The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1905-07-18
STATE HOUSE SCANDAL
Suit Of State Of South Carolina
Against Architects for Faulty
Repairs of State Capitol On
Trial At Columbia.

for 100000 damages against the con-
tracing firm OF McIlvane, Unkefer &
company and Architect Frank P. Mil
burn, for faulty construction in re-
modelling the state capitol, will at
tract much attention throughout the
state Governor Hayward and num-
Der OF other prominent men have been
summoned as witnesses and 1t is eN-
pected that some sensational evidence
will be brought out.
In the opinion OF experts twice as
much money as was necessary to
complete the building and put it in
perfect condition has already been eN-
pended, although the work is not yet
complete The scandals, following
an exposure OF the affair, involving
certain prominent politicians belong
ing to the state house commission,
which accepted the work and released
those responsible from their bonds,
caused the matter to be the subject Of
a number OF, heated debates in the
last several legislature. So heated, in
fact, did the debates become, that, at
times, it looked as if personal vio-
1ence would result. The new state
house commissions architect. Mr.. c.
c. Wilson. declared that the new
dome was faulty in construction and
liable to fall in with disastrous re-
suits, it's supports being insufficient.
Governor Hayward employed the
governments leading expert, Mr.. Kert
Berle, who came here and passed
upon the dome. For the most part
he sided with Mr.. Milburn, though the
commission Loyalty adhered to the
contentious of its own expert.
After the architect and contractors
were paid for their work to complete
the building, subsequent legislature
found it necessary to appropriate
Sl45,ooo more to complete the repairs.
A large amount of this has already
been expended. in new heating
plant and in permanent work.
The principal point Of difference
now, and the one which will receive
the most attention in the trial, is as
to whether new roof should be add
ed to take the place of the one the
contractors put on under Architect
Milburn. The new commission has
the plans and specifications for new
roof all ready for the awarding the
contracts. and will let these contracts,
as soon as the result of the trial is
known. The new roof will be OF
;terra Gotta
That Oil Company Failure.
Tie failure of the million-dollar
Independent Cotton Oil company and
the resultant failure Of the $4,000
Darlington Trust company, will cause
much suffering in and near Darling
ton, where a large amount of the
stock was held. 1t is understood that
a controlling interest in both con-
Germs were held in Darlington and
neighboring counties. In number Of
cases ;he holding amounted to as lit
tie as $50 to $1,000, but these repre-
sented the savings OF years. Ii is
stated that number Of the larger
stockholders are endorserS on the
con1pany's notes TO a large extent.
However, the statement IS confident
ly made that no other business en-
tcrDrises of that section are involved,
and there are those who believe that
both concerns will get on their feet
again. About S1oo. 900 worth Of the
stock was held in Charleston At one
time Ihe concerns headquarters were
in Charleston. with Morris Israel, of
that city, as it's president. The head
quarters were moved to Darlington.
but again transferred to Charleston.
But finally went back to Darlington
on interests there acquiring control.
The affairs Of the two concerns will
be thoroughly investigated by the
receivers. which Judge Watts ap-
pointed Saturday. Messrs. L. F. Will