Contract Scandal at the Agricultural College
Allegations of improper contract letting for the state agricultural college buildings in Pullman led to a public outcry and the eventual resignation of the high-cost deal.
TACOMA, Aug. 10.—Regent A. H. Smith, of the State Agricultural college, has returned from Pullman, where he let the contract for building the college hall and one of the college shops to S. Cameron, of Spokane, for $4,800 and $1,600 respectively. This college hall is the same building for which the regents some time ago let the contract to one of the 'highest bidders' for $11,000. A trusted friend of a representative of the POST-INTELLIGENCER recently stated that the regents had an internal quarrel over the letting of this contract, Regent Smith having protested against this and other apparent irregularities. The technical ground for rescinding the letting of this contract was a report made by the treasurer of the regents that there was not in the available fund the amount of money desired for the building. It was therefore decided to rescind the contract and have the plans remodeled. Regent Smith was asked today what changes had been made in the plans. He said: 'Wood has been substituted for brick. That is the only change.'
“This college hall is the same building for which the regents some time ago let the contract to one of the 'highest bidders' for $11,000.”
Concerns over how public funds are allocated for infrastructure projects, especially in the context of state education, remain a recurring feature of Washington's political landscape.
From readers
No comments yet. If you know something about this story — a correction, a family memory, a source — it belongs here.