Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1913-07-01

| stone. II is patented. In Jne oldlt
specifications it is classed with foui
types of hot mixed and one of colo
mixed bituminous concretes. | have
insisted that bids should be received
on enough OF these types TO ensure
competition. That amiesite has been
largely used is due to the fact that
the price therefor has been lower
than for the others. In the various
| types of bituminous concrete COM
petition is more or less limited by
vested patent rights. The types speci-
| fed are
Not mixed-Warrenite and btu
lithic patened pavements; flbertine,
not patented, but probably proprie-
tary name; Topeka Cproperly graded,
an open proposition.
Gold mixed There is but one
specification, but this covers two
types, amiesite and westrimite, both
involving use of patents.
Progressive Policy or Quit
"a. Mr.. McGovern in this matter
does not agree with the best authori-
ties | have been able to find. | have
consulted English, French, United
States government, State and county
engineers, as well as contractors and
others interested in roads. Only those
Interested in some special type of de-
sign agree with Mr. McGovrn in de-
crying further experiment and urging
| one type as the only one worthy of
| consideration. At the current prices
| the resurfacing of our stone roads
with bituminous concrete would cost
from $15,000000 to $4,000 900. | am
| looking for some solution more near
| ly in proportion with the funds avail
able. All engineering progresses by
experiment. Paraphrasing John Fritz.
one of the greatest American engi-
neers. engineering is doing with one
dollar what any fool can do with two,
and the engineer Is the man who by
| training and experience knows how
to do this. If the department of roads
cannot be run along progressive en-
gineering lines I do not care to be its
head The justification of experiment
tation is the value of the knowledge
obtained. If you so wish, 1 am pre-
pared to give you the cost and result
of all experimental work done under
me.
20. ] deny that / have suppressed
competition and ask for specific in
stances. In this connection the only
instance, excepting that above
quoted, in which I recall Mr.. Meow
ern as a bidder, may be worth men
ton. For the Delaware river drive,
from Lambertville to the Mercer
county line, Mr.. McGovern made a
y x4rtf ha
sum. The bid, however, was not
filled out as required by the specif
cations. l submitted the matter to
the attorney generals department,
asking whether | could not insist on
the award to Mr.. McCfovern as
condition of my approval. l was adj
vised that the bid was so defective
and irregular as to form no possible
basis for a legal contract, and no
award thereon could possibly stand
If certioraried. The careiessness
shown in these cases may we'll have
led Mr. McGovern to the conclusion
that competition is not open and that
pull is needed to do business with
the road department.
VIII Not Farm out Convicts.
e. The policy of using convicts on
roads was not urged by the depart
ment of roads. The Legislature, the
Prison Labor Commission and the
Department OF Charities and Correc-
lions are responsible. | have tried
and am trying to do my part. If 1
can get results so much the better,
Il not ! will not be responsible for
continuing the experiment. One
thing | will have no part in and that
Is the farming out of these unfortu-
mates to contractors, as suggested by
Mr.. McGovern. This gentleman is in
error as to the figures quoted as to
the White Horn pike work The fig
ure named as cost was based on a
charge of so cents a day for the men;
this could not be made under the
law as 1t stood. 1t also included the
cost of guarding, which was paid by
private subscriptions. the law not
having provided for IT, The cost
by contract would have been from
$500 to $1,000. not 5000 as claimed The
department has bought three rollers,
not six. Mr.. McGovern may not be
| aware that the expenses of the con-
Wet work are being paid out of a
special appropriation for that pur-
pose only. and not out of funds other
wise available for road work.
II differ from Mr.. McGovern in all
the foregoing. In his request for an
inquiry l heartily join. want a
| chance to show the people of this
State how the trust imposed on me
has been handled. You are aware of
what a departmental investigation
means. | believe that in this case |
am justified in asking for one.
Calls Barrett Especial FaIir.n
II am informed that Mr. Barrett, of
Bordentown, has written also on this
subject, claiming that the one-year
maintenance period required by law
favors amiesite and that therefore
competition under the standard speei-
| fication is restricted. | have not seen
Mr.. Barrett's letter. This contention
deserves consideration, but l doubt
whether a longer period can be re-
ouired without change in the statute.
As to this, l shall consult the attor-
ney general. Mr. Barrett is a CON
tractor and the inventor of a type of
paving and of method of mixing the
same of considerable promise He
laid an experimental section 500 feet
in length last year with good results
and at very low cost. | have just ar
ranged with the Burlington county
officials and at their request to give
them aid from the motor vehicle fund
for laying another and longer Sec
ton. ] also propose providing for
this type in the next edition of the
State specifications unless these expe-
riments result in unforeseen failure
Mr.. Barrett is one of the Special