New-York tribune., 1908-03-11
HAFFEN'S NAN ON STAND
Chief Engineer Tells of Contracts
Not Ton bu Lo1cest Bid.

With Josiah A. Briggs. chief engineer of the
Office Of Borough President Haffen OF The Bronx,
on the stand at both the morning and afternoon
hearings yesterday. John P Mitchell Commissioner
OF Accounts. brought out some interesting facts're-
latng TO contracts that had been let at figures in
excess of the lowest bids received as result of
prior advertisements.
One that of the regulating and regrad-
ing of Taylor street from Morris Park avenue to
West Plains road. The only bid was submitted by
George L Bailey. 1t was rejected and bids were
called a second time Again Bailey was the
ONLY bidder but his bid was 81 900 than the
first time. Again the contract was advertised and
Bailey captured the contract, but at hgure slooo
in excess of his original bid
MI Briggs explained this by saying that re-
advertisement frequently ordered in hope of
securing lower figure, but that efforts in that
direction were always successful
hIr. Bailey figured in similar case where his
first bid of S5,156 90 rejected and subsequent
bid by him for s5.5S1 IS accepted
Commissioner Mitchell brought out another case
where the lowest bid for the construction of ap-
proaches TO bridges the tracks of the New
York Central was Seo,115 All the bids were re-
jec1ed and the contract readvertTsed. when the
new bids opened the contract was awarded TO
John c Rogers for s132.652- some $4,000 more
than the lowest bid the first advertisement
The exclamation of Mr. Briggs that perhaps
the amount of the former bid had not been enough
to permit the work to be done properly, or there
might have been other good reasons
Peter E. Stanton received contract for 500 739 20
on a second advertisement when the lowest bid on
the first advertisement s29 1873 IS. 1t had been
submitted by A f. McGuinness.
In explanation of the transfer Of number of
men from the Typographical Bureau to the Bureau
Of Highways Mr.. Briggs stated that it was neces-
sary because the appropriation of 'he Topograph-
ical Bureau running low. 1t was perfectly
legitimate transfer, Mr.. Briggs said.
The question of paving and repaving was taken
from the sale corporate stock for mapping
the east side of the Bronx River had
been used for laying out streets the west side
of The river. He looked upon this proper
charge. because the Improvements in either case
permanent 49,
Mr.. Briggs said he did not consider himself
sponsible for the system of charging work
sessment proceedings as it had been in before
he entered the department. If he knew the books
kept in faulty manner he might consider
himself responsible, but he did not know any such
thing.
He would not admit that President Haffen had
any knowledge of the way charges made in
assessment proceedings, although he might have
talked with him about specific
At the opening of the hearing Commissioner
Mitchell announced that trouble had been ex-
perienced in placing under subpoena certain dep
uty county clerk. 1t that the Commission
ers Of Accounts anxious to obtain certain rec
ords. One subpoena was set aside the ground
that it was defective, and the clerk who
ed could not be reached for several days. Deputy
County Clerk Curry who it is said will be able to
produce the books needed, was served later in the
day