Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-01-19

u .Hr TIT NS-ll n . VVAs z :
NEW COURT HOUSE

papers, l see that the Commissioners will re-
ceiye sealed proposals until the 29th Jannary,
I for building new Court House in this bor-
| ough, and .ha. specifications can be seen for
ten days preceding the 29th January, 1859. =
/ Il appears TO me that this is short notice to
contractors, and the question arises: Can a
mechanic, in the space Of ten days, make a
proper estimate OF what he could do the work
for and put in a proposal for such building
as is contemplated / do not believe that anv
/ mechanic, without having had access to the
| plans and specifications previous TO the time
designated in the advertisement, can make an
accurate calculation of the cost or prepare a
contract which he would feel safe in bind
ing himself TO fulfil. To me il looks as If
there was san Indian behind the bush," who
has his gun cooked and primed for the occa-
sion, and viii make sia nice thing; out OF IT.
L will leave it also 70 the good Judgment of
any man If such hasty action is well calcula-
ted TO snbserye the interests of the county or
the taxpayers. Why not give ample time to
all persons who may feel disposed 10 put in
bidsa By doing SO, the contract might posi-
bly, be given out at thousand, two or perhaps
three thousand dollars less than it will on ssten
days" notice, and think the Commissioners
could not have considered this matter as fully
as they should or they would not have dis
played such uncalled for haste. in advertising
the letting OF the contract-there being. but
fifteen d ys from the time the advertisement
first appeared until the day on which they will
receive sssealed proposals''-nor do 1 believe
that their course VIII be approved of by any
considerable portion OF the taxi payers of Clear
field county, no matter where they reside
] understand that the Commissioners give
as reason for letting in such great haste, that
they are fearful the county will lose largely if
they do not accept OF the following magnifi-
cent offer, for copy of which am indebted
to a friend who procured it in the Commits
sioners' office -
Know all men by these presents, That we.
Richard Shaw. George l.. Reed gon Bovnton.
William a. VI Wailace, James B. Graham J.
McEna.ly, Jas. L. Leonard, j. f. Weaver. a
r. Wright, Wm. l.. Moore, d. VI Moore. c.
kratzer, all of the Borough of Clearticld. are
held and firmly bound unto the Coun'y OF
Clearheid in the sum of thirty thousand dol
lars lawful money to be paid TO the said coun-
ty. her certain attorney or assigns TO which
payment well and truly to be made and done.
we 90 bind ourselves and each of US our heirs
executors and administrators Jointly and sew
orally, firmly by these presents Sealed with
our seals, and dated this Both day of Decem-
b-r, A. ID. 1858.
Now the condition of this obligation is such.
That whereas by law the Commissioners of
said county are required to proceed 20 the e.
rection OF new Court House in Clearfeld.
and certain parties at Curwensyille desire to
delay the contracting for said Court House in
order that they may agitate for the removal of
the county seat, and we. desirous that the
same shall be let and contracted according 10
law forthwith, if the Commissioners of said
county shall and do agree upon the plan OF
Court House as submitted to them hy George
Thorn. and shall and do advertise a let the
contract for building the same within one
month from this date, and no proposals arc re-
eeived by them properly guaranteed to erect
the same for fifteen thousand dollars and the
materials OF the old court house and Offices
that we shall and do pay the amount necessary
therefor over and above the said amount; and
further that IN the event of the funds of the
county at the present rate of taxation being
found inadequate to meet the expepces of
said erection, that we shall and do provide the
necessary funds therefor so far as they may he
needed, when called upon, and wait for its re-
lmbursement, irith interest, out of the funds of
the county at the present rate Of taxation then
u.
and remain in full force and virtue
In witness whereof we have hereunto set oTr
hands and seals the day and year first above
written. ]. B. McEnaliv- TIsI
W. A. Wallace, [L.s.l Richard Shaw. fL.s.i
JON Boynton, [L-s.l Jas. T. Leonard II s.
Jas. B. Graham, [L.s.l ]. F. Weaver, fL.s.1
A. K Wright. Is. G. l.. Reed, fI.s.1
VIM. L. Moore, [L.s.l D. W. Moore, fL.s.i
- hIa,Zer, tL-s-J IL-s.1
Witness present,
| certify that this correct copy of the bond
hied in the Commissioners Office of CIearfield
County. Wm. S--Bradley, Clerk, ILsI
What an offer. They viii pay all that viii
be required over fixed sum for building
court house, according to q plan furnished,
knowing that the contract will be taken for
that amount. And who, that is able, Is not
willing to advance money to the county, when
she will pay it back with interests a safe in
vestment. 1 should say; and the gentlemen
who propose it have enough sssharp business
TACT to know that they can lose nothing, in
any event, by such operation For nv
part, can't see what the county will gain nv
it. II the taxation is not increased. interest
will be paid on tho money advanced-and
will that not, in effect, be the same thing /, |
Besides, if, as is conteuded, Pine county is ssa
fixed fact" is there any necessity for having |
new county buildings Immediately In any |
view of the case, the action of the County /
Commissioners to me seems premature.
OLDrowy.
On the fourth page of this paper will De |
found ssF acts in Relation TO The Location Of !