The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-02-17
REPLY OF BOARD OF EDUCATION.
charaes of Mr.. Miller Considered and
Reasons Given for not Employing An
other Architect.

other Architect.
City Clerk and Treasurer's Office.
Sumter, S. c., Feb. 18th, 1904.
The City Board of Education met
at Z O'Clock p. m.
Present: Commissioners E. G.
Haynsworth, Chairman, Marion Noise,
j. A. Mood and Supt. S. H. Edmunds.
A communication from Mr.. 3. T.
Miller was read wherein he specified
certain defects which he alleged to
exist in the new High School build
ing. Accompanying Mr.. Miller's COM
munication was petition from thirty
two citizens asking for an investlga-
tion of the charges.
After due deliberation the Board
concluded that these matters should
be referred to Architect Wilson, if any
of them are not already receiving his
consideration ard it was so ordered.
In view of the apparent lack of in
formation on the part of the petition
ers the Board directed publication of
the following:
Gard in Reference to the High
School Building.
We the members Of the City Board
of Education feel constrained to make
some statements in regard to the
school building now nearing compile
tion. From time to time complaints
and adverse criticisms have been pub
lished in the Sumter Freeman.
Hitherto We have disregarded these
as we have neither time nor inclina-
tion to enter into controversy about a
matter which is receiving our careful
attention. We have felt satisfied that
no reasonable ground exists for such
complaints, and furthermore have be-
iieved that the citizens of Sumter
place confidence in our purpose and
ability to take care of their interests.
We would not now notice these critl-
cisms, however unpleasant to Us, had
they been confined to the newspapers.
But We are in receipt of communica
tion from Mr.. E. f. Miller, specifying
certain alleged defects in the structure,
and making 'scharges affecting both
tie architect and contractor. - He re-
quests us to employ a disinterested
architect to pass upon the building
before it is accepted.
Accompaniyng Mr. Miller's COM
plant is petition signed by thirty
two citizens, joining in a request
s'that the alleged defects s < be
thoroughly investigated y
With these formal charges before Us,
supported by this petition, we cannot
longer remain silent. We also are
citizens and taxpayers and have as
much at stake as ether citizens.
Furthermore We have keen sense
Of the responsibility resting upon us
and are striving to perform our duties
faithfully. A consciousness OF doing
our best for the important interest
entrusted to Us must be the only re-
ward for our labors. We therefore
make a declaration of facts as they
appear to US. In the exercise of our
best judgement we employed Mr.. c. G.
Wilson OF Columbia, an architect of
high standing in several States to
prepare plans and specifications and
to superintend the work Of construc-
tion. A local architect made certain
damaging statements concerning the
experience of other communities with
Mr.. Wilson. We corresponded with
all the parties to whom we were re-
ferred and all replies received,
strengthened our confidence in Mr..
Wilson. We advertised for a con-
tractor and accepted the lowest bid out
Of several that were submitted. This
bidder failed to give bond and we
secured the services of Messrs. Deleon
& Lopez of Atlanta, at the next lowest
price we could obtain. These gentle
men began work promptly and have
pushed it with all possible dispatch
and care. But for the difficulty of
securing materials the building would
bave been completed a month ago.
We have been favorably impressed
with the ability, zeal and conscien-
tiousness Of the builders. They have
professional reputation to sustain,
which is far more valuable than their
profits from twelve thousand dollar
contract. There has been some neces-
sary departure from the foundation
plans to accommodate the heating sys-
tenn which was contracted for after the
original plans we're adopted. Some
0ifficuties have arisen, as is common
in building, but these have been ad-
justed, or are now i'll process of ad-
justment by our architect. The sug-
gestion that we employ second archi-
tect appears premature before we have
the opinion Of the architect in charge.
The chief interest of our architect is
to see that his plans are properly exc
cuted, and that the results be satisfac-
tory. We therefore think it advisable
to give Mr.. Wilson and the builders
an opportunity to show what they will
Offer US as completed structure
tested and approved. We have given
our time and personal attention to this
building, and have engaged the servi-
ces Of competent people in whom we
have full confidence.
The various alleged defects pointed
out by Mr.. Miller are not new to the
board. They had already been re-
ferred to our architect for adjustment.
By advice of the architect and con-
tractor, painting of the building has
been postponed in order that all defects
may be apparent. That seems an evil
dence of their desire not to cover up
anything. It would be entirely out