Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1913-08-26

outside of Iowa that wants to get in
on the work here. If the authors OF
the letter have any proofs to sustain
their charges they ought to put
them forward. It is admitted that
evidence is strong
sustaining the claims of the letter,
as there is no justification in the
market values of products used to
warrant the great increase over last
years prices for paving. Possibly
the Chicago combine is trying to
scare the Iowa combine into divid-
ing up territory with it and has no
Interest whatever in protecting the
taxpayers. Following is copy of
the circular: ,.. r. "
Civic Protective League of Iowa is
suggested as a title for proposed
organization to consist of tax-paying
citizens of each city and town of
Iowa body that cannot be swerv-
ed from its purpose by political or
other influences.
Its principal object is to take the
necessary steps to insure a most
thorough investigation into the
Municipal Improvement situation of
Iowa, said to be controlled and ma
nipulated by a combination of ex-
politicians, contractors and material
producers. assisted at some points
by officials. In some instances the
sframe-up" has been 50 plain that
even friendly officials have refused
to be party to the putting over"
resulting in bids being rejected, re-
advertisement, and at a later date
one or two other friendly contract
ors appear on the scene and substi-
tute bids few cents lower, award
Of contract is made on the same ma
terial, and later the contract is as
signed to party originally selected.
The operations of the combina-
ton have been so extensive and bra
zen that Iowa has been made the
laughing-stock throughout paving
circles in our nefghboring states,
and comments are frequently made,
such as How do they get away with
it?'' Wonder taxpayers stand for
it?'' How do the contractors ex-
pect to collect for the work?'
1t is now up to the honest officials
and tax-paying citizens of Iowa to
show their neighbors that they will
find out how and why.
Z. A large paving company of a
neighboring state, having attended
one paving letting in Iowa. on be-
ing requested to attend second. re-
Piled: Whats the use; that job is
already fixed for member of the
used, and l have tried and can't get
quotations on material, while I
would like some paving at Iowa
prices, or less. l was told by the
mayor Of one of your towns to get
in the game Another contractor
was overheard telling the mayor of
another Iowa town, at 1000 a. m,
who he understood was to be award
ed the contract and on what mater
ial; three hours later bids were
opened and award made as per pro-
gramne.
Investigations develop that 1913
paving prices in Iowa are from Is
per cent to 20 per cent higher than
Increased prices ON material and la
Dor warrant. Pavements laid dur
ing 1912 at s1.36 to s1.3S per
square yard: this year, with compe-
tition eliminated, same specifications
and same materials, are costing
$1.62 to $1.71 per square yard,
which is about 20 per cent more for
the same form Of construction under
similar conditions than our neigh
bors pay.
Every business man knows that
somebody (Tax-payers) must pay for
this Statewide control of materials
and support of such conditions. The
laws Of the state of Iowa afford am
pie protection for its taxpayers and
prescribe severe punishment for COL
fusion and conspiracy against a
municipality for all parties concern
ed, and apart from the publicity
given the situation through neigh
boring states. the attention of the
legal department OF Iowa has been,
called to it.
OF the civil side of the question,
we have advice from legal experts
that not a dollar Of assessment can
be legally collected for contract
work awarded under such condi-
tions.
Bulletin No. will be issued later,
announcing date and place of meet