Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1908-12-15
NEW BIDDER IN FIELD
ON SEWER SYSTEM

George A. Rogers. of George A.
| Rogers & Co, general contractors of
Los Angeles, Archibald Douglas be-
ing the other member of the firm, ap-
Ipearcd before the council last night
with a proposition TO enter compet-
| tive bid against the American Light
and Water company of Kansas City,
which has been given provisional
contract by the city for building the
sewer system Mr.. Rogers explained
that he merely awaited the action of
the council 60 reconsider the proyis-
ional contract, after which he would
feel at liberty to make a counter prop
ostion. saying that in this event the
Kansas city firm should also be giv-
en- chance to make a second bid
Alderman Hanley made a motion to
reconsider the action of the council In
passing a resolution at the last meet
ing awarding the contract provision
ally to the Kansas city people II will
be remembered that this resolution
provided that the proposal be accepted
on condition that the bond issue pass
at the election, that upon investigation
the American company should be
found reliable, and that a satisfactory
contract could be agreed on. Mr.. Han
ley took the position that last nights
meeting being an adjourned session 1t
was quite within the rules governing
the council to reconsider the resolu-
tiGn This precipituted discussion
that lasted some time. Mr. Hanley in
sistng that for the city's interest any
other bidders should have a hearing
before n contract was closed
The mayor believed the provisional
binding upon the council and
was supported by an opinion OF the
city attorney. The mayor stated his
position at some length saying that he
was In favor of the city's getting the
work done at the lowest possible eN-
pcnsc. but believed that the condi-
lions cf the provisional contract must
20 carried out before il would be feas-
ibIe to break with the American COM
pany The mayor reviewed the propo-
sition made by Mr Bullock of the
Kansas city firm at some length.
dwelling upon its advantages He cali
ed attention to the facts that the sale
of the bonds was guaranteed, that tho
city will have a perfect check on the
work and that the railroad rebates on
win be- a most important
~ have no interest
whatever In giving the work To the
American Light and water company
,r any other concern said the mayor.
but / do think the council is bound
by the resolution il passed. to close
with the American company unless
he bond issue fails or Il Is found to
le an unsatisfactory concern, in 9TH
q words unless the conditions stated
10 not materialize."
Alderman Nroth took the floor and
declared that while he had voted for
he resolution for the sake of har-
nony as he stated at the time. he
hought the council had taken a wrong
tep The only square DEAL said
Mr. Wroth. lis To get your bonds sold.
prepare your complete engineers
pccihcations and then throw the prop
,sition open To an the contractors who
vil hid. The resolution as passed.
iowever. is. in my opinion. binding
nless rcconsidered "
Alderman Learnard thought IL would
be- wise To reconsider the resolution.
After Alderman Hanley had stoutly
defended his motion ii was lost by
vote Of five To two. Aldermen Hanley
ma Learnard voting To reconsider.
In his brief talk 60 the council Mr..
Rogers said that il his people We're
given chance to bid, che hid would
1, better than that OF the Kansas City
irm and would be along the same gem
raj Hines. He made the interesting
statement that hc had talked TO a
number of financial houses In Los An
scles and had been insctmed the
bonds contemplated hrre could sell
easily at a premium. He assured the
council of the reuabri-5 ~ his firm
and the character 90 It's work and said
that satisfactory hona would be Civ
GA. he gave the eouacn to under