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^p? Vf\ bridge would cost you, and it seemed that one company regardless of the number of bids or attempts to secure new bids, would have each time the lowest bid and eventually secure the contract The conditions that prevail Minnesota are not peculiar to this state. Under date of March 31, 1915, the state engineer of an adjoining state wrote this committee in part as follows '-According to informa tion that I have leceived from \ari ous sources, this is about how the bridge trust has been managing affairs in this state up to the present time. The leading contractors enter into an agreement or have an under standing. They apportion the coun ties among themselves, and when bids are called for, the contractor who owns' that county, submits the lowest bid, which is very much higher than it should be. The other contiaetors, ju^t to make the thing look good, submit higher bids. Then the successful bidder pays the others enough to co\ei their expenses in submitting a bid. If the local so called 'butter in' submits a lower bid tnan the contractor who 'owns' the county, a friendly board of county commissioners or of supervis ors will reject all bids and call for new ones. Then the favoied con tractoi submits a low bid and gets the contract. After he gets it the plans aie changed to provide for ad ditions, upon which a handsome pi out may be made Only a few years ago the combine of bridge contractors became so no torious in the state of Ohio that quite a number of individuals and bridge companies, were indicted by the grand jury of Lima, Ohio, on the charge of' 'conspiracy against trade convictions followed. The cases were carried to the supreme court and were affirmed by that court. The Engineering News, comment ing upon this case said "A bridge pooling prosecution in the state of Ohio ended June 12th with pleas of guilty by eight bridge construction companies to the charge of conspir acy restraint of trade. The prose cution was directed against a high way bridge 'pool' of a kind that has long pievailed in the business of building county and town bridges. The 'pool' contemplated the attend ance of agents of some or all of the several companies at each letting at which the job would be awarded to one of the members in accordance with systematic allotment of work and adjustment of the several bids to suit. The bids being thus based on a seciet understanding, they were made high enough to yield a normal profit to the company to whom the work was allotted and in addition yield a nxed amount to each of the other companies in attendance." There was also a prosecution of the bridge combine in Illinois, convic tions secured and* fines aggregating $7,000 paid Louis H. Burrell, who conducted the prosecution, under date of October 21, 1914, wrote in part as follows 'vThe American Bridge company incorporated under the laws of the state of New Jersey, and co\enng piacticallv all of tb,e bridge companies in the west, had a regular pool agreement fixing the amounts to be paid to each concern which^ appealed at bridge lettings, and pioviding that the successful biddei should pay to the others stip ulated amounts, and providing a schedule or scale of amounts to be so paid As a result of these prosecu tions the bridge companies sub divided themselves and in 1905 the bridge concerns in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota and possiblj some other states, had a contractors' pooling argeement whereby the terri tory in Illinois was parcelled out and it was known before hand who was to be the successful bidder in that teiritorj upon each letting A scale of pools was agreed upon to be paid to biddeis who appeared at lettings for the purpose of making it appear that the letting was competitive. In this count} I made a careful investi gation of the records for a period of ten yeais. and it showed that the lettings all went to one concern that the other bridge concerns had had representatives present, but in each instance bid higher than the con cern to whom this territory was par celled." In the fifteenth biennial report of the state engineer of Colorado for 1909-1910, there appears the follow ing: "For years there has existed a recognized pool among highway bridge contractors who divide the state into districts and allot one dis trict to each contractor. Although there is a semblance of competitive bidding whenever a bridge is adver tised, the low bidder in each such competition is known in advance to the members of the pool and the others place their bids above his figures.'" The Minnesota State Highway Commis sion and the Bridge Contractors. There appears to be considerable friction between the engineers of the state highway commission and repre sentatives of bridge contractors. A few years ago, nearly all plans and specfications for bridges were furn- ished by the biidge companies, and at a letting of a single bridge con tract, it was not unusual for half-a dozen diffeient plans to be submitted bv as many diffeient companies. There is no question but what bridge companies prefer this plan, oi that it works to the disadvantage of the purchasers of bridges I leads to confusion, as plans and specifications presented by the biidge companies are often indefinite, loosely drawn and uncertain We believe, too, that the highway commission has been insisting upon the construction of a better class of biidge than were formerly built. This has somewhat increased the price paid for bridges, and has subjected the commission to criticism, and the bridge contractors have not been slow to take advant age of it. In fact, there is some evidence that much of the agitation against the state highway commis sion has been fostered, encouraged and prompted by interested bridge contiactors. Formeily, there was no adequate inspection of bridge work while under construction. We be lieve the inspection made by the state is the interest of the tax payers of the state, and should be continued Where the interest of the taxpajeis and contractors con flict, it is easy to understand why the public official, who stands for the taxpayers, gains the enmity of the contractor. These biidge contractors or their representatives are constantly com ing in contact with village, township and county boards, and with the public generally, and it is an easy matter for them to suggest that the plans of the highway commission are too elaborate, that they call for the expenditure of too much money, that too much power has been taken from the local boards and is vested in the state commission, and that it would be a fine thing to return to the old system, and do away with all state control or supervision. There has been an opportunity to work up sentiment along this line, and it has not been neglected. Bridges constructed under the supervision of the state highway commission during the last three or fouryeais have cost more money than formerly, and are worth it. They are designed and planned to last and stand for many years to come. Bridge contractors have nothing par ticular to lose by the construction of bridges that will require to be re placed within a few years. One reason why bridges constructed under plans, specifications and in spection of the state highway com mission have cost more, is because in some cases longer bridges have been required, than were the old bridges that were replaced, or than local boaids considered necessary. Whether a bridge is 40-foot or 60-foot does not make a very great difference in the cost of the bridge but it does make a large difference in the amount of water that can pass away underneath. During the heavy freshets of 1914, there were a large number of bridges in Rock, Stevens and other counties that were washed away and largely because the spans were too short and insufficient vent given the water. I is interesting to note in passing, that of the bridges damaged by the floods of that year, there were but three bridges that had been constructed under the plans and specifications of the state high way commission. The RemedyRecommendations. To assist in remedying the evil which we believe exists this commit tee has had and has introduced H. "No. 1130 and H. F. No. 1131, to which we invite your attention. House File No. 1130 permits town, village, city and county boards by resolution duly adopted, to make the state highway commission their agent tor the purchase of bridge material There are several reasons for this. I is fair to suppose that steel and cement for several hundred bridges can be purchased at a lower price if purchased under one con tract by the state, than it can be purchased in small quantities by the different counties and municipalities. If there are to be 100 bridges con- structed requiring 50-foot- spans., the steel can be fabricated at one time by one rolling mill or foundry, and the work done more economically and at less price than under the present system. Is there any good reason why the cement that enters into bridge construction should not be purchased by the state direct from the manufacturer instead of the counties and municipalities be ing compelled to pay a profit on the same to the manufacturer, the wholesaler, the local dealer and to the contractor who constructs the bridge? There is an even more important reason that may be advanced for the favorable consideration of this bill. From information gathered duiing this investigation, we are convinced that the most effective competition contractors in the bridge combine have is the local contractor* These local contractors are not always able to secure bridge material. Several instances have been called to our at- THE PBISTCETON UKION: THUBSDAY, APEIL 8, 1915. tention where local contractors claimed they were unable to secure steel or that they were unable to compete with bridge companies in the combine because they could not purchase the matenal at as low. a figure as those on the inside. We are satisfied that the purchase of the material by the authorities construc ting bridges under the provisions of this bill or otherwise, and then ad vertising for bids for the erection of the bridge will give local contractors a much better opportunity and result in greatly increased competition and lower prices. In the counties where the combination has been broken up, it has been largely due to the local bidders. We earnestly recommend, that it this bill should not pass, county and town boards advertise for bids for material and construction separately, and if this is done, we are thoroughly convinced that it will go a long way towards breaking up the combine. If steel for a large number of bridges is fabricated by one rolling mill or foundry, to be shipped upon requisition later, it can all be in spected and stamped at one time, lessening the cost of inspection. If this bill should pass and a con siderable number of municipalities and counties elect to take advantage of its provisions and place their orders for material in the late fall or early winter, it would also have a tendency to reduce prices, as thiis is a time of year when fabricating work is usually slack and when orders are eagerly sought. The committee realizes that this bill advances a new proposition and owing to lack of time for considera tion, it may not appeal to the good judgment of the house. But should it become a law and be generally used, we believe it will effectively dispose of the bridge combine and save many thousand dollars to the taxpayers of the state. House File No. 1131 provides, that where the cost of any bridge to be constructed is $500 or more, a copj of the published advertisement of the setting shall be mailed to the state highway commission at least twenty days before the date of such letting, and that the highway commission shall print lists of such bridge let tings. and furnish the same to inter ested parties upon application. We believe this will result in largely in creased publicity, at a minimum cost to the taxpayers, and it will make a place where interested contractors can supply and secure a list of every bridge letting in the state. We recommend, that as far as pos sible in transmitting the published adveitisements of the bridge letting to the state highway commission, that plans and specifications of the proposed bridge accompany the same. We recommend that as far as pos sible in the inspection work of 1915 and 1916, the state highway commis sion give the preference to bridge construction. We recommend, that all bridges be constructed under plans and specifi cations prepared by some competent engineer and not by the bridge com panies that bids submitted and con tracts entered into be in the stand ard form prepared by the attorney general or the state highway com mission. We recommend, that sufficient conies of this report be printed to supply one copy to each county audi tor, county attorney, county commis sioner and township clerk, and that the same be forwarded to the respec tive county auditors for distribution. This commitee has made an un biased, impartial investigation of the subject entrusted to it by the house, and from the information se cured, we are convinced that if local boards will make an honest effort to conform to the recommendations con tained in this report, it will result in saving many thousand dollars to the taxpayers of the state. C. H. Warner. J. E. Madigan. L. A. Lydiard. School Report. School report of district 31, Bald win, for month ending April 2, 1915. Perfect attendance: Amelia and Harry Rossing, Julia and Matilda Peterson, Bertha and Vera Sanborn, Theodore Almberg, Mabel Hamilton, John Lane, Ruth Judkins and Mamie Anderson. Mabel Hamilton had a mark of 100 in spelling. "Vera and Bertha Sanborn and Amelia Bossing had 99 in spelling. Alma Johnson, Teacher. Report of primary department of Oak Grove school for school month ending April 1. The perfect attend ance pupils were Lillian Anderson, Lola Hamilton, Austin Henschel, Clarence and Edna Kennedy. Ruby Lane, Clarence Sanborn, Bennie and Charlotte Smithers and Hazel Heath. Valdemar Almberg, Edward and Earl Hamilton and Eldon Hetrick at tended 19 days. Edna and Clarence Hamilton and Eldon Hetrick had an average of 100 in reading for the en tire month. Edna Kennedy had 100 in spelling. Ida May Schmidt, Teacher. NORTHWESTERN HOSPITAL AND SANITARIUM. (ESTABLISHED 1900) A private Institution which oombines all the advantages oi a perfectly equipped hospital with the quiet and comfort of a refined and elegant home Modern in every respect No insane, contagious or other objectionable cases received. Rates are as low as the most effi cient treatment and the best trained nursing will permit. H. C. COONEY, M. D., fledlcal Director, FRANCES S COONEY. Supt SELMA ANDERSON Head Nurse. Horses For Sale \X/E have 20 head of Minnesota mares and geldings, from 5 to 8 years old, weighing from 1200 to 1500 pounds. Every horse guaranteed to be as repre sented, and they will be sold at reasonable prices. Can be seen at our sale stable at Elk River. ip ILIFF & FOLEY WHEAT LANDEASTERN MONTANA. 2,560 acres93% Plow Land. 1,250 acre^ cultivated 500 acres in winter wheat. Near Milw Ry 10 year terms Immedi ate possession Price on application W. E. HOLT, MILES CITV, MONTANA. Thisis Stove Polish YOU r\NlY Should Use I T*S different from others because more care is taken in the making and the materials used are higher grade. oF Black Silk Stove Polish! Makes a brilliant, silky polish that does not rub off or dust off, andthe shine lasts four times as long: as ordinary stove polish. Used on sample stoves and sold by hardware and grocery dealers. All wo ask isa trial. Useit on yourcook stove, your parlor stove or your gas range If you don't find it the best stove polish you ever used, your dealer is authorized to refund your money Insist on Black Silk Stove Polish. Made in liquid or pasteone quality. Black Silk Stove Polish Works Sterling, Illinois Use Black Silk Air-Drying Iron Enamel on grates, registers, stove-pipesPrevents rusting: Use Black Silk Metal Polish for silver, nickel Lor brass. It has no equal for useon automobiles. A Shine inEveryDropt HOFFMAN Oils Harness for $1.00 a Set Time on Board Ship. Time in the nary is marked not by hours, but by bells, just as in the mer chant marine. The system of marking time by bells is very easy to under stand once it is explained. Every four hours, 4, 8 and 12 o'clock, the ship's bell is struck eight times. At the end of the first half hour after each four hour period the bell is struck once, an hour afterward twice, and so on till the four hours are up, after which the preceding routine is begun over again. For instance, one bell in the forenoon is 8:30 o'clock, two bells 9 o'clock, three bells 9:30 o'clock, etc. In the after noon one bell is 12:30 o'clock, four bells 2 o'clock, etc. COURAGE Courage begets courage. brave deed one does makes Every it easier to do another. Every courageous act one witnesses prompts courage in ourselves. ^SSfTWn Farm Mortgages, Insurance, Collections. M'*'*i''H''f"I FIT FOR THE FEET Exclusive Shoe Store First National Bank of Princeton, Minnesota. Paid up Capital, $30,000 A General Banking Busi ness Transacted. Loans Made Security. ru Approved M. M. Stroeter will conduct farm auctions or by the day. Qy*+**A**%AA**A+Al^*%+*\%%*%A^W%^A*^^^^%^i^*^l Interest Paid on Time De posits. Foreign and change. S. S. PETTERSON, President. T. H. CALEY, Vice F*res. J. F. PETTERSON, Cashier. Princeton State Bank Capital $20,000 DOM a G*nral South Main Street Princeton, Minn. t- '!!-1-t'!!-I' !!'lot-!- Farm Lands Farm Loans HcMillan & Stanley Successors to n. S. RUTHERFORD & CO. Princeton. Minnesota We Handle the Great Northern Railway Co. Lands Farm Loans Farm Lands 'I' M' 'I i !1 'I 'I 'V Smith & Hummel I Prime Heats of Every Variety, Poultry, Fish, Etc. Highest market prices paid tor Cattle and Hogs* main Street, Princeton. ^M0*M0MM0M%^B^BI0aaBV**^V^W0Vi^ Fit for the feet of man or woman, our handsome shoes attract attention by their superior beauty, and compel satisfaction by their internal ease and com- fort. They are made in all sizes and widths, in the very latest stylesmodels of the latest designs in the best factories and every part of material and work- manship guaranteed. Popular prices prevail. Solomon Long Domestic Ex- either on commission Banking Business Interest Paid on Time Deposits. ti%%%*%%v%%%*%v*%v^i*%%%*^v**vv%***vvvvv**v%'V%*% (*${$- JMj,fj Security State Bank Princeton, Minnesota Capital $32,000 Surplus $4,000 JOHN W. GOTJLDING, President' G. A. EATON, Cashier Pierson & Blocker (Successors to C. Hummel) Fresh and Salt Meats. Lard. Poultry, Pish and Game in Season. 80th Telephones. J. J. SKAHEN, Cashier. i A.