The Washington times., 1908-12-28

or the wOrk-a difference in quantity
over that obtained by the method for
merly used. and resulting in a gain TO
the contractor, estimated IS the result
of measurements and vests recently
made. at about il per cent su the case
OF the top mixture and possibly . per
cent in the case Of the binder material
The change in this method of deterrni-
nation Of the volume Of the box. il now
appears, was known to the former in
Spector of asphalts anu cements. A w.
Dow. and to officials OF the Brennan
construction Company, and to one or
more subordinate officials in the Engi-
neer Depa rtment, but was rot officially
recognized as an authorized change by
any oniC ial, nor was the matter ever
brought TO the official attention of the
engineer Commissioner. colonel Biddle,
nor 20 his assistant, Captain (now Ma
lorl MOI row, nor TO the engineer of
highway. Mr.. Hunt.
II y, 1893, the contract was ex-
tehued 10 july ], 1901 During this term.
IN all aIout three years. all payments
ior material Of these classes were made
IN Ordance with these new measure
ments. 1t is estimated by the Engi-
neer department that the overpav-
ments % the Brennan Construction
Company during the life OF this con-
tract amounted TO about $4,000.
Auditor Brought In.
About month ago it was believed in
The office of the Engineer Commissioner
that as much Information in regard to
thls hrst measurement Of the box had
been obtained as could be obtained, and
a new measurement was ordered, with
the Intention OF determining the proper
quantities 10 be used as the basis FOR
these payments, at about which time
the Auditor Of the District was also
brought into consultation on the matter
with the Engineer Commissioner and
the Corporation Counsel During the
progress Of this measurement the con-
tractor was notified that only partial
payments would be made on work in
progress, these partial payments being
MADE on the old figures until the deter
lnlnailon At his plant was completed
and fully considered. After this was
done, on Wednesday last. the matter
was brought 10 the attention Of the
Board of Commissioners.
1t should be stated that while il IS
believed that overpayments were made
10 the Brennan Construction Company
during the three years ended July /
lSOi, the payments made during the past
elsiteen months have shown only a
normal contractors profit. and il should
further he stated that the Commission
ers have funds Of the contractor still
retained in the United States Treasury
as provided b. Law, more than sur
ncient IN quantity 10 entirely safeguard
loss under either or both the contracts
involved.
i believe that the Commissioners will
at once take Up the question Of adjust
ment Of the matter with the Brennan
Construction Company. or falling the
arrival at an agreement TO take such
steps as may he necessary to effect an
adjustment In this they will doubfIe less
5e guided by advice from the CORPORA
ton Counsel, the Auditor. and possibly
the Comptroller Of the Treasury Depart
ment
As stated above, the Commissioners
were on Wednesday informed I'm regard
10 this matter, along the lines OF the
statement outlined above. As soon as
possible the full detailed information
obtained by the Engineer Commissioner
VIII oe lald before them, at which time
they will determine what further in
vestigation, II any. is demanded and
what action shall be taken as a result
thereof"