Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1910-02-22
REPRESENTATIVES, OF MANY
CITIES PLAN TO END
COMBINE.
CONVENTION IN CHICAGO
REPRESENTS "a CITIES
Permanent Organization Formed to
Secure Standard in style, Cost and
Construction Of Street Pavins-Uni-
form Specifications to Be Agreed
Upon at Convention.

SnlcaSO, FeD. 22.-An organization
Of city representatives for the estab-
lishment and maintenance of stand
ard in paving-in style, construction,
cost, and care-Was formed yesterday
at convention called by Mayor Busse
and held at the La!Salle hotel. Thirty
four cities were enlisted as charter
members and the plan is to extend the
m embership to every city in the United
States with a population of more than
$4,000.
Prevention of overcharge by con-
tractors and breaking up of so-called
contractors rings" which monopolize
public improvements in many cities,
together with the conducting of ex-
periments to"deternline the best paving
to Withstand certain conditions, is a
purpose of the organizat tons.
1t is expected the organization ul-
timately will include all forms Of mu-
nicipal construction work, placing sew
ers. grading, street sprinkling. bridge
building, and the like on a scientific
basis.
Officers of the Organization.
The following were elected officers of
the permanent organization:
President-Frank T. Fowler, super
intendent OF streets, Chicago.
First vice president-George W. Till
son, chief engineer of highways, New
York City.
Second vice president-Capt. w. J..
Hardee, city engineer, New Orleans.
Third vice PRESIDENT. w. Rundlett,
city engineer, ST. Paul
Fourth vice president-George w.
Craig, chief engineer, Omaha.
Secretary and treasurer-John B.
Hittell, street engineer. Chicago.
The greater part of the day was
spent in forming permanent organiza-
ton. After an address Of welcome had
been delivered by Mayor Busse, COM
mfttees on credentials and organiza-
lions were appointed
Some discussion resulted in the re-
fusal of the credentials committee to
recognize three delegates denominated
as consulting engineers, but who were
known to have affiliations with asphalt
concerns. Finally it was decided to adj
init the delegates to the convention.
but to allow them no voice on the floor
and not to admit them as accredited
representatives of their duties
Speech Of the President.
Public improvements can no longer
be held as prizes for favorite con-
tractors" President Fowler said in his
address. 1.-THE thought in forming this
organization is that a great step
towards the reduction in cost to the
taxpayer would result; that the num-
Der of general kinds Of pavement could
be reduced; that delays, now so fire.
quent in obtaining materials. would be
reduced to minimum; and that any
agreement on standard would result in
heretofore unknown competition for
our work by the public contractor.
Paving conditions 'ong have been
in state of chaos. While climate and
traffic differ in various cities our ex-
periments will show what paving best
will withstand certain kinds OF wear
and weather, and, most of all, 1t will
show approximately at what price paw
ing can be laid and kept in repair"
Convention to Last a Week.
The convention will last during the
week, and before its conclusion it is
expected committees will be able to
report maximum and minimum prices
for certain kinds of work, and recon-
mendations for grades of material to
fit any particular local condition.
Today was devoted to committee
work and tonight the delegates will be
given a smoker and Dutch lunch at
the Illinois Athletic Club
Final action will be taken on specifi-
cations Friday night