The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-12-18
Reply Not Satisfactory

Reply Not Satisfactory
 MT. Gwin charges that the board of rev. enue made contract with Newell Bros for cherting portion of the Columblana road and that under the contract the county expended approximately s21,O0o more than ought to have been spent. The three members of the board have replied to MT. Gwins statement in a. way that IS not satisfactory to me as a. taxpayer, ana only have to say that If I were member of that board I would invite the closest investigation of the methods by which the board conducts its business. one or the statements is that it was ex- pedient to have Newell Bros. do this work because they had the teams and could do the work before winter. MT. Gwin charges that Newell Bros. sub- leased the contract for 20 cents a yard and that the subcontractors made a pront There are many other things that might be brought to light if an in vestigation were made, and reasonable explanation might be given as to why certain things are done.
 For instance, it is on record that the engineer of the highways has adyocated the use of 1S-inch terra cotta pipe for culverts, which costs fl cents a foot. whereas, the county Is paying s1.73 per foot for 1S-inch iron pipe, which is not conceded to be any better under most conditions than the terra catta pipe. The engineer has on record a letter to the board Of revenue showing where if would be very much cheaper to use concrete instead of pipe, and everyone knows that first class concrete culverts are preferable to terra cotta or iron If there is nothing wrong surely the three mamharQ U n hot charges made by MT. Gwin would lend their influence and their office to a full investigation of this matter. I do not say that anything has been wrong fully done, but do say it looks bad on l tho face of it, and if they have been | careless in making such contracts as the one shown up, I have no hesitancy in saying that they are thoroughly in 1 competent and ought to resign from of. flee. l know of no business concern that would tolerate for a moment officers In charge of its affairs who would show no more competency than appears te be the case in this matter under dis cussion. Trading at Home
 | It is we'll known that the board has practically decided to build a $500. 0Ot jail. It Is said that the architects esti- mate on this building provides for $50, 900 worth of terra cotta for the outsid. of the jail. Whether this Is true or not I personally do not know. There ar, brick concerns that can furnish brick that will look just as well, be just a. substantial and just as satisfactory fol trimming as terra cotta. This terrs cotta would come from some othel state. The brick plants that are her, and that could suplpy this work ar, shut down for lack of orders. and tn, brick could be had for many thouasnd | of dollars less than the price Of terri l cotta. There is no prettier building il Birmingham than the Ridgely apart ments. The owner of that building wal satisfied with the brick made in thi district and the use of these brick ac counts for the splendid appearance o this apartment house.
 These matters can only be brough out, MT. Editor, by thorough investi l gation. If the county board of revenu has no funds for making this investi gation, l can secure private subscrip toins enough to pay for 1t. and have i made by slime impartial bonded audit ing company that is thoroughly re sponsible and that would be under obli gation to ascertain nothing but facts | I offered resolution at the board o directors of the Chamber of Commerc yesterday afternoon asking the judge of tho criminal court to call specia session of the grand jury to investi gate this matter. That resolution wa voted down.
 If the board of revenue or the judge of the criminal court in their wisdom see no necessity for action. Q mas meeting of the citizens of Jefersol county will be called to take up thi matter with a view of Investigating il My position in this Is void of offens toward any man. but as taxpayer an fl, L. Ss.tA tad fr, hA mn conduct of affairs, I am presuming { ask you to publish this letter as 1t ha
 been written. Yours very respectfully
 r. M JACKSON.