Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1914-11-20

wood and metal furniture houses, who
had been summoned by Architect Ed
wards, to submit bids on plans fur
nished by him.
Architect Edwards explained that he
had been instructed at a previous
meeting of the officials to prepare
plans and specifications for the furni-
ture, and get bids thereon, and had
done so. The total amount of the
contract under his plans and specifi-
cations would amount to about $4,000.
Representative Bradford stated that
owing to the stringency of the times,
especially, he thought it advisable to
proceed very slowly in this matter,
and with strictest economy. He did
not think the services of an architect
were at all necessary in this matter.
and he wanted to know by what au-
thOrity the architect had been en-
ployed.
Architect Edwards said that at the
previous meeting of the various county
officers. the court house commissioners
had instructed him to prepare plans
for the equipment and that he had
done so in accordance with those in
structions.
Senator Beamguard called attention
to the fact that the act under which
the court house commission was Gre
ated, gave no authority beyond the
construction of the building, and said
that the commission had nothing what
ever to do with the furnishing.
Chairman Brice, Of the court house
commission, said that he and the 9TH
er commissioners, knowing nothing
about the furnishing, had considered it
advisable to employ an expert who did
know.
Architect Edwards said that he
would not ask for pay If he did not
believe he would save the county twice
the amount Of his commission, which
was per cent on the amount purchas-
ed. He had no doubt that furniture
dealers would be glad to have him
eliminated.
Several county officers were asked
by Representative Cherry as to wheth-
er they considered the services OF the
architect necessary. Superintendent
of Education Carroll said that he
would select the furniture for his own
office; but he thought the services of
the architect would be necessary In
the general furnishing Of the build
ing. Auditor Love said that had the
court house commission not already
gone so far, he would not favor the
employment Of an expert; but at the
same time he did not desire to embar-
rass the commission. Probate Judge
Williams said that very little furni-
ture was needed in his office beyond
few chairs and tables; but since the
commission had employed an expert
they should not be interfered with.
Treasurer Neil could look after the
woodwork In his office: but knew moth
ing of the metal work. He was un-
willing to do anything that would re-
fleet upon the commissioners. Super
visor Boyd said that the services OF an
expert were necessary, and II the plans
submitted were not accepted, the whole
work would have to be gone over
again. He took occasion to say, how
ever, that the board Of county COM
missioners did not intend to spend the
half Of $1,000 on furnishings.
Representative Cherry said that
while he did not consider the architect
much more competent to select and
buy the furniture than he himself
would be, he did not want to reflect
upon the court house commissioners
in the matter. Senator Beamguard and
Representative LESLIE both express
ed themselves as considering the en-
ployment Of an architect as unneces-
sary expense; but neither wanted 10
embarrass the commission.
Representative Bradford said that he
considered the services Of an architect
entirely unnecessary and stated that
he would never consent to the appro-
priation of any amount for such ser
vices. He declared that he had not
been consulted with regard to the mat
ter previously, and while he did hot
desire to embarrass the court mouse
commissioners, the fact remained that
IL the commissioners were in any kind
of a predicament they were alone to
blame and 1t was up to them TO get
out the same way they had gotten In,
whereupon he offered the following:
Whereas it is a fact recognized of
every one, that due to the European
war, the business and prosperity OF
this section of the country is seriously
impaired, with no immediate prospect
Of Improvement; the war promising 10
continue indefinitely, and in view OF
the depressed financial circumstances
of our people, it Is more than ever the
duty of those who must make provis-
ion for and those who must expend
the public funds, to practice strict
economy in discharging their ooliga-
tions therefore,
BE it resolved, by the York county
delegation to the general assembly,
lIldl III PiONioAot hNt
ing the county's new court house, we
think 1t advisable that no part OF SAID
money should be expended for the
services Of any architect or any per-
son or persons who may suggest or
plan what is in his or their opinion
the most suitable furnishings for the
building"
Senator Beamguard and Represen-
tative Bradford voted for the resolu-
ton, and Representatives Cherry and
Leslie voted against 1t, and 1t was
killed.
The meeting adjourned with the un-
derstanding that the county commits
sioners would go ahead open the bids
that had been submitted in accordance
with Architect Edwards specifications
and make such selections as they |
might consider absolutely necessary.
1t was understood yesterday that II
there was no other way for 1t, Archi-
tect Edwards commission on such FUR
niture as might be purchased, would |
be paid out of the building fund; but
unless the building fund shall be am
pie for all expenses that legitimately |
belong to it, any deficiency that may |
occur will have to be paid out of the |
ordinary county funds.