Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-03-23
POOR WORK ALLEGED
Havana Sewer Contractors
May Lose Big Job.
COMPLAINTS OF DELAY
Character of Construction Is Also
Severely Criticised.
CONTRACT MAY BE CANCELLED
Charged That Company Has Failed
to Fulfill Terms of Agreement.
Report by Experts.
COMPLAINTS OF DELAY
CONTRACT MAY BE CANCELLED

1t is asserted that the twelve-millon-
dollar contract for the installation of
sewerage system in Havana is in dan
ger of cancellation by the Cuban govern
ment This celebrated contract to ac-
commodate the $1,000 citizens of Ha-
vana was signed by Gov Magoon with
the Cuban Engineering and Construction
Company, successor to the original con-
tractors.
La Discussion, a leading Havana news
paper. recently published a report made
by experts. 1t alleges that the company,
which is composed of New York people,
is charged with failure to comply with
the terms Of its agreement and with VIC
latlon of necessary sanitary precautions
In the work already accomplished.
1t is stated in the report rendered last
week that the excavations now being
made and the pipes being laid therein
Will result In the money expended there
on belng a loss. 1t Is asserted that the
capacity of the mains Is not sufficient to
carry on the sewage. and the arrange
ments for connections with residences
along the line are inadequate. 1t is also
charged that the earth excavated Is not
disinfected, as provided for in the con-
tract and germs of fever may be carried
in all directions.
The preliminary studies for this work
were made by Col. Michael J. Dady Of
Brooklyn prior to the Spanish-American
war. He spent several thousands of dol
lars surveying the streets of the city and
in making plans and specifications. He
finally presented proposition to the Span
Ism governor general to buildt system OF
sewers. with street pavement. for Ha-
vana for the sum of $14 O0O,OtD approx
mately. The plan was approved by the
municipal council by a practically unani
nous vote, and contract was drawn up
for the construction work. But before
the contract was signed the Spanish
American war came on, and upon the
conclusion of that conflict Spain pre-
pared to evacuate Cuba.
Gen. Brooke was made military COVER
nor OF the island upon the assumption
OF the government of Cuba by the United
States. and the matter was taken I'D by
him, being regarded as project of great
Importance on account of the danger
conditions then existing. The concession
dragged on till bids for the work We're
finally called for. and Col. Dady pre-
sented a bid, offering to take bonds in
the only bid. and for awhile it seemed
the contract would be awarded to him.
The award was postponed from time to
time. and finally Dady was offered and
accepted $25O.O0O cash to relinQuish his
rights New bids were called for and
Rokeby and McGiveny were awarded
the work. They deposited 100000 as a
guarantee. upon which the city of Ha-
vana paid interest for several years.
Work Dragging Along.
The Palma administration arose and
fell. still leaving the contract unsigned.
When the United States again interviewed
in Cuba the contract was signed and the
deposit returned to the contractors. 4
transfer OF their contract was effected to
the Cuban Engineering and Construction
Company. and 1t is said that company
began in a tentative way to work. one
of the first shipments of several thou
sand bricks fai ed to pass inspection.
Capt. McComb was appointed to repre-
sent the United States government as en-
gineer officer. and upon the withdrawal
of this government from Cuba he still
remained, and he now fills the peculiar
position Of a representative of a foreign
government inspecting public works be-
ing constructed by the Cuban govern
ment.
The real reason for the delay in push
ing the work ON the sewer system is
said to be the uncertainty of the present
revenues of the Cuban government being
sufficient to cover the payments due as
the work progresses. 1t is also said this
objection will be overcome when the pro-
posed loan of $16.O0O.O0O is fioated.
In the meantime, 1t is asserted. the
may be compe led by public opinion to
declare the contract forfeited on account
of alleged non-fulfillment OF the agree
ment by the contractors. Such action
might result in delay of several years.
as a majority of the people of Havana
are said to be opposed to the construction
of the sewer system under its present
conditions.