The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-08-17


$4,000. had been practically parcelled out
by an agreement long before the city
council adopted a resolution requiring
contracts TO be approved by the mayor
when the amount OF work would cost
more than $500.
The philanthropic members of the city
property committee had decided that
they wanted only the very best OF every
thing. wanted the man. or men. who took
the jobs TO get ample pay. and did not
want any contracts for these jobs.
They made an agreement to let the
work be done by this novel method: Tho
person who agreed to do the work was
10 furnish the materials at cost and re-
ceive % per cent for labor. This would
insure him against loss. mean a handsome
profit for him on the work done and evade
the spirit of the resolution providing for
contracts when the cost Of Jobs exceeded
$500.
Under this plan the city property COM
mittee did not find IL necessary TO re-
quire bids for the plumbing job. though
Alderman Dunn, who later caught on TO
what was I'm the wind, made estimate
that the work could be done for about
$500
Later he discovered. he said. that he
did not know that the job would be SO
extensive. and revised his estimate 20
about $4,000.
The story Is told. however. that the al
derman who found himself frozen out had
taken the precaution TO interest two 9TH
or practical plumbers who visited the
Technical high school and inspected the
plumbing They found II is said. that
the work was not nearly so extensive 3s
had been represented.
One Of them reported that all that was
actually needed was a little acid TO clean
out the piping. which could be done at
very small cost The other thought that
| II would be better TO have new plumbing
work but was confident that II could be
| Installed for not exceeding $500.
When these statements were made to
Mr. Dunn. who has his own pull with the
ring at the city hall. he was hopping
mad. and threatened 20 do things. Then
II is said the city property committee
found IL necessary to mollify him and
something was done.
1t is stated that an extra sewer job was
found for the alderman, this Job to cost
the city not exceeding $1,000
AS this was out Of Mr.. Dunn's line, he
went, the story goes, to a man I'm that line
of business 10 arrange with him TO do the
work; but this man had been tipped by
another councilman that the city was TO
pay $1,000 for the job and he should get
his share.
Therefore. 20 Mr. Dunn's CONSERVATION,
~
why" Dunn Is reported 10 have re-
monstrated, that should not-eest over
500"
II know IT," said sub-jobber No. 2. but
! am something OF a politician myself"
And he got the job.
Some long discussions were held by the
mayor, the Joint standing committee on
finance and members OF the city property
committees: but agreements antedating
the resolution under which the $4,000 APP
propriation for the entire job was asked
stared them In the face, and the CON
tractor was growing anxious because he
was being delayed. and there was moth
ing to do but to put the best possible face
on matters and proceed.
The history OF the job is interesting
and throws an interesting light on the
conduct OF city affairs.
About two months ago the city prop
erty committee voted TO pay Ozro G.
Heath, one OF its members sum not
Exceeding $500 to do the gas piping
work i'm the Technical high school. Mr..
Heath was not present at that meet
ing. he says, but was sitting on jury
st the time.
A few days later he SAYS. he received
a letter from Superintendent OF Public
Buildings Henry r. Evans, informing
him OF the committees action and ask
ing him IL he would make such an
agreement
Mr.. Heath sent n letter 20 Mr.. Evans
informing him that he would do the
work for a sum not exceeding $500
Mr.. Evans then referred the letter
to the city property committee and
Fhe agreement was entered into be-
tween Mr.. Heath and the city.
In giving out work TO cost under $500
4 is the custom OF Mr.. Evans to give 1t
o some contractor: but ~ it Is to cost
over $500 he calls the matter To the at
eutforr- Of -thc committee. who give out
he work by agreement or contract
Mr. Evans then writes 90 the contra"-
or asking him II he wishes 90 enter
nto the agreement. II the contractor
-eplies that he will do the work at
cost not exceeding the amount men
ioned. the agreement Is then made
According to Information obtained at
Mr.. Evans ONCE IL IL the custom Of the