The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-05-21
THEY DON'T SUIT HIM.
Kansas City Chemist Criticises Topeka
Asphalt Specifications.
Alleging that the specifications fl

Alleging that the specifications for
repaving OF Kansas avenue as pre-
pared by the city engineer and based
on the recommendations made By
Proctor, the Detroit asphalt expert, to
the property owners paving commit
tee, are too open and not specific
enough e NJ Perdue, an analytic
chemist Of Kansas City. was in To-
peka Saturday and criticised the speci-
hcatons in pretty strong terms in
conference which he held during the
day with the city attorney. Mayor Da-
/ Wis. and City Engineer James McCabe.
Mr.. Perdue had q copy OF the paw
/ ing specifications in use in Kansas
I City. which are considerably more
rigid in specifying the test for. the
grade of asphalt which is to be used.
IF I were to say anything, I would
say that the specifications had been
/ drawn up under the recommendations
/ of man who had some sort of in
terest in having them so open. said
Perdue- II am connected with the
Hahneman Medical college at Kansas
City. and conduct a laboratory in Kan
sas City. I have done lot Of this
kind of work and am well known IN
Kansas City. [ wouldn't have anyone
think for a minute that I think that
the city officials of the city are in
favor of anything but the square deal,
/ but it does seem to me as if the rec
ored and Influenced by someone who
had something to gain by doing so.
/ There Is the greatest sort of latitude
i in these specifications covering the
test for asphalt. In Kansas City the
/ specifications are minute to a detail
If I was to make a test OF the
samples of the asphalt I would of
course adopt some Of the specifications
and tests required in the Kansas City
/ specifications. This specification is
let's ~ -7-eI IA
/ can be run through within a short
time, while the specifications of Kan
saS City require some time. The
specifications in use down there are
the ones just drawn up. I have come
here to make a bid on making a test
Of these samples of asphalt and in
tend to see more Of Topeka
Under the specifications as drawn
UP by the city engineer. samples of the
asphalt to be used by the various
companies bidding are to be sent to
the city engineer together with an
analysis These samples in turn will
be submitted to the chemist engaged
by the city, who will make further
tests and an ANALYSIS. It's on this basis
/ that Mr.. Perdue wishes to bid.
i don't think the specifications are
| too OPEN" said F. G. Dreaming, city
attorney. They are based on the
city of Detroit Specifications, and
though they are not minute as those
of Kansas City. we are going to en-
gage an expert who will make tests
of the asphalt material according to
his own satisfaction. There Is as
much chance of getting a chemist who
viii slide over those minute specifica-
tons as there is of getting an expert
who will hold the company to rigid
tests. That he will adopt such tests
there is every belief, for the expert we
/ are going to get is recommended by
Dow. the foremost expert in the
United states. and he IS going to cost
US $40 a day"
Il think II we can get a good chem
lst at nome we should get one here, .
said City Engineer McCabe II never
heard Of Perdue, and donst know any
thing about him"