The Sierra citizen., 1854-04-22
Saturday. April II. 1854.
The County Buildings.


~ existing in this county of having suita-
BILE county buildings erected. At that
time the Court of Sessions, through the
medium of commissioners by them APP
pointed, had advertised for proposals for
building Court House and Jail; their
proposals to be handed in by the 18th of
April. On the 18th, the Court of Sessions
convened and opened the bids. The
sums named in the proposals ranged vari-
ously from thirteen thousand to twenty
thousand dollars. The lowest bid was
made by Dr. D. G.. Webber, gentleman
well known in the county as man of
strict integrity, and as being an enterpri-
sing and public-spirited citizen. We are
happy to say that the Court of Sessions,
having full confidence in his ability to
perform the contract in accordance with
the specifications, unanimously awarded
it to him. The necessary steps have, we
believe, already been taken to bind the
parties to the contract.
1t is, then, determined that Court
House and Jail are to be erected, and we
think that every good citizen of the county
has great reason TO feel rejoiced at it, and
will not fail thus far to sanction the action
Of the court.
AS to the site which has been selected
by the Court Zone of the Associate
Justices dissenting) for the location of
these buildings, there is, however, divi-
sion Of public opinion; and among the
citizens of Downieville considerable feel
ing has sprung up in opposition to the
proposed location, namely, upon Durgan's
Flat. This feeling is very natural, mas
much as it is prompted by belief that
the placing of the county buildings there
will work injury to the town. The real
question at issue though would seem to
be, is the intended location the best one
for the interests of the entire county? We
do not deem it our province here to enter
into discussion of this question, intend
ing only in this article to represent mat
tiers as they stand in relation to the SUBJ
ject.
The Court of Sessions seem to have
been guided by two considerations: first,
to select location where sufficient ground
could be obtained to allow a large open
space on all sides of the buildings with a
view to their protection from fire; second
ly, to do SO if possible without expense to
the county. The town of Downieville
proper afforded no such location; Jersey
Flat was then thought of, but the idea
that the buildings were to be placed there
got afoat, and presto. almost every foot of
ground was staked off into lots by persons
who fancied that they saw in the vista a
snug little sum acquired by their acute
ness But they overshot the mark, and
did not leave enough of unclaimed ground
scarcely to build hen-coop upon, much
less the county buildings. This idea, then
was abandoned, and the view Of the powers
that be turned to another direction, to
be fixed finally upon Durgan Flat To
this decision the citizens Of Downieville dc
not seem disposed quietly to assent In the
more remote portions of the comfy the
citizens will be, Of course, but indifferent
lockers on, but here. our townsmen feel an
abiding interest, and have framed re
spectful rcmonstrance against the action
the Court, and numerous signers have
been obtained A subscription has also
been gotten up for the purpose of raising
sum to purchase some land in the vicinity
Of the Lower Plaza, which the subscriber
propose to donate to the county in case
the Court of Sessions will accept it for the
purpose Of erecting thereon these public
buildings. What amount of money has
been subscribed we are not advised. bu,
we hope to see the matter definitely set
tied at an early day, in order that the con
tractor may proceed with the importan
work.
SAN FR.yrtsco NyNr-The ayeyac 6,