of the
board the assembly met and concurred
in the action of the first body, though
not without vigorous protest from As
semblynen Arnold and Van Slyke. The
motion to concur in the action of the
board was made by Assemblyman
Doran.
81 protest most vigorously against
this STEP said Mr.. Van Slyke. why
this council should vote to throw away
$4,000, can't see. I have perfect con-
fidence in the city engineer. He has
said that the majority of these posts
are all right. There seems to be a
spirit here that favors the Cleveland
Vapor Light company at any cost"
81 am not going to vote for the re-
lection of these bids or a call for new
ones,' said Assemblyman Arnold, the
next speaker. 1--WE asked for bids in
good faith We got them in good
faith. The American Development
company is the lowest, nearly $4,000
lower than any other bidder, and has
given the required bond. 1t is in our
power to compel the observance Of
the specifications and you know it."
Here Mr.. Arnold asked Corporation
Attorney Michael if the posts seen by
some of the members of the coun-
Gil had any bearing on the award of
the contract
None whatever" answered Mr..
Michael. ''The specifications are your
guidance and you can compel observ-
ance."
The vote was taken, and with the
exception of the addition Of the city
engineer to the board of public works
for the purpose of preparing new speci-
fications the action of the board was
concurred in. Assemblymen Arnold and
Van Slyke voted in the negative.
In the board of aldermen, Aid. Holt
and Rohland alone stood for acceptance
of the American Development COM
panys bid, and in the assembly Vice
President Schumacher and Assembly
men Van Slyke and Arnold took sim
liar stand. They were. however, out
voted in the star chamber session,
where the friends of the Cleveland con-
Germ had decided majority.
Took Members to See Posts.
More than usual interest was mani
tested by the members in the post con-
tract yesterday and all day an auto
mobile hired, it is said, by the Cleve-
land firm, was in use hauling those who
would accept ride to the Clark street
location, where the posts of the Amer
lean Development company, it's rival,
and the lowest bidder, were stored.
Charles Patterson, the Cleveland COM
pany's manager, and it's Attorney Nc
Dermott, were also busy.
Robert Seeger, of the American De-
velopment company, declared he had
nothing to say when the rejection of
all bids was announced last night, ex-
cept that the city would never get
cheaper posts than he had offered. IF
my posts are junk" he said, then the
Cleveland outfit is not worth anything
Their posts do not begin to comply with
the specifications"
Many changes, it is said, will be
made in the new specifications.