The Washington herald., 1906-10-10

To submit Estimates on work.
Formal invitation 60 contractors 20 sub
init proposals for completing the con-
suuction Of the Panama Canal on the
percentage plan was issued by the 18TH
mian Canal Commission yesterday. The
exact terms under which the work is to
bc done were explained in detail. and the
forms of the proposals and contract are
presented. and all bids must be submitted
by noon December J. 1896 when they
viii be opened in the presence of the
proposers. Bonds for $4,000 must ac-
company each bid, and successful con-
tractors must provide bonds for $685.
00e
Accompanying the invitation is a state
ment by Chairman Shonts. in which
ne forestalls the criticisms that are likely
10 come from the the interests that are
opposing the construction Of the canal by
explaining just why the government has
decided TO have the work done by con-
tractors instead of doing it itself Also
the reasons for choosing the percentage
plan in preference TO any others are set
forth.
Mr.. ShOnts Explains Action.
Mr.. Shonts first points out that it would
take the commission years to secure the
proper men and build up departmental
construction organizations which would
equal in efficiency those now controlled by
the leading contractors of the United
States
In this connection it is interesting 10
note that while there is no clause limit
ing bidders to American firms or corpora
tions, the wording throughout implies
that proposals are expected only from
this country.
Mr.. Shonts 6rst makes il plain on the
part of the government that the cOntTac-
lots are merely 10 provide the labOreTS Of
al classes ana direct their work. in return
for which they win be paid an agreed
percentage upon the estimated reasonable
cost of the actual construction work as
fixed by an engineering committee. of
whom the contractor will name two mem
bers and the commission three
The commission will in addition. ar
range "a suitable system of premiums and
penalties to insure prompt execution Of
the contracts.
Advantages in plan.
Many advantages on the part Of the
man adopted are advanced by Mr.
Shonts, the principal ones being that it
VIII give the government the benefit of
the combined efforts of the best contrac-
tors in the world and the cooperation
of these powerful interests I'm maintaining
q full complement Of laborers. It also en-
ables the government to protect itself
against cheap or faulty construction. and
holds ont the promise of q probable say
InE 10 The government
1T is conceivable" SAYS Mr.. Shonts in
Ills connection, that the government
may receive as the fruits Of the system
al rewards embraced in this plan say
lHCs sufficient 90 Offset the entire percen-
7ase required TO Doe paid the contractor
on the estimated cost OF the work
Commission Reserves Rights.
Tho invitation states explicitly chat in
awarding the contracts, the commission
reserves the right to use its own discre-
ton In picking out contractor who Is
Juaged capable Of fulfilling al REQUIRE
ments To assist it i'm this matter infor-
nation must be furnished as to organiza-
tion. facilities and experience. and also
as 70 financial strength; in the case Of
corporations. the names of officers and
directors must be provided
Afidavits must also be furnished that
no member of Congress. official or en-
ploye of the government of the United
states. of The Canal Zone, or OF the
IstHmian Canal Commission is interested
iH the firm on corporation
viii Furnish All Quarters.
In addition to what has already been
outlined. the commission agrees 10 fur
nisL quarters for all employees. storage
warehouses, hospitals and hospital service.
Office buildings. free telegraph and tele-
phone service for the actual transaction
of business, free trackage rights for work
trains. water for Offices and engines. and
nless-house privileges for contractors and
employees. Half rates viii also be granted
employees. their families, and supplies over
the Panama Railroad and its steamship
liresl
Tt is further stipulated that the contrac-
tor must give the Auditing Department
fun access TO his books al any time. must
take over all employees Of the commission
at the time he begins work. and must not
discnarse any Of those on what is known
as the gold list" or reduce their salaries
without the approval Of the chief eugi-
upCr
The chief engineer also has power to re-
qCire The discharge for cause of any en-
pioye in the service of the contractor
The contract is worded throughout so
as 10 give the commission and chief engi-
ncer rigid control over everything pertain
ing TO The canal
Work Progressing Rapidly.
According to adyices received by Mr..
Shonts from the chief engineer Yesterday
the work now in hand is progressing more
rapidly than ever. The amount OF eXca-
walton in the Cul-oTa Cut during the
months of Aue1st and September exceed
cd that Of any previous month since the
AmeIicaI control, despite the rainy sea-
son.
r. August 2l4SH cubic yards were re-
r[oved. which IS j,666 yards more than the
total of the heaviest previous month
March last. In September the amount
was 2Sg,000 cubic yards, or 5000 more
than in August
The double tracking of the railroad is
also being rushed OF thirty-fivc miles Of
additional track planned fifteen have
been completed and ten miles more are
ready for track-layiug.
The clearing yards at Pedro Miguel and
Las Cascades are partly completed. and
those at La Boca % per cent completed.
COUNTESS WANTS HEARING.
Cubun YObIeyyOmu0 Seeks namue-es