The diamond drill., 1911-07-29
Couldn't Phase PADDY

Some disappointed bidder on Dull
nth paving contract Lroke into print
the other day with statement that
Paddy Mcdonnell offered him 81, 0O0
not to bid on the contract.
This item will interest local people
because Of the articles that disap-
pointed bidder on the local job caused
70 be printed in Escanaba papers after
the contract was awarded.
In the Crystal Falls case Mr.. McDon-
nell was given the contract although
his bid was 10-cents per yard higher
than the Escanaba fellow, because the
council had more confidence in Mr.
Mcdonnell than II had in the other
man. The latter got sore and in inter
views given out in Escanaba intimated
that things were not ION the square"
here.
The following account Of the Duluth
case is taken from the Herald.
Z" Paddy Mcdonnell was the con-
tractor who offered me 81, 900 not to
bid on the Fourth street paving job.
said Hugh Steele at his Office in the
Manhattan building this morning
Have you any witnesses who can
substantiate your statement TO that
eifect2" he was asked.
"There are never any witnesses to
those transactions. he answered
ave were in the city hall and talking
alone. No one else was within hear
ing-of Mr.. sMcDonnell and myself.
DO you know of any other paving
jobs which have been secured in this
manner in-this city.by Mr.. Mcdonnell
or any other cortraetorI" was another
questio4.
Il cannot say anything about that
at this time. said Mr. Steele. IF the
matter comes before the grand jury. as
1t has been stated it will, | will pro-
badly have an interesting story to re-
late at that time.
When PADDY Mcdonnell. the con
tractor named by Mr.. Steele, was seen
this morning. he did not take the mat
ter seriously. He declared that ne
does not want to get into any contro-
versy of the present nature. as there is
nothing to it, II am not paving
trust. he said II have been getting
ONE of the larger contracts. but strict
ly upon merit. have been the lowest
bidder, and ain in position TO do the
work cheaper than many of the others.
We got the equipment and the outfit
and can do the paving for less money
Further than that Mr.. Mcdonnell
would not discuss the matter. lie said
that he was too busy TO spend any
length of time on il. He said II am
leaving for Grand Forks this evening,
where have big contract on. The
state fair is on, and there will be a
party of engineers from. several North
west towns TO look at the work The
pavement is running right up TO the
fair grounds, and is within two blocks
of there now. Among the engineers
who will be there are the city en-
gineers. of Superior. Crookston and
Fargo.
MIR. Mcdonnell didn't refrain from
that "Donnellite' is being
laid at Grand Forks. He says-that IL
is new combination, asphalt being
used instead of tar, which gives il
handsome white finish.
Mayor Cullum stated that he expects
the conncil will make a thorough in
vesitgatiou Of the charges made by Mr..
Steele. He said that he wanted the
entire matter completely aired In order
that the slightest doubt might be re-
moved from the minds of the public
II is probable that at the next meeting
of the council special committee will
be appointed 10 take the matter In
charge and make full report on its
indings TO the council II this does
rot cover the ground, other steps will
% taken.