Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1856-02-16
SATURDAY, FEB. 9, 1856.

SATURDAY, FEB. 9, 1856.
Ramsey Ce.uty-Bad Enough, but Light Breaking
The readers Of the TINES are quite familiar
with the course we have pursued relative to our
County matters. A year ago we called attention
tothe fact, that a heavy debt lay upon the shoul-
ders OF the people, while unprincipled men were
reaping the reward Ct their villainy. A, first,
some tirnid souls were quite solicitous for our
welfare really and honestly thinking that we
had given publicity to that which was not sus-
cep,ible Of proof; but proof has been adduced,
and the fact established, that the people from
year to year, since 1851 to 1855, have been
swndled by those who have had charge of our
County matters Feeling tie necessity that
something should be done to relieve the inhab-
ed upon them, we Lave s,rcnuously and unaid.
ed by our cotemporarics. followed up the mat
ter until we find at least two honest anu honor
able men occupying the important positions OF
County Commissioners. These gentlemen, Mes
srs. McLane and Bennett, (and we think we
can include Mr.. Wilson) have entered upon
the discharge of their duties, with Il full deter
mna,ion to cut up the roots and branches Of the
into the pockets of the people and drew there
from the av,ils of many day Of weary toll.
Previous to their induction into office. matters
began to assume better condition, brought
,l,ont N hx- l,,t
now that they are in office, we may look for
ward to an entirely different state of things
1t is highly proper and right, that no. only the
Press, Lut that every taxpayer should rem
er, in order that by unity ofaction we can re-
move the incubus that hangs upon u.s.
To do this, it is necessary, that the people
should fully understand the present condition
Of affairs, and we therefore call attention to the
Fiscal Statement Of Ramsey County for the
year 1855" published in our paper Of this morn.
ing. Touching this report we propose to offer
a few remarks:- -
lst.-The reader will observe that the item
for Provisions alone, for the year 1855. amounts
to s $2,740,46! For "bi of Goods" "Sun.
dries" and "Goods," another item, $239, 40,
making total for these articles, the snug sum
of 8 ,979 Sc. Now, most of those of whom
these Goods were purchased, unqucstionably
charged a good profit, and why! Because
they would be obliged to pay 25 per cent. dis
count on the County orders, which they would
receive in payment. Aside from the fact then,
that the profits on the Goods are exorbitant,
the additional amount paid for discount should
at once arrest the attention of the people, and
cause them to seek out a remedy. Our con-
victions are, that this item alone can be rcduc-
ed, at least $1,000.
2d.-The amount paid to the Sisters Of Char
ity, or the Hospital, reaches the sum of 81 ,673,
4! We cannot say that this sum is iniudi-
ciously expended, but from what we learn, the
price charged is reasonable, and the care given
Of such character as to challenge our appro-
val. Improvements can be made in the Hos
pital, and undoubtedly will be, as funds are ac-
cumulated.
3d.-The Bill for Medicine cannot fall short
Of 1915 SIT may exceed this sum. A,
two houses alone the bills for last year were
$265 S5, and for medicine furnished by physi.
clans, $50, probably more than this, so that a
sufficient quantity of Drugs have been sent in
to the County, Cor rather which the County is
responsible for, TO kill half Of the inhabitants
Of the Territory. We unhesita,ingly give j,
as our belief, that this Bill is unnecessarily
large. and should not reach one half Of the
amount. The Drugs and Medicines for the
County should be purchased by wholesale, and
from what we learn we believe they will be for
the coming year; and in this item we car
save over Sl50.
4th.-It will be observed, tina, classed among
the expenses for the year past, We have So, sos
for the purchase Of land for Poor House. A
little insight into this matter, We think, vii
not be uninteres,ing. 1t seems that as soon Al
the Commissioners were delegated to procur,
land for Poor House, Messrs. Murray an,
Robert (the latter County Commissioner, am
the former his Attorney became possesset
with the idea that they had land which woul
Just suit, and so the land was entered at Gov
eminent price (sl 25 per acre) and sold I
he County (Messrs. Robert and Wilson W