Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-07-07
DECLINES TO ACCEPT
JAMESTOWN CONTRACT
Government 'StipuIations Not Salts
factory to John L. Wilson Il Co.,
of This City.
CONTRACT CUT IN -FOUR PARTS
Also Fixed Wages Of Carpenters ut
Less Than Is Being Paid ut Peters
burg and Quantico and Named
Firm From Whom to Buy Lumber.

Unwilling to agree to certain stipu-
lations made by the government OIL
ciajs, which were not included in the
general terms for the Undertaking at
first discussed. John 7. Wilson s: Co.
of this city, yesterday declined to ac-
cept tho contract for the construction
oil the navy cantonment at the James
town Exposition Grounds. which Will
represent an expenditure by the gov
eminent OF approximately $4,000. 900.
Efforts were made, 1T was stated last
night. TO reach some agreement. but
without results.
me construction company was f.St
advised that it had been awarded the
contract for the work last Tuesday
right. This followed a conference last
ing several days. and official notihc1-
ton of the award was made over he
long distance telephone. Mr.. Wilson
was advised that the department was
dcsirouS of having tho work started
at once. that the cantonmcnt could be
completed as quickly rs possible. The
contractor was also instructed TO have
adequate facilities for the handling of
5000 men by August Is.
SUGGESTED REPAIRING
EXPOSITION BUILDINGS
During the conversation over the
telephone the contractor was advised
that contract would be drawn after
the work was started. and forwarded
TO him. Before the contract was award
cnccs in Washington. MIR. Wilson made
an examination of the buildings and
GROUNDS at jamestown. and reported to
the t'artment by wire as follows:
AS suggested by YOU we spent Sun
day at jamestown looking over site
and for your information state that
we believe that present buildings can
be put in condition to take care of the
major portion of the first 5000 men
though II might be necessary to build a
"a ~, hull Il
could care for Tn first 5000 by Au-
gust 10. and also save many thousands
OF dollars. We Will make the necessary
repairs and build the camp buildings az
cost. plus 10 per cent buying the lum-
Der and other materials at lowest prices
obtainahlc. Price OF labor to he Same
as paid on other government camps in
Virginia We can start on receipt of
satis'actor" contrac, or wire stating
terms"
tron receipt OF adviccs that the com
pany had been awarded the contract
Mr. wilson made hurried plans 10 be-
gin work IT once. He had previously
inspected the marine corps camp at
ouant!co. and had been told that the
government desired better and more
permanent buildings at jamestown
than had been erected at that site He
also advised the department that tho
lanor employed in the construction OF
the camp should be paid the same
ages that others enga Ged in similar
cork in Virginia were receiving The
department. however. fixed tho wages
OF carpenters at so cents per hour
when the same workmcn at Petersburg
ana CuaEtico are receiving 6oia cents
CONTRACT DIVIDED
INTO FOUR PARTS
The Wilson Company understood that
II had, or would, receive the contract
Tor the entire work at jamestown. but
when the department. officially an
nounced the contracts il developed
that the work had been divided into
-FOUR parts. Tn" hospital buildings
were let to Newport Engineering Com
panE, OF Newport News; the repairs
10 the jamestown buildings arc to be
made by Richardson & Co. OF Hanp-
ton ara tho Carolina Woods Products
company, of Asheville, received the
contract for one-half OF the construc
ton work
me government further stipulated
mar all inmh"- must be purchased
from = certain firm in North Carolina.
"hich me contractor declined to he
bound BY because it was not consid-
cred '