The Washington times., 1918-02-18
WILL ISSUE
THIRD CALL
FOR GARBAGE
BIDS SOON
BY BILL PRICE.

The District Commissioners soon
will advertise for bids for the collec-
ton and disposal of the garbage Of
and uninteresting proceeding as a
rule. but in this instance of unusual
interest because OF the dilemma
which faces the District government,
and the developments that may grow
out Of It.
This will be the third request
for bids for handling garbage
beginning July l. 1915. The first
was seven months ago. The Wash
inKton Fertilizer Company, which
nearly three years ago entered
into a contract for the collection and
disposal of the garbage for three
years at a cost to the District OF S69,-
$40 a year, put in a bid for $135,OO0
for one year, but this was rejected
az too high. The next advertisement
was in September last, when the same
company agreed to do the work for
S143. 400. The company was, as has
been the case for many years, the only
bidder. The bid was accepted and
the company deposited a check for
$4,000 in evidence of good faith. Sew
erAl months ago it notified the Dis
trict that it, would not be able to
carry out its contract and forfeited
the check.
Chance for Hog Farmers.
The new advertisement will not
limit the bids to collection and dis
posal by reduction, but will open the
way for bidders who may wish, to es-
tablish a big hog farm near Wishing
ton, and use the garbage for feeding
hogs Many cities of the country, in
Guiding Denver, which has tried the
experiment for years. sell garbage to
contractors who raise hogs. Som,
cities have their own hog farms, col
lect and handle their own garbage;
but experts find that the most sue
essful way is TO arrange with con-
tractors. limitations have been
given District officials by the national
food administration that bidders who
may want to start hog farming are
likely to take an interest in the ad-
vertisement shortly TO appear
There Is nothing to prevent the
Washington Fertilizer Company from
again submitting a bid, but this will
probably be at a price far above the
last one. the company claiming that
he increased cost of IL Dor and ma
Jerial makes It impossible to make
a contract on the basis of their last
bid
Somewhat complicating the situa-
ton is a bill before Congress hav-
ing considerable support, providing
that farmers may take out of Wash
ingtOn, for feeding hogs, scraps Of
meats and breads not in a decom-
posed condition or in noisome state.
This may be done in metal contain
ers. The Street Cleaning Department.
which has charge Of the garbage
question, has informed Congress that
Il is not against the law. but the Off
rials point out that it would be i'm
possible TO guarantee sanitary con-
ditiOns
Prospective bidders for the garbage
disposal OF Washington may be con-
fused as TO the quantities of garbage
to be collected should this bill prom
, ise to become law. and may be dis
couraged, II was said today.
May Run City Hog Farm.
The result of the bidding will be
awaited by the Commissioners before
determining the policy to be pursued.
Unless the bids are of a character to
appeal to the Commissioners, this
city may have to go into the hog rails
ing business on its own account. al
though this is not desired If better
arrangements can be made
Washington's garbage vii feed some
Thing like 20.0n hogs and Occoquan is
not half large enough FOR this purpose
Months Of preparation will be necessary.
including the establishment Of a plant