Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-07-06
Commission Rcnrains silent

Commission Remains Silent
the more than week that has elapsed
since the public learned of the joint
library commissions surprising action in
meeting in star-chambcr session and. with
out the formalty OF competition or notice
that such session with such an object
was to be held, and awarding the contract
for the erection OF Nirginas S2.O00.000
war memorial, no explanation has been
forthcoming. Neither the chairman or the
Library Board nor the chairman of the
War Memorial Commission has seen fit 10
make any sort OF statement. nor has any
member OF either commission broken the
silence that has enshroudcd it since the
storm OF indignation broke. II is hardly
conceivable that the joint commission pur-
poses to go ahead on tho course that il has
chosen in face of the public protest that
has been made. and i'll face of the fact that
such a determination undoubtedly would
ondangor the whole project at tho hands
OF the Citizeury Of the state. lis views
would be rcnested in the forthcoming ses-
sion OF the General Assembly The Times
Dispatch prefers TO believe. and does be-
lieyc. that the members OF the commission.
IL the realization that they were led into
error OF procedure. have elected to hold
their peace under the fire OF criticism that
has been directed at them, and that they
will. ~ their next meeting. couraceously
acknowledge their mistake reverse their
action and. with tho stat, wiped clean.
star; over again this time along lines that
have been approved in practice, that Will
meet the approval Of the entire State. and
forever prevent any shadow OF suspicion
That otherwise might rest upon the con
structiop OF the memorial.
To those uuacquanted with the methods
commonly pursued in such public, building
proieCts-for instance. Kansas CITY. men
ton OF whose memorial building was made
recenty in this colUmnit may be sus-
rested tina, the joint commission. working
urde- plans approved by the American In
siitute OF Architects. advertise for COM
7et!tivc designs. these designs to be paid
for in sums proportionato 10 their ranking
merit With design so selected. after
competition that would insure TO Virginia
the best the country's architectural talent
afforded, the successful architect would
prepare set OF specifications complete i'll
every detail. On these specifications bids
would be asked in open competition. and
the contract would be awarded TO the low
est responsible bidder Each bidder should
be required to deposit cash or certified
check to the amount OF at least per cent
OF his bid, while the successful bidder
should be required to give bond by the de
post OF securities for at least 20 per cent
OF the amour; OF his bid.
II this plan were 10 be followed by the
Joint commission Virginia would be assured
Of a clcan-cut. business transaction. and.
with forfeiture agreement. it would have
it's memorial delivered TO it within the spcci-
fed time There would be no danger of
duplicating what has been done in many
other States, notably in Ncw York and
Pennsylvania. and having the General AS
scmbly bcseiged for moro money with
which TO complete the project with all the
wire pulling and lobbying that always &C
ompanies such cndcavors. In the end Viz
rinia would have monument OF whicl,
it would he proud and with no danger OF
adverse criticism of any one officially con-
noctcd with its construction.
This country today is staggering under
a burden of taxation due in no small meas
urc to the government cost-plus system OF
letting contracts during the war. Even
the government found i'll short time after
tho Inauguration OF this system that il was
ruinous and quickly changed TO the fixed
fee basis. The latter system is almost
bad as the first and both arc bad beyond
expression for The very sound reason that
whore There is no competition there is rare
~ found effort either TO expedite the work
or to practice economy.