San Francisco City Hall bricks and the 1873 investigation of the New City Hall project

I recently learned about San Francisco City Hall bricks, from the "New City Hall," built 1871 - 1899, and destroyed in the 1906 earthquake. (More, here.) The articles below are about a series of Legislative Committee oversight meetings in late 1873 and early 1874 investigating the construction of the New City Hall, I think primarily looking for graft, fraud and misuse of funds, but also about design decisions. I think the Legislative Committee was a California state judicial body investigating the project, and it had the authority to investigate because a law was passed to initiate the project. The people called to question included members of the commission which was in process of planning and executing the construction, as well as their contractors and suppliers. It has a fair bit about the bricks, so that's why I transcribed and researched it. I'll keep digging into this, because I want to know more about these City Hall bricks.

San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco, California, Sun, Dec 28, 1873, Page 5

THE NEW CITY HALL. 

First Meeting of the Legislative Committee.

P. H. Canavan's Statement in Behalf of the Commission.

The Plan for Conducting the Investigation Interesting Developments to be Expected.

Pursuant to the resolution of the Assembly, the Committee consisting of Messrs. Terrill, Winchell, Coggins and Freidenrich, met at the new City Hall yesterday morning, and began in earnest to inquire into matters connected with the works. Messrs. Canavan, Eastland and Lane, the three Commissioners, were present with Mr. Laver, the architect, Mr. Wright, the consulting architect, Mr. King, the Superintendent, and Mr. George, the Secretary. The first thing done was to inspect the works, Mr. Canavan acting as guide. Every part of the building was surveyed and many expressions of surprise were uttered at the magnitude of the proportions. Great progress has recently been made under the contract taken by Dennis Jordan, who has a large number of men at work; and the other contractors are making a good show. The walls of the Hall of Records are now up about forty feet, or nearly thirty feet above the basement, and a portion of the walls of the main edifice are raised to a hight of thirty-five feet above the terrace line. It is the intention of the contractor to finish the entire wall to this hight, and to complete the walls of the Hall of Records in about two months. 

[Readers of this blog - all three of you - might recognize the name Terrill. This Terrill was Charles Carroll Terrill, the father of bike racers Harry & William Terrill. - MF]

After examining the work, the party entered the Commissioners' office, where they were shown the plans.

The meeting was called to order at a quarter to 12 o'clock, Mr. Terrill presiding. After the Secretary had read a letter received from the Commissioners, inviting the Committee offering them their books, papers, plans and all other information Mr. Canavan was invited, at the suggestion of Mr. Freidenrich, to make a statement of the affairs of the Commission. Accordingly, Mr. Canavan made the following statement, which he will subscribe to under oath:

THE COMMISSIONERS' DEFENSE. 

Mr. Canavan said: Of course you are aware, gentlemen of the Committee, that the Legislature of 1870 fixed the site of the new City Hall, and that the Commissioners had nothing to do with that. The Legislature instructed the Commissioners to grade the ground selected, to sell a portion of it, and upon the remainder to erect a building that would afford accommodations for the whole city business of the city of San Francisco, and for all the Courts.

The city business contemplated its present and future proportions, the business of a city that before long would number 500,000 inhabitants. The present number of Courts is fifteen, with every probability of its being increased. We have provided for the Supreme Court, which, likely, will some day be brought to San Francisco. Evidently it was

The intention of the Legislature that we should build a hall to give ample accommodations to all the offices and all the Courts.

THE SPIRIT OF THE LAW 

Was interpreted to be: Firstly, that we should bulid quickly, because the city was suffering from want of a new edifice; secondly, that when San Francisco did build, it should provide ample accommodations for every department of municipal business and of justice, for not only the present, but for the requirements of fifty years hereafter; thirdly, that we should build an edifice that would not be a wreck during the present generation of taxpayers, but that would stand for the next generation, a monument to the enterprise of 1870; lastly, we conceived the limit of a million and a half to be an intimation that we should be as economical in the construction as would be compatible with the foregoing demands.

We had three courses of action open to us. One was to refuse to comply with the first demand and not build at all, or by refusing to comply with the second, which is the prevailing spirit of the whole, and only providing accommodations for a portion of the municipal business and a few of the Courts, or by disobeying the instructions to erect a permanent building, and building one that would be wrecked before it was completed. To comply with the first three instructions, we were compelled to pass the limit of the fourth, unless we had chosen to override the main spirit of the Act. At one time there was a determination in the Board, arrived at under

THE PRESSURE OF CRITICISM, 

To make the fourth demand or limit of cost at $1,500,000 the ruling principle of our action, but on more mature consideration we concluded that the requirements imposed upon us by the statute, that accommodations must be provided and the building be a permanent one, were the leading features of the Act. Not to have erected a building affording the necessary accommodations for offices and Courts and at the same time proof against fire and earthquake and the rapid ravages of time, would have been to waste the funds with which we were intrusted and leave the work to be commenced anew.

We issued a pamphlet of "instructions and suggestions" to architects, and advertised extensively here and in the East for competitive plans for our new building. All the plans received were exhibited to public inspection and criticism for many weeks in the long picture gallery of the Mechanics' Institute building. We asked, by special invitation, the criticism of gentlemen who were noted in the community for their taste and judgment in such matters. Among all the plans offered tire one we finally selected was the only one suited to the triangular shape of the ground. It was unequaled in

BEAUTY AND MAGNIFICENCE OF DESIGN, 

And in the essential point of admitting plenty of air and sunlight into all parts of the building. The whole public seemed to applaud our decision, and even most of the competing architects themselves admitted the wisdom and justice of our choice. It is unfair to compare our building with the State Capitol. The daily transactions in the City Hall of San Francisco exceed by ten times the average of transactions of business in the Capitol of the State, and in the latter there is but one Court with few litigants or auditors, while in the former there are seventeen Courts daily crowded by members of the bar, jurors and witnesses. It is unfair even to compare this Hall with the public halls of other cities. We are instructed to provide for all municipal business, and for all the Courts of every grade sitting in this city, including those of many Judicial Districts. The idea, as we understand it, which pervades the Act, is something which has never been contemplated in any other part of the United States. It has been said that we expended too much money in our foundation. Many engineers have laid it down as a rule, that there is no better foundation than sand, but we do not believe that there is any engineer of celebrity that would have advised us to erect so stupendous a building, necessarily of great weight because made proof against are and earthquake, on a foundation of sand only, sixty feet deep, lying, as we found on boring testholes, on a sub-stratum which can be best described as a morass. Warranted by the trouble of the State Capitol, where 200 feet of soil were unable to carry the superincumbent weight, and the plans of the building had to be changed, we determined to run no risk, and wisely, as we think, expended a large sum in making a foundation of monolith of concrete.

For the rest we sacrificed our predilections in favor of stone, or stone and compressed brick combined, simply on account of

THE COST OF ERECTION. 

An impression pervades in some quarters that we have already expended the $1,500,000 appropriated, and yet are not above the foundation; whereas, we have spent up to this date only $1,100,000, and have carried the walls to the line of the second floor, and have carried a great portion of them fifteen feet above that. With the balance on hand and under present contracts we shall complete the Hall of Records and all the walls of the main building, exterior and interior, to the line of the third floor. Our estimates, carefully made and revised, are, that for an additional sum of a little over $2,000,000 we can complete the building in that solid manner of construction in which we have commenced and have carried on the work so far. The city of San Francisco will be proud of the work when finished, and will not begrudge the amount expended when they will see how noble a work they have got for their money. The Commissioners have exercised the greatest care in the expenditure of every dollar, and in order to have additional checks and guarantees that nothing should go wrong, and for the better satisfaction of the public, they have employed extra professional assistance. We have always advertised very extensively for material to be furnished and work done, and by that means have greatly increased competition among contractors and reduced the price of material and work. Bids were invariably opened in public and in presence of bidders, who were previously notified of the hour and place of opening.

THE CONTRACTS

Were awarded to the lowest bidder who complied with the terms of our advertisement. The books and papers at the Secretary's office have always been open during the business hours of every day to the inspection of every respectable citizen who might desire to Inspect them. They are now at your service, gentlemen, and we invite and request a most critical and searching examination of them. The Commissioners, without claiming to be experts in the business of building, which the Act does not require, have, as business men, given an amount of time, care and attention to this enterprise that has never been exceeded, and perhaps never equaled, by any other Commission appointed under the laws of the State of California. We appeal to the judgment of the people, knowing that if we give them a magnificent Hall, that will have no rival in the United States, and no superior in any country, at a cost not enormously large, and in the building of which every dollar has been honestly expended and has its value in the edifice, their verdict will be well done.

THE ORDER OF THE INVESTIGATION. 

The Chairman proposed to take the sale of the ground the first, bids, the award of contracts, and so following up the contracts and awards for plans and excavating and building, each in its turn. Those matters that had been previously investigated he proposed to touch upon by calling each witness on that occasion and asking them if they had any corrections or additions to make to them, and making the former evidence a part of the present report, All the witnesses will testify under oath, and the utmost care will be taken to elicit all facts in relation to the affairs of the Commission.
Mr. Canavan was examined at some length as to the operations of the Commissioners, but nothing new or important was elicited. 

After some further inquiries and answers the Committee adjourned to meet at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning.
 

 

https://www.newspapers.com/article/san-francisco-chronicle/157927148/

Article from Dec 28, 1873 San Francisco Chronicle (San Francisco, California) San francisco, Bricks, City hall

 

San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco, California, Tue, Dec 30, 1873, Page 3

Overhauling the New City Hall Affairs

P. H. Canavan and Architect Laver Explain.

Confusion of Testimony A Disagreement as to the Cost of the Building.

The Committee appointed by the Legislature to inquire into the circumstances attending the erection of the new City Hall met for the second time yesterday morning and proceeded at once with the investigation. All the members were present except Mr. Dixon. P. H. Canavan and J. G. Eastland, of the Commission, were in attendance, together with Mr. Laver, the architect, and Mr. King, the Superintendent.

Mr. Canavan, on resuming his testimony, explained to the Committee that after the fires of Chicago and Boston the Commissioners abandoned stone facing, increased, the thickness of the brick walls to two feet, reduced the hight of the building, and the width of the corridors from twenty to sixteen feet.

Mr. Terrill then began to examine him in regard to the changes in the plans. Mr. Canavan, with nervous readiness, answered all the questions put to him. He said the drawings were reduced after the experts had estimated the cost of the modified plan. The estimate was 25 cents a cubic foot for the main building and 30 cents for the Hall of Records. An estimate was made for erecting the hall in the style of building of the Merchants' Exchange and the Occidental Hotel by the experts, after reducing the hight of the hall and taking out the wings and the Assembly Hall. The Commissioners have the figures. Nothing was said at the time about the style of the building that could be erected for $1,500,000.

At the request of Mr. Terrill the Secretary produced estimates and specifications which had been prepared at different times in the course of the work.

THE ESTIMATES.

Mr. Canavan said, were arrived at by taking the estimated cost of the whole building, and deducting the estimated cost of the portions omitted, the wings, the Mansard roof, and the reduced size on account of the narrower corridors, and two feet taken from the hight of walls. The list of deductions were made by the experts Johnson and King. These men measured for a substantial building, each working separately. They measured seven or eight of the best plans. They were employed as experts, and were supposed to know what such a building as the Merchants' Exchange is without furnishing complete details on which they based their estimates. They did not estimate for a fire and earthquake proof building. Each of the plans amounted to more than $1,500,000. Mr. Terrill asked what good the estimates of the experts did, if they made no statement of the thickness of the walls, etc. Mr. Canavan said they did in effect, as they took the Merchants' Exchange building for a model as to style of wall, etc. At the time the concrete was laid, the plan was to limit the building to $1,500,000. The architect advised that it was necessary to put in such a foundation for the class of building proposed. General Alexander and other authorities were consulted as to the concrete foundations. In order to make the building fire-proof, it was necessary to make heavier walls, to sustain iron joist, tiling for floors, etc. The size of the foundation walls was not changed, it being heavy enough to sustain the superstructure. The fires at Chicago and Boston suggested the necessity of making the building fire-proof. The determination to make the building fire-proof was finally arrived at in October, 1872, after six months earnest consideration.

GOING OVER OLD GROUND.

At this stage of the proceedings the testimony given by Mr. Canavan before the Investigating Committee in January, 1872, was read, at the request of Mr. Canavan, who, after it was concluded, said he had no amendment to make. Mr. Terrill asked some questions relating thereto, but Mr. Caravan reaffirmed all the statements excepting as to the omission from the plans of the rooms for the Supreme Court of the State, which are retained in the plan.

In reply to Mr. Freidenrich Mr. Canavan said that he would admit as correct the statements made in the annual report of the Secretary to the Board of Supervisors, and further stated that the brick contracted for are of the best quality. The contracts had been made with great care, and the contractors so far have lost money, on account of the rejection of brick considered inferior. Fourteen dollars per thousand is paid for the brick. A certified check for ten per cent of the amount of the contract was required in case no bond was given, though a bond was preferred by the Commissioners. Mr. Jordan offered to furnish brick for $13 a thousand, but be did not furnish a bond nor a check for the amount required. His check was for $6,000 instead of $30,000.

THE ARCHITECT'S TESTIMONY. 

Augustus Laver, the architect, was next sworn. He testified that be prepared the original plans at the East, at which time he understood that the limit was $1,500,000, and his specifications were made to bring the expense within the limit. His plan did not contemplate a concrete bed, as he did not know the character of the soil. After the premium had been awarded, the plan was altered so as to include expense for concrete and keep the whole within the limit. The plan did not then contemplate a fire-proof building. It was impossible to build such a structure for the money. I did not notify the Commissioners, because they knew the facts without being told by me. I would not erect such a building without making it fire-proof if I could avoid it. The side walls are not much thicker than at first contemplated. The foundation walls are three feet thicker in some places. The walls were made thick, so that in case of any change in the plans with regard to the superstructure they would be sufficient to sustain the work. About 1,000 yards of stone more than the quantity estimated were actually used, and about half a million more of brick. The brick was used to save expense of stone. Cannot give the exact difference between the estimated and actual cost of the foundation, without referring to papers. The foundation walls had been laid before it was finally determined to make the building fire-proof. Mr. Freidenrich asked if Mr. Laver had made estimates of the future cost of the building. He said he had. He was asked to produce it and did so, but said it was his individual opinion, not yet adopted by the Commissioners, and that the consulting architect's estimate differs somewhat from his.

LAVER'S ESTIMATE

Is that the cost of finishing the building, after completion of present contracts, will be $1,711,472, making the total cost $3,211,472. A book containing specifications and estimates for finishing the building, as now approved but not formally adopted by the Commissioners, was also presented in evidence. Mr. Canavan stated that his estimate of $2,000,000 to $2,550,000 yet required to finish the building was based on the specifications contained in the book. In answer to questions from Mr. Freidenrich and Mr. Terrill, Mr. Laver said he had made complete specifications for the building, but that the Commissioners had never adopted them wholly. They have only adopted so far as contracts have been let, but he is assured they will substantially adopt those contained in the book.

TIMIDITY AND ANXIETY.

Mr. Laver, who gave his evidence in a nervous and somewhat confused manner, and had frequently to be asked the same question several times before a direct reply was received, read a written statement in which he sought to show that the building was, in an architectural sense, a notable triumph of human genius and as nearly perfect as human skill could make it. His elaborate and rather grandiloquent defense pointed out that the causes which had led to the additional cost over the original estimates were first, the depth and extent of foundation (he thinks piles should yet be driven in around the boundary to prevent the displacement of sand under the concrete); the extra thickness of walls necessary to make it fireproof: the addition of the towers; the arrangements for heating, ventilation, etc.

In reply to Mr. Terrill, Mr. Laver said the contract price for laying brick in the solid wall was $7 per thousand; he did not think It could be done for $4 per thousand. He afterwards explained that some of the solid walls were laid with openings, and at $7 per thousand allowance was made for the openings. When all was counted as solid only $5 per thousand was paid.

As Mr. Laver proceeded the more nervous Mr. Canavan became. Every time there was a chance, he had a question or two to put with the view of qualifying his statements. Finally he said that the testimony of Mr. Laver would lead to the opinion that the Commissioners had suggested changes, instead of adoping these suggested by him. Such was not the case. No changes had been made except those directly recommended by Mr. Laver, who admitted that he had designed the improvements and urged them on the Commissioners as fitting for a building of the kind wanted.

Mr. Terrill stated that no satisfactory progress could be made in the investigation without the original specifications, and on Mr. Laver promising to produce them this morning at half-past 9 o'clock, the Committee adjourned until then.

https://www.newspapers.com/article/san-francisco-chronicle/157927230/

Article from Dec 30, 1873 San Francisco Chronicle (San Francisco, California) City hall, Bricks, San francisco

 

San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco, California, Wed, Dec 31, 1873, Page 4

THE CITY HALL

Continuation of the Legislative Committee's Inquiry.

The Architect Endeavors to Explain His Plans Much Confusion as to Probable Cost A Little Breeze Occasionally.

The Committee appointed by the Legislature to Investigate the new City Hall affairs met for the third time yesterday morning. All the members were again present, except Mr. Dixon and Mr. Canavan, and his brother Commissioner Eastland displayed even more anxiety than on the previous day. As the examination proceeded it was evident that if there were more harmony of feeling between the members of the Committee and the Commissioners the inquiry would run much more smoothly. Almost at every stage technical objections were raised [illegible] the Commissioners seemingly having an idea that they were being arraigned for their official acts, and no matter what the assurances on the part of Mr. Terrill or Mr. Freidenrich to the contrary might be, it seemed Impossible to disabuse their minds of that impression.

THE ARCHITECT EXPLAINS FURTHER.

A. Laver was recalled to explain the ground plans. He said that he had followed the rules of the Corinthian order in the dimensions of the pedestals and size of the columns. The walls were not thicker than good architects erected in buildings of this size and character. Had he built these heavy pedestals hollow, the cost of labor would have been the same. When they rose from the ground they seemed heavy to the eye, but as the superstructure was raised they lightened up wonderfully. Architectural effect and construction would have been sacrificed had the proportions of these features been reduced. The beauty of the building depended much on the light and shadow. In the reduced plan all the cross walls, except those of the main corridors, were set down in the first specifications for lath and plastered studding. No plan was made showing wood cross walls at the time it was the intention of the Commissioners to erect them.

The walls are no heavier proportionally, in his opinion, than the Mechanics Exchange building. True, the pillars might be made hollow instead of solid, but the cost of construction would be none less, as a higher price is paid for hollow work, while the strength would be less. He never thought of lightening the foundation, because if such a thing had been done the superstructure would have been out of harmony. By leaving out the piazza, columns, finish, etc., of the central court, emitting the towers and the McAllister street portico, stopping work on the ventilating flues, omitting the heating apparatus, making wooden floors and staircases, and leaving out the Mansard roof, the building might now be finished for $1,500,000, total cost. Mr. Laver further explained that there has been added from $60,000 to $70,000 in structural improvements of the Hall of Records. The first design of the roof and dome was not approved, and the modifications made much of the increased expense necessary. He pointed out several items where the expense had increased. On the Hall of Records alone the improvement of the structure for effect and for fireproofing increased the expenses by $70,000 over the modified plans which were contemplated. Mr. Terrill and Mr Laver examined

THE SPECIFICATIONS IN DETAIL, 

With the view of showing what had been added. In consequence of the modification of plans. The original and subsequent estimates were read item by item, and the difference noted. In answer to a question as to the cost of brick Mr. Laver said the reason why the cost was greater for the Hall than for other buildings was that many brick were rejected, and the warrants were not at par. The warrants draw ten per cent interest. Mr. Terrill remarked that bankers ought to be glad to get them at par. Mr. Terrill asked Mr. Canavan if, under the specifications, it would not be difficult for men of small means to put in bid for furnishing brick. Mr. Canavan said the specifications called for ten million bricks, and provided that they would be received in part, but the advertisement failed to state that any portion of the amount would be received, as all brickmakers knew of this fact. Mr. Terrill stated that outside parties represented that they did not know it. Mr. Canavan replied that certain outside parties willfully misrepresented the matter and hinted that there was a strong prejudice against the Commission.

TESTIMONY OF THE SUPERINTENDENT. 

H. L. King being sworn, testified that no specifications were furnished for him to estimate upon. He had no guide as to thickness of walls, material, iron, foundation, etc. he had to cube it. He was left to imagine the kind of material he would put in. He calculated for stone foundation and brick superstructure, and a little iron not for stone facings. The Hall of Records was to be fireproof; no fireproof floors in main building. He obtained the cubic contents by measuring the ground plan, and took the hight of the building from bottom of foundation to top, taking the various hights. He compared this with other buildings that he knew the contents of, as instance the Occidental Hotel, which he built. That cost thirteen cents a cubic foot. His estimate for this main hall was twenty-five cents a foot, and the Hall of Records at thirty cents a cubic foot. He had often rejected loads of brick as not up to the requirement. On the wharf the value of

FIRST-CLASS BRICK

Is $12 per 1,000, but it is not of so good a quality as that used in the Hall building. All contractors are treated alike in the rejection of inferior brick. Four dollars per thousand would be a good price for brick laid as carefully as they are. The bricklayers do not average 1,500 brick per day. The usual average is 2,500 per day. The brick are laid in "Government style." Brick Are much higher now than they were ten years ago. Brick could then be bought for $10. He knew of no other building where brick of so good a quality was required, except in the new hotel about to be erected on New Montgomery and Market. Bids were put in for the hotel at $13 80 to $14 50 for several million. The bid accepted was for 500,000 at $13 from Remillard. The payments are in cash, which makes a difference of at least five per cent. Some of the contractors for the City Hall desire to be released, among them Mr. Oliver, two and a half million at $14 50. As to the mortar, it was the best he had ever seen used. He had tested the cement, but it was not all equally good. At one time he bad found some that looked like ground clay. 

Mr. Canavan asked Mr. King a  few further questions in regard to brick and mortar, but no new points were developed. Mr. King said that the price paid for cement is $3.75, the same as paid last Spring. He thought his opinion as to the practicability of building on a sand foundation as good as Mr. Alexander's, though he had had less experience with concrete foundations than Mr. Alexander. In answer to further questions he said that when the change was made to a fire-proof building, it was necessary to make the walls thicker, to sustain arches and iron joists, with tiling, etc. The Merchants' Exchange, he said, is neither fire nor earthquake proof.

A FLAY OF CROSS PURPOSES. 

After this a somewhat singular discussion ensued as to the advisability of holding future sessions of the Committee in the room of the Board of Supervisors. 

Mr. Eastland pointed out that the object of the Investigation was to get at the truth of the matter, and that as all the papers, etc., were at hand in the room where the meetings were being held, serious inconvenience might result from a change.

Mr. Terrill asked Mr. Canavan if he had a list of witnesses whom he wished to have examined. Mr. Canavan replied he had not given much thought to the matter, but his witnesses would be forthcoming when wanted. 

Mr. Freidenrich intimated at this point that it seemed to him as if the Commissioners thought they were on trial. Such was not the case so far as his judgment went. In suggesting a change of places for holding the meetings there was no idea of giving the investigation the appearance of a judicial examination. 

Mr. Eastland said that such, nevertheless, would be the idea of the public. He did not consider himself on trial.

Waiving further discussion of the point, Mr. Freidenrich said that the Committee had no wish or intention of conveying any impression of the kind.

Mr. Terrill stated that Mr. Wright, the Consulting Architect, would be examined to-day. An estimate had just been prepared by Mr. Wright of the cost of completing the building (in addition to the present contracts) based on bills of quantities and particulars furnished by Mr, Laver, the Architect. The total of these items is $2,049,656, which added to the $1,500,000, makes a grand total of $3,549,656, agreeing very nearly with the statement heretofore made by Commissioner Canavan. 

At a quarter-past 2 o'clock the Committee adjourned until half-past 9 o'clock this morning.

https://www.newspapers.com/article/san-francisco-chronicle/157926813/

Article from Dec 31, 1873 San Francisco Chronicle (San Francisco, California) City hall, Bricks, San francisco

[It appears the 1873/01/01 and 1873/01/02 editions of the San Francisco Chronicle were not archived, so I switch to the Daily Alta, archived at https://cdnc.ucr.edu for the report of the fourth meeting. MF] 

Daily Alta California, Volume 26, Number 8677, 1 January 1874 — INVESTIGATION. [ARTICLE]

INVESTIGATION.

The Assembly Committee Investigating the New City Hall Affairs Testimony of Messrs. Laver and John Wright.

[FOURTH DAY'S PROCEEDINGS.]

The Legislative Committee, who is investigating the New City Hall affairs, met yesterday morning at the Commissioners' office.

MR. LAVER'S TESTIMONY.

Mr. Laver, Architect of the New City Hall, being recalled, said:

I made the measurements and estimates on the stone furnished by Cochran & Middlemiss. The contractors did not furnish the stone as fast as needed by the workmen, and there were no opportunities to pile it up and measure it, so this work was done after the stone had been laid in the walls. The Commissioners employed two experts to measure the stone work after I had made my report to them. They made 1,200 yards less than I had amounting to about $12,000. In measuring the walls I allowed about eight per cent. as the difference between closely packed stone, as laid by the masons, and loosely thrown together in piles by laborers; some architects estimate the difference as high as thirty per cent.; the Commissioners rejected my measurements and finally settled with Cochran & Middlemiss for about $4,000 less than my measurement would have entitled them to; the specifications called for sheet quarry stone and contemplates the separate measurement of each block, but it came in such irregular shape that it could not be measured in that way; it is customary to measure the contents of walls as I did in this instance; the specifications give the architect powers that might be misused by a dishonest man, especially the clause which makes the decision of the architect final and conclusive: the Angel Island stone which was used is known as rubble stone, and rubble work is measured differently from sheet quarry work; I explained this matter to the bidders and Commissioners before the bids were accepted; I never heard any one say that I have favored any of the contractors; such things are reported about other contractors in this city; all contractors were informed alike concerning the acceptance of Angel Island stone; there is a difference of about $20,000 between my measurement of stone furnished by Mr. Beale, and the measurement made by the consulting architects; I remember of telling Mr. Seale, before he put in his bid, that the specification would not apply to rubble stone; the clause in the contract which requires the contractor to furnish course of stone, all one size, to go clear around the foundation of the City Hall, was an impossibility; it would have taken all Angel Island; this clause was not put in to get a hold on the contractor; the bidders were not told that if they furnished Angel Island stone this clause would not be enforced against them: their common sense would tell them it could not be enforced; there have been times when the contractor could have sold the stone which he was shipping us for nearly double what he was getting for it; the difference between the measurements made by the consulting architect and myself, on the stone furnished by Mr. Seale, was partially in my measuring irregular portions of the wall, which in usage, but contrary to the specifications in the contract; I did not tell either the Commissioner or a Mr. Seale about measuring by usage, before the contract was let, because I never saw rubble work measured otherwise; I have met Mr. Seale several times, but never by appointment, nor any friend of his, in relation to his bill; I met Mr. Seale and his attorney one day in the corridor of the Merchants Exchange; I told them Mr. Seale's bill was just,  and ought to be paid, and I have always said that; Mr. Gordan's bid for concrete stone was rejected, because the sample which he furnished was of red-rock stone, which is unfit to be used; I recommended its rejection; the stone was submitted to General Alexander, and he approved my opinion; it has not the adhesive quality necessary for cement.

MR. WRIGHT'S TESTIMONY. 

Mr. John Wright being sworn, said: I am Consulting Architect for the Board of Commissioners: have been in their employ since September 9, 1872; they have consulted me on most, if not all matters; I measured Mr. Seale's stonework according to the specifications: Mr. King assisted me; such a specification would not give contractors a fair chance at competition if Mr. Laver's measurement was to be followed; if Mr. Seal had Mr. Laver's idea as to how he intended to measure the stonework, and the others had, he would have had at least one hundred per cent. advantage in making his bid; I have examined the specifications of Mr. Laver for the completion of the City Hall: they are sufficiently full to complete the work; in some particulars there are a few minor details left out, but I have included that in my estimate; it would cost about $20 per running foot for a good fence; the original specifications were not full enough for a contractor to build from; If there are not full specifications for a building I think it is impossible to make an estimate of cost, except by guessing: In the instance of the City Hall, upon the specification for a substantial building of the character of the Occidental Hotel or Merchants Exchange, I might guess within a million dollars, perhaps; I am a carpenter, and have taken some contracts; I built the lighthouses for the British Government on the Pacific Coast; judging from the advertisement for laying down stone, I should say that the contractor would have to apply to the architect for specifications upon which to do the work: I do not see from the specifications that any particular character of stone is specified.

Mr. George, Secretary of the Board of Commissioners, was sworn He said the stone was on the ground at the time the advertisement for laying it was published.

Mr. Wright continued In measuring the walls according to the specifications we allowed twenty bricks to the cubic foot; bricks are not all of the same size: they will vary from sixteen to twenty-one to the cubic foot; I am architect of the Insane Asylum now being built at Napa: on large works of this kind it is not usual to have minute specifications of the work; these are usually drawn for contractors as the work proceeds; there should be general specifications upon which estimates could be made; but such estimates could not be very accurate except as a guide; the architect could estimate closer than an outsider, because he has his ideas relative to details; if I had been the architect for the Commissioners, I could have given them a tolerably reliable estimate from the plans and specifications given.

Mr. Coggins questioned Mr. Wright at length upon the cost and material of the Insane Asylum at Napa, but it elicited no points bearing upon the present investigation.

Mr. Wright then continued: The concrete put under the City Hall was necessary, but I think it would, perhaps, have been necessary only to place it under the walls; still, as it is, I consider it much better and more secure; I built Dr. Stone's church and put concrete under the tower, but built the rest of the building on sand; I put two feet of concrete under the tower; the City Hall is a much heavier structure; perhaps concrete two feet thick under the City Hall walls would have been sufficient; I say, as I did at the last investigation, that Mr. Laver's plans, as modified, were the best offered for the lot, and if I had been one of the Commissioners I would have favored accepting them; the work on the new City Hall has all been well done; I made an estimate upon the State Normal School Building without specifications; I believe the Branch Mint has a concrete foundation; on the City Hall building it is my opinion that the work is well done, and the material and labor cheap; I should judge that the two contractors for laying the stone, one of whom bid $6 55 and the other $6 85, both had the same information upon which to base their estimates; I believe the price paid is very reasonable; the City Hall building could not have been built for $1,500,000 with the concrete foundation that has been put in; it is generally calculated that the cost of the foundation and superstructure bear the proportion of from one to six, to from one to eight; I think it would have been impossible to have built after any of the plans for $1,500,000; it is my opinion that the Commissioners acted wisely in modifying the plans, after the experience of the Chicago and Boston fires, in making the building fire-proof; also in making it earthquake-proof; since I have been connected with the City Hall Commissioners they have exhibited great care and have been extremely cautious in considering items of expense, and all particulars have been carefully inquired into before any action was taken.

The Committee adjourned to meet at 11 A. M., on Friday, at the parlor of the Occidental Hotel, or at such other place as the Chairman shall select. 

https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=DAC18740101.2.40&srpos=1&dliv=none&e=01-01-1874-02-01-1874-187-en--20-DAC-1-byDA-txt-txIN-%22city+hall%22----1874--

 

San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco, California, Sat, Jan 3, 1874, Page 1

THE NEW CITY HALL.

Fifth Day's Proceedings of the Investigating Committee.

Messrs. Canavan and Laver Make Further Explanations Authorities on the Price of Brick A Slight Exhibition of Temper Contractors at Variance.

The Legislative Committee appointed to inquire into matters connected with the New City Hall met for the fifth time yesterday morning. As the accommodation furnished in the office of the Commissioners had proved unsatisfactory, this meeting was held at the Occidental Hotel. All the members were again present, except Mr. Dixon.

In the absence of witnesses Mr. Freidenrich questioned Mr. Canavan in regard to the modifications which had been made to render the building earthquake proof.

Mr. Camvan said he could not describe the binding, but that in his opinion it was of a kind never before used here, and was not an infringement on the patent of Mr. Foye, who had commenced suit, claiming $18,000 damages. In answer to question whether any other suit was pending Mr. Canavan said a suit was threatened by H. W. Beale, who claimed $20,000 due him on contract.

Mr. Laver said that specifications had been prepared about June, 1872, which had provided for 

THE ENTIRE SUPERSTRUCTURE

In October, 1872, the change of plan had been adopted, and the architect had been ordered to prepare new specifications for that portion of the work first required, but no complete specifications had been made until recently. The minutes showed that the request to the architect to draw those last complete specifications had been made in October, 1873, and they had been delivered December 22, 1873.
 

Mr. Freidenrich asked what assurance the Committee had that the Board would adopt these last specifications?

Mr. Canavan said the Board had not yet adopted them, but they would probably accept the specifications of Messrs. Laver and Wright. A consultation was first desirable with Mr. Wight and Mr. King. Before the Committee, two years ago, Mr. Canavan had stated that the building would be erected within the sum of $1,500,000 on the assurances of Mr. Wright and Mr. King that the building could be erected on the same plan then proposed for that sum. It was now the intention to complete the building on the plans already prepared, without any further modifications, although the specifications were not yet fully approved. The expense most positively would be no greater than now estimated. The Commissioners had been unanimous in their action. There had been at one time

A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION

As to the propriety of using stone or brick in a portion of the foundation. They afterwards became unanimous. In answer to a question by Mr. Coggins, Mr. Canavan said the monthly expenses of the Commission, including architects, clerks, etc., was about $3,000.

Mr. Terrill here asked Mr. Laver some questions, to which he answered as follows: The Larkin-street portico will cover 705 square feet of ground, and the extra cost to date is $6,832. The portico on the McAllister-street side will cover 962 feet, and the extra cost to date is $16,111. The extra cost of work done and contracted for on the piazza in the Central Court is $16,212. The extra cost of iron bonding already in and contracted for over the cost originally intended under the modified plan is $12,970, making a total of $52,195.

THE BRICKMAKERS' AGENT.

T. D. Tobin was next sworn. He testified that he was an agent for brickmakers in San Jose, San Quentin and Sacramento. He had no written contract with the Commissioners, but a verbal contract with Mr. King at $14 50. He delivered them last Spring. Brick varied in price from $12 to $14. Recently, he had sold brick delivered at the San Jose depot for $14 cash, and the quality was inferior to that required. He had furnished to parties having contracts for $12, and some for $12 50, delivered at the wharf. Hauling from the wharf cost 85 cents to $1 50. Witness had delivered about six millions at the wharf by agreement with Mr. McCoppin at $12. The money was paid by Mr. Carroll, who had the contract. Did not know what Mr. McCoppin had to do with it. Understood that he was buying brick for Mr. Carroll. Had been informed that Carroll and McCoppin wanted to buy brick. Went to McCoppin's office because he was informed McCoppin was acting for Carroll. He generally found Carroll there. Carroll generally paid him in McCoppin's office, In presence of McCoppin. 

[I'm not sure if this McCoppin is Frank McCoppin, former mayor of San Francisco. I can't find a McCoppin who was a brick manufacturer. What was the former mayor doing, getting involved in brick contracts? - MF]

Mr. Canavan said that Mr. McCoppin had an interest in Carroll's contract. Brick of the quality used in the City Hall could be bought at the kiln for $9 to $10. It cost $4 25 to transfer brick from the Sacramento kilns to the wharf in this city. Mr. Tobin said he had no interest in any brick contract for the City Hall. He was paid a commission on the sales by the brickmakers, but his commissions were wholly absorbed and he had lost $33 on one lot on account of being obliged to sell warrants at a discount. The Superintendent had rejected fifteen or twenty thousand brick furnished by him. 

To Mr. Canavan Mr. Oliver told me he wanted to be released from his contract at $14 50. He wanted me to take his contract, and offered to pay me cash for the warrants, losing ten per cent, the mount of the discount. I have recently sold 200,000 brick at $14 50, cash, at the cars. I think brick can be furnished next Summer at the wharf for $13, cash.

It was now 2 o'clock and a recess was taken until three.

A CONTRACTOR WHO GOT NO CONTRACTS. 

On resuming, John Calvert was sworn. He testified that he was a brick-mason and had followed the business for several years. Put in two bids for the foundation work of the City Hall. His bids were for stone work at $5 48 per cubic yard; using North Beach sand, $5 93; and for brick work, $5 75 per 1,000; using North Beach sand, $6 25. Neither of the contracts had been awarded to him. The parties who got the contracts bid less for stone work and more for brick work. Cochrane & Middlemiss obtained the contract. Witness would have put in rubble stone for $4. Bid the second time on the 17th of December, 1872. Did not know how many brick were actually put in. If the specifications had called for two millions of brick, he would have done the work for $5 25 or $5 50. Mr. Irving got the contract for several kinds of work at prices aggregating $11,430 higher than what witness sent in. Could not exactly state what the reasons were for not having obtained the contracts, but he could only judge, by what occurred between him and the Commissioners, that it was because he did not offer to furnish the stone. The work was done in the basement story which is now nearly completed, but some little bars which he included in his bids had not been put in. 

Mr. Canavan pointed out that he did not know what to say if every

DISAPPOINTED CONTRACTOR 

Were to give his testimony. He thought this course would have an unfair influence on the investigation, and detailed some of the points of cost which showed that the Commission were perfectly authorized to reject any bids they please. Mr. Terrill and Mr. Freidenrich claimed that the Committee would be able to sift the testimony and judge whether it was biased or not.

Mr. Canavan said that since Mr. Calvert had endeavored to show that his bids were the lowest, it would be for the Commissioners to prove that such was not the case. He would promise to prove that, all things considered, Robert Ewing was the Lowest bidder. 

After some slight discussion It was decided to postpone further examination of this point until 10 o'clock this morning.

Mr. Calvert then left the room, murmuring in a discontented manner.

A VETERAN BRICKMAKER. 

W. Hunter was next called, and testified that he is a brick manufacturer on a large scale. Has been in the business about forty-five years. Has never furnished any bricks for the new City Hall on contract. Proposed to furnish 10,000,000 last Spring at $15 94. That was a fair and reasonable price. He thought so then, and was satisfied of it now. Would not furnish the bricks for less now with the warrants quoted as they are, and would not furnish them for less than $15 or $15 50 each. To Mr. Terrill I am selling brick for $12 and $12 50. I suppose that $12 cash is a fair price for brick on the wharf. They select a better class of brick for the City Hall, every brick being required to come up to the highest standard of excellence. To Mr. Freidenrich It costs about $1 25 for me to deliver brick from my kiln at San Mateo to the Wharf. I think the Commissioners go to 

EXTREME IN REJECTING BRICKS. 

The bricks sold at the wharf for $12 are inferior to those which are used for the new City Hall. There are three or four classes of brick; that used in the City Hall is extra good. I do not think, all things considered, that a better brick than is necessary is being used in the work. I believe that bricks have been sold at the wharf during the past year as high $15 a thousand. According to the specifications the brick must be hard, strong, and exact size; if they are not furnished up to that standard the Superintendent rejects them, and the contractors cannot help themselves. 

To Mr. Terrill Different colors are inseparable from every class of brick, although in some cases bricks of a light color are as good as others that are darker. 

To Mr. Canavan The Superintendent is very careful in having the bricks to come up to the requirements of the specifications.

To Mr. Terrill I pay 30 cents a thousand commission for selling bricks.

H. Remillard testifed that he is a brickmaker in Marin county, and furnishes brick to the market. He furnishes brick to the City Hall and gets $15 thousand delivered on the ground. Out of a million of bricks from a kiln, from five to six hundred thousand would answer for the City Hall. Witness has paid twenty-five cents a thousand commission to Mr. Tobin for supplying the brick. When he contracted directly to Mr. King, the Superintendent, he did not pay any commission, pays $1 50 for hauling the brick to the ground, could probably get the work done for less, but would not be likely to have the brick so well cared for. 

To Mr. Freidenrich I have not been furnishing brick under contract to the City Hall the past year. I furnish them to Mr. Tobin and he pays me $12 thousand for them.

To Mr. Coggins I did not bid because I did not want to run the chances in 

BONDS, RESPONSIBILITY AND TROUBLE. 

To Mr. Canavan What I mean about the trouble is that Mr. King is far too particular for me in selecting. I would not state any price for delivering a contract to-day 

B. L. McDonald testified that he has had large transactions in brick. Has bid three times for supplying brick to the City Hall. Only one contract for a million of bricks was accepted. The price was $15 a thousand. Two other bids were sent in at higher prices than his at the time, When witness finished his contract he did not want more at that price, as it did not pay him. This was about two months ago. Mr. McCoppin had no interest in his contract.

To Mr. Freidenrich I furnished a million brick for sewers at $12 a thousand, but they were not as good as those required for the City Hall. I never knew any building before where the parties were so particular in making selections. 

T. J. Shackleford and G. Oliver were next examined, but did not throw any additional light on the subject, both testifying that the bricks used the City Hall are of superior quality and that some brick are rejected by Mr. King which would be accepted for first-class buildings. 

Mr. Wright, the architect, gave it his opinion as a builder that the Superintendent is not more particular than he ought to be in selecting the brick. 

To Mr. Canavan I estimate that $14 50, cash, is a fair price for such bricks as are used in the City Hall.

To Mr. Terrill All my estimates were figured on a cash basis.

To Mr. Freidenrich I should require the same class of brick for any first-class building for which I might have the superintendence.

To Mr. Terrill I made a detailed estimate for the Napa Insane Asylum.

The Committee then adjourned until 10 o'clock this morning at the same place.

https://www.newspapers.com/article/san-francisco-chronicle/157925149/

Article from Jan 3, 1874 San Francisco Chronicle (San Francisco, California) San francisco, Bricks, City hall

 

San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco, California, Sun, Jan 4, 1874, Page 8

THE NEW CITY HALL

Additional Facts Elicited by the Investigating Committee.

Disappointed Bidders and Successful Contractors.

The Testimony of Architects False Statements Disproved Mr. Canavan Serenely Satisfied Messrs. George and Laver Eager to Prove their Efficiency.

The Committee appointed by the Legislature to investigate matters connected with the new City Hall met again yesterday morning at the Occidental Hotel. Mr. Dixon was still absent, and is not likely to interest himself in the investigation.

Mr. Calvert, who had stated the previous day that some little bars had not been introduced to the walls, was recalled. He said that on examination he had found 400 iron lintel bars missing in the building that is to say, not put in as they should have been, according to contract. They represented a value of $2,000. Three bars to each opening were required by the specifications, the openings varying in width from 4 to 12 feet, say an average of 10 feet. Mr. Calvert did not examine the building with a view to detecting other deficiencies, but testified to the good quality of the work as far as it went.

Mr. Canavan declined to ask the witness any questions.

Mr. Calvert, who displayed considerable feeling, desired to explain that his presence as a witness was not voluntary, and that he did not consider himself what Mr. Canavan had termed disappointed contractor.

Robert Ewing was next sworn. He testified that he had received the contract for which Mr. Calvert had put in a bid. It was for brick masonry in January, 1873. He stated the details of his bid. As to the iron bars, he said the specifications called for three such bars over the doors. Some of the windows were not of sufficient depth to admit three bars and only two were put in. The contractor did not get pay for any more bars than were put in. In some cases five bars stead of three had been put in, where especial strength was required. As to the profits of the contract, witness said they would be very small. The class of work was very much better than was done on other buildings, and the depreciation of warrants prevented the realization of any profits on the contract. The Superintendent, Architect and Commissioners watched very carefully the progress of the work, and were very particular as to the manner in which it was done. Witness said be had laid from eight to ten millions of brick under his contract; also, that Mr. Calvert was not correct in his statement that 400 bars had been omitted. All bars were put in that were required by the specifications. No one was interested in the contract with witness, either directly or indirectly.

IMPARTIALITY ALL AROUND,

Mr. Wright then took the stand, and testified that Mr. Ewing had obtained the contract, as he had agreed to furnish the stone creasing, and also to accept a four-inch measurement for facing, while Mr. Calvert would not furnish creasing and required eight-inch measurement. The difference between Calvert's and Ewing's bids gave a balance of at least $3,604 in favor of Mr. Calvert's. The Commissioners take exact account of the iron bars used, and will not pay a cent for work that had not been done or material that had not been used. Had Mr. Calvert's bid been less than Mr. Ewing's he would have had the contract. Neither of the bidders had any advantage shown him. In answer to Mr. Terrill, Mr. Wright stated that in his opinion the building could not be completed under four years from the present time.

To Mr. Canavan The specifications in Mr. Seale's contract were drawn in good faith, and the clauses not applicable were put in by Mr. Laver, honestly, as I believe, but without a thorough knowledge of the character of the Angel Island quarry.

Mr. Laver here said the clause was put in before he came here.

Mr. Wright continued: The stone prescribed by Mr. Seale could not be furnished for less than the contract price. I have been employed as architect on various public buildings, and have never known any Commissioners to devote so much time and care to the work as do the City Hall Commissloners. They

SCRUTINIZE EVERY BILL 

Before paying, and refuse to pay without the indorsement of the Architect and Superintendent. I have personally examined every bill paid since employment. There have been no changes of plans as to details of work without careful consideration. My advice has generally been followed in such matters.

J. C. McCeney was next examined in relation to suits against the Commission heretofore decided and still pending. He entered into details, from which it appears that six suits in all have been instituted, three of which have been decided in favor of the Commission, and three are still pending. There were two injunction suits, both disposed of by the Supreme Court; one suit of John Calvert against the Commissioners, asking for writ of prohibition to prevent closing the contract with Robert Ewing: decided against plaintiff. A suit was commenced in the Twelfth District Court against the city by H. F. Swift for recovery of land, a portion of the Yerba Buena Park, sold by the Commissioners. It was decided in favor of the city and appealed. The decision of the Supreme Court has not yet been rendered. A suit by the same party against the Commissioners for trespass, claiming $20,000 damages, is still pending before be Third District Court.

A TROUBLESOME PATENTER

There is also pending a suit brought by the Pacific Submarine Earthquake-Proof Wall Company for infringement of patent, an invention of Mr. Foye. Plaintiff claims one per cent on the cost of the entire structure, although the damages were paid on the estimated cost at $15,000. If the buildings cost $4,000,000 the damages claimed will amount to $40,000. In the opinion of Mr. McCeney there is not good ground for the suit. He said Mr. Foye argued the matter before Mr. Wright and himself all one day without convincing them of the Justice of his claim. There is also a suit threatened by H. W. Seale, who claims $20,000 due on his stone contract.

Mr. Canavan stated that Mr. McCeney had proved very faithful and efficient; that his services were worth all he was paid; that in addition to the defense of suits, he had prevented litigation by advice and constant supervision of the affairs of the Comnission; that he drew all contracts and devoted most of his time to the business of the Commissioners,

UNFOUNDED STATEMENTS.

Mr. Terrill asked Mr. Canavan whether the Commissioners had employed other experts than those regularly employed?

Mr. Canavan replied that the Board had employed General Alexander and Colonel Mendell; also Calvin Brown. General Alexander had been paid $50 for his services in full. Calvin Brown had not been paid anything for his services.

Mr Laver said: I paid Mr. Brown $20 on my own account.

Mr. Canavan continued: Colonel Mendell was paid $400 for measuring under the Seale contract and for his opinion on the matter of ventilation. He also received $250 for measuring under the Jordan contract.

Mr. Terrill said he had been informed on the street that certain other parties had been paid $500 each. He asked if this was so. 

Mr. Canavan replied that such statements were without foundation. 

At this stage the Committee took a recess until 2 o'clock.

MR. TOBIN'S COMMISSION. 

On resuming, Philip Caduc was examined. He testified that he was the President of the Patent Brick Company, which furnished about ten millions of brick a year. Had supplied brick to the City Hall, which required a better quality of brick than was sold on the average. Had had trouble in getting brick selected at the City Hall. Had not given the matter his personal attention, having had a clerk to act for him. Had paid no commission for having brick accepted for the City Hall, but had paid Mr. Tobin 25 per cent, according to custom. 

To Mr. Freidenrich I sold to Mr. McCoppin some 525,000 at $12. As far as I recognized the matter Mr. Tobin was Mr. McCoppin's agent. It is customary among brickmen to pay commission for having their brick taken care of. I sold two-thirds of the brick to Mr. McCoppin through Mr. Tobin. When Mr. McCoppin came into my office, he said to me that Mr. Tobin would attend to the matter for him, and consequently I regarded the latter as part principal of the transaction. I have paid Mr. Tobin the same commission on sales made to other parties. 

Mr. Freidenrich subjected Mr. Caduc to a severe questioning with the view apparently of forcing him to testify that Mr. Tobin had been paid the twenty-five per cent. commission in order to secure his good will, so that bricks not coming up to the requirements of the specification might be accepted. All that he could get Mr. Caduc to acknowledge however, was that the commission had been to Mr Tobin in pursuance of a custom among brickmen. It was not for buying the brick, and he was not sure that it was for receiving them. Mr. Tobin had the power to receive or reject the brick, just as he pleased. The brick had been accepted by Mr. Tobin on the wharf, but witness could not say if all had been accepted. All the Patent Brick Company had received for the brick had been $11 75, deducting the commission.

To Mr. Coggins The brick delivered by the Company was equal to any brick used in the City Hall. I understand that Mr. Tobin has always been paid the percentage.

To Mr. Terrill I have heard that some men have been objected to for hauling brick because they had no experience in that kind of work. I never heard any other reason assigned. 

To Mr. Canavan With $1 50 paid for hauling the brick, the price paid was $18 50 cash. The superintendent has rejected some of the patent bricks. I do not know the number. 

WOULD NOT ACCEPT A CONTRACT 

For furnishing brick to the City Hall now for less than $15 a thousand. The selection was very severe. I think that Mr. King was more severe in his judgment with regard to patent bricks than any other. It is customary for the seller in all cases to pay commissions. I believe that Commissioners have never favored any one. There is more care in picking out good and rejecting bad bricks in the case of the City Hall than any other with which I am acquainted. 

To Mr. Coggins I am now getting $12 50 for the same brick I once furnished to Mr. McCoppin for
the City Hall for $12.

PRESSIONAL TESTIMONY.

S. C. Bugbee was next called and examined. He testified that he was an architect and superintendent of buildings. Considered a sound foundation the best that could be got except solid rock. He should prefer
flat rock to concrete for the under foundation. Had never examined the new City Hall, but had seen the best plans which had been sent in, and thought that the one selected was the best in every particular, although in witness' opinion, it would be simply impossible to carry out such a plan for $1,500,000.

To Mr. Canavan I do not know anything about the foundation. The slabs of stone would cost as much as concrete, and there would be no saving in that item. The United States Mint is built on a concrete foundation, and the concrete rests on sand. I considered the plan selected the most beautiful and suitable of all the plans selected. If carried out according to the plan, it will, in my opinion, be

ONE OF THE FINEST BUILDINGS IN THE WORLD. 

I do not think the Commissioners would have been wise in erecting building of the style of the Merchants' Exchange and Occidental Hotel for the City Hall. I made a little rough estimate at the time, with the wings and towers included, and the figures amounted to $5,000,000. This was to carry out the plan selected according to the original design. With the two wings and tower taken off I think the building can be put up for $3,500,000.

To Mr. Freldenrich If I had been a commissioner, with the cost limited to $1,500,000, I should not have felt authorized to select such a plan as the one chosen. About one-ninth or one-tenth of the total cost should be expended on the foundation up to the base course.

To Mr. Canavan I know that the plans were exhibited to the public for several weeks, and my impression is that the selection of the Commissioners was unanimously commended, although it was generally believed that the cost would be more than $1,500,000. Every one who knew anything about the subject felt certain that the plan could not be carried out for that sum. Some believed it would cost from $6,000,000 to $7,000,000.

D. Jordan testified that he had sent in bids for putting in the concrete for the concrete bed. He had also offered, at the outset, to furnish brick for $12 a thousand, but the Commissioners told him that they did not wish to contract for brick until they were ready to use them. At another time he had sent in a bid for brick at $13, which was the lowest. This bid had not been accepted because witness had only offered a check for $6,000 to back up his bid. He had been told that his bid was informal because he did not accompany it with the necessary security. He had received the contract for the excavation, and had removed nearly 70,000 yards of sand, although it had been represented to him that there would not be more than 18,000 yards. He had received nothing extra for it. Neither the Commissioners nor any one connected with the new City Hall had received one dollar for any work or contract he had executed in connection with the building.

To Mr. Coggins I had the $6,000 check returned to me. My opinion was that the specifications were too indistinct to be understood.

Mr. Canavan thought that Mr. Coggins was asking

UNFAIR QUESTIONS,

And explained that the specifications had always been as clear as crystal.  Mr. Jordan, in answer Mr. Canavan, stated that he knew of no case where the same party had furnished the material and performed the work. He also testified to the superior quality of the brick, and the great care used in selecting them.  The cement was likewise of the first quality.

P. Hnerne, architect, was next sworn. He testified that in his opinion a damp sand is as sound a foundation as can be desired, but if there should be water lower in the vicinity it is very dangerous. He considered the foundation to the new City Hall first-class. Has had experience in building in other cities, and had always found that a forty or sixty feet depth of sand was the best possible foundation that could be obtained far better than rock. Mr. Laver said to him when he sent in a bid for stone and concrete that he had better run with Mr. Jordan, who had made some mistake in his bid. Witness replied that he would have the contract independently or not at all. The mistake consisted in his putting in for so much per ton instead of so much per yard, as called for by the specification.

To Mr. Canavan I think my bid was lower than Mr. Jordan's. My stone was experimented upon by the Commissioners, and the true reason why it was rejected was that it was not good enough. I never used any concrete in this city; but if I were to find water in sand I should certainly use concrete. I would not have put a concrete bed under the new Mint; but a bed of that kind more required the case of the new City Hall. Concrete beds are becoming more in favor in Paris every day now. The new City Hall will when completed be a magnificent building, and

A GREAT ORNAMENT TO THE CITY.

James Barty, Receiving Clerk at the new Clty Hall, testified that all the material brought to the ground had been received by him directly or indirectly. Brick had come in at three or four different entrances. Did not know of any party who had received credit for more material than had been delivered. Had beard of such a report once, but did not give any credence to it. It was in reference to brick. Did not tell any one what he had heard. Witness tallied the loads when they came, and his experience was such that he could tell by ten or fifteen bricks whether the loads were right or not.

To Mr. Freidenrich I don't know who told me that a party was getting credit for more brick than was furnished. Mr. Tobin furnished the brick and a man named Coll brought it.

To Mr. Coggins Another man received the brick, but I am supposed to have received it all, Sometimes ten or twelve loads a week are counted. I often take the statements of other parties as to the correctness of the loads. I give certificates frequently, without positively knowing whether the correct number of brick has been received or not. 

To Mr. Canavan The report about over-credit was while Mr. Duncan was superintendent. This was before July, 1872. I use all the caution I possibly can to insure correctness of loads. If I and anything wrong, I report to Mr. King. I am quite sure that no money is paid for material not received. Mr. Canavan visits my office nearly every day and examines my accounts. My instructions are to do strictly right,

WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOR,

And I carry out those instructions to the best of my ability. Mr. King is very severe in receiving the bricks, and often sends large quantities back. All the iron is weighed as it comes on the ground, and a regular account kept of all the weights. 

Jeremiah O'Hearn tesifted that he had been engaged on the new City Hall about a year ago as a receiver of brick. One day a drayman brought some brick and claimed that he had brought a load of brick more than the tally. Reported the matter to Mr. Barry. Never told any one that he had given credit for 17,000 brick when only 15,000 had been received. Had a good number of times to take the teamsters account for brick brought, Mistrusted some teamsters, but did not think any ever succeeded in practising imposition.

To Mr. Canavan Had to take the teamsters' account for twenty or twenty-five thousand bricks. Mr. Barry never, to my knowledge, gave credit to any one for an unfair number of bricks.

James Gosling was next sworn. He testified that he was an architect of several years experience. Did not consider that concrete was necessary to a foundation like that of the new City Hall. Never heard any architect give an opinion that a building according to the original plan could be built for less than five millions. Felt certain that no building according to the modified plan could be built for a million and a half.

Mr. Gosling's examination was continued for some time longer, but nothing was elicited material to the investigation.

A WELL-PLEASED COMMISSIONER. 

Mr. Canavan said he wished to make a brie statement. He seemed in the best humor, his face while he spoke being wreathed in smiles. He said that if men were investigated about their shortcomings only, and nothing was said about their merits or good qualities, it would be difficult for them to make the showing they are entitled to. The Commissioners, while they were satisfied with the result of the investigation and very glad it had taken place, would have been better pleased if the Investigating Committee had, in addition to looking into matters which had no better foundation than street rumors - rumors circulated by persons always unfriendly to the City Hall enterprise - had made a perfectly thorough examination of all the books and papers and all documents connected with the City Hall and of every circumstance bearing thereon. The Commissioners knew that everything would have been found correct; that every dollar had been honestly expended; every contract awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, and no bill passed until it had been most carefully examined and allowed. As it was the Commissioners had reason to be satisfied with the result of the investigation and they were satisfied.

THE ARCHITECT AND SECRETARY.

Mr. Laver expressed a wish that the Committee would look into the way the affairs of his office bad been conducted. A prejudiced statement had been made that his department had been loosely managed. He felt confident that inquiry would prove that such had not been the case. He had two or three able assistants, and it was due to them as well as himself that no false reports regarding his department should be permitted to go uncontradicted. 

Mr. George, the Secretary also desired the Committee to investigate his office. He wished to submit all books and papers to their inspection, in order to prove that every detail had been carefully and correctly attended to. He presented to the Committee a statement of the salaries paid in connection with the new City Hall, but he pointed out that he wished to prepare a statement showing the expenses in full. To do this would probably take two or three days.

Mr. Canavan explained that at first the expenses did not exceed $1,000 or $1,200 per month, but they had gradually increased to at least $3,000. 

It being now 6 o'clock, the Committee adjourned until to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock.
 

https://www.newspapers.com/article/san-francisco-chronicle/157927339/

Article from Jan 4, 1874 San Francisco Chronicle (San Francisco, California) San francisco, Bricks, City hall

 

San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco, California, Tue, Jan 6, 1874, Page 1

THE NEW CITY HALL.

Virtual Close of the Investigation.

The Architect, Superintendent and Secretary Have Their Last Say - Mutual Compliments - General Satisfaction - Exeunt.

The Legislative Committee appointed to investigate the New City Hall affairs met again at 9 'clock yesterday morning at the Occidental Hotel, and went at once energetically to work, in order to close the inquiry in sufficient time for the members to proceed to Sacramento by the afternoon train.

Augustus Laver, the Superintending Architect, being recalled, testified that he had nothing to do with the Superintendent of Construction. It was on the recommendation of Messrs. Wright, King and himself that the Commissioners decided to make the building fire-proof. At that time the concrete and rubble-stone foundation was nearly completed up to the terrace line. None of the superstructure had been commenced. Mr. Wright was appointed at the suggestion of some of the Commissioners. The duty of the Superintendent is to take the place of the Architect in his absence, and to lay out the work. Before Mr. King was appointed, J. W. Duncan had held that position at a salary of $200 per month. Mr. King's salary was $300. Witness did not know the reason why Mr. King was paid the extra salary, No detailed estimate of the increased cost of the building, consequent upon the change of plan, has been made.

THE FIRST DETAILED ESTIMATE

Had been prepared in October last. There had been a disagreement in estimating the cost. When witness would say $500,000, Mr. Wright would say $1,000,000. He would not rely upon the estimate of any other person in regard to plans which he bad drawn himself. Mr. King, in addition to his position as Superintendent of the new City Hall, was employed as Superintendent of the new Palace Hotel. There were two Assistant Superintendents - Mr. Hickey and Mr. McConnahey - at a salary of $150 per month each. There was sufficient work to keep the three draughtsmen at work during working hours: $120 per month was the usual price paid to good draughtsmen here.

Mr. Laver here asked Mr. George, the Secretary, in reference to the use of Angel Island stone, mentioned in the last clause of the specification.

Mr. George replied that that clause had been introduced at the request of Mr. Johnson, who had represented Mr. Laver during the absence of the latter in the East and without his knowledge.

Mr. Canavan said that all the contractors were to have been notified of that clause, but he could not say whether they had all been notified.

S. Blath, agent of the Patent Brick Company, testified that he had furnished brick to McCoppin and Carroll under contract to the former. Some of the brick which he had delivered at the City Hall bad been rejected by Mr. King. When he had wanted to sell some more, Mr. McCoppin referred him to Mr. Tobin. whom he had paid twenty-five cents per thousand as commission on the sale of 400.000 or 500,000 brick at $12, which Mr. McCoppin had

PAID FULL IN CASH.

To Mr. Canavan - I made several complaints that Mr. King was too exact in selecting the brick. I think $18 per thousand would be a fair price for such a quality of brick as you require.

Joseph G. Eastland, one of the City Hall Commissioners, stated that Mr. King was allowed $300 a month salary, with the privilege of absenting himself two afternoons in each week, as be bad stated that be would be engaged at the Board of Supervisors and the Clay-street Bank on those occasions. A smaller amount bad been offered him, but he refused to accept it. Mr. Eastland spoke highly of the impartiality and honesty with which Mr King had acted, and stated that he had informed him several times that he felt sorry for having accepted the position, and would resign in a moment if he could do so without detriment to the interests of the Commissioners.

Mr. King explained how he had been induced to accept be position of Superintendent. Canavan had first written to him about it, and subsequently Mayor Alvord and other prominent citizens had urged him to accept it. He had asked a monthly salary of $300 because he found that be would have to neglect his other business and could not accept the situation for a less consideration.

SATISFACTION ALL AROUND

Mr. Freidenrich reported that he had examined the books of the Commission and found them complete and satisfactory.

Mr. Freindenrich asked Mr. Canavan if he desired to produce any witnesses or make any further statement.

Mr. Canavan said: "We have no witnesses to produce and no remarks to make. We submit the
case on your own showing."

After requesting Mr. George to send them a statement of office and [illegible] expenses some time during the week the Committee adjourned, subject to the call of the Chairman.
 

https://www.newspapers.com/article/san-francisco-chronicle/157927572/

Article from Jan 6, 1874 San Francisco Chronicle (San Francisco, California) San francisco, Bricks, City hall