The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1858-06-30
OFFICE OF SUIT OF SCHOOLS,


at the meeting of the board of Presidents
held at this place. on the 25th and 26:h days
Of May last, the following questions were pro-
| pounded 10 me, and the request made, should
| publish my answers in the Clayton County
| Journal. and North Iowa Times. .
lst. "Shall any other than the English lam
guase be taught in our Common Schools
End. "Vho collects the uncollected taxes,
rate bills, DC, Of the several sub districts where
such existed at the time the present law was
| adoptedP'
The first question decided at the time it
was propounded, in accordance with Art of
Sec. 80, ofthe School act, "That the branches
to be taught are discretionary with the District
Board of Directors"
On farther consideration, see no reason to
| change my opinion.
The second question is one of great impor-
lance, and on which there Is much difference
| of opinion.
intimated to the board of Presidents at their
meeting, that my opinion then was, that it is
the duty Of the Secrctary-of the district Town
TO collect the said taxes and rate bills but it
being Question on which litigation might
| arise. wished to have time for q more care
full examination Of it, before giving decision.
And now, after such examination, am con-
strained to adhere to my previous opinion; and
do therefore decide, that it is the duty Of the
Secretary of the District Town, as the successor
of the Secretaries of the several Districts UNI
der the old law, which are now included in his
district town, to collect all taxes and rate bills
which were lawfully assessed and not collected
previous to the adoption of the present school
law.
Section IS of the Law, provides that all rights
and liabilities, civil or criminal which have
accrued or been incurred under the act or acts
hereby reI Gated. shall be enforced in the same
manner as if said act or acts were still in force.
| Hence it follows that If a person refuses to
pay his tax the Secretary is authorized to col
lcct it by distress and sale.
1t is supposed by many that the latter clause
| of Art. l6, Section 30, authorizes the director
of the sub-distric, to collect said taxes DC. But
apprchend that the power to settle the bust
ness OF the subdistrct remaining unfinished at
| the time of the organization under this act,
gives to the sub district directors no more au-
thority than the old board of directors possessed
as board, and that did not extend to the col
| lection of taxes.
| At tie meeting Of the board of Presidents. a
resolution was ado ted requesting me to recon-
mena a series Of Text books for the use of
the schools of the County. II will he seen by
referring to the school law, that ] have no au-
thnrity to act in the premises, the law comforting
that power upon the Superintendent Of Pub
Mr.. Fisher has not vet male such recon-
meditation, probably in consequence of the
great pressure Of business, and perhaps not
deening it particularly necessary, as in his re-
port. submitted in November last, he says in
speaking of text books, 81 have not feltit to be
my duty to make any change in the list recon-
mended by my predecessor but does not say
| what books that list named. and have not Mt
hand the report [dated Nov. LIST, 1856. contain
ing said list.
| Doubtless Mr.. Fisher ere long, will call a
meeting ofthe county Superintendents at which
the subject of text books will be fully consider
cd, and series adapted to the wants Of the
| common schools of the state, will be adopted
| for Recommendation.
In the mean time, would suggest that the
schools get along with such as they now have
i'll use, to avoid unnecessary expense in the pur-
chase of books that may be thrown out of use.
ALONZO BROWN,