The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1863-01-10

The County Board reduced the Coun-
tv Tax one dollar on the hundred. We
presume this was done after mature
deliberation, and that. it was deemed the
best and wisest measure that could be
adopted. We think from what we have
seen Of the doings of the present Board
tina. the members are aciuated BY de-
sire to do right and to promote the best
interests of the county. We believe
they honestly and faithfully labor for
this end.
But they unfortunately had a legacy
from previous administrations eutailed
upon them, which was enough to Grip
pie the energies of any Board. We do
not know what previous Board is to
blame for the Observation-Disclosures of the
affairs OF the County, and for saddling
the debt upon US which the present
Board have been attempting to curtail
and wipe out. Perhaps all the previ
GUS administrations have been careless
or reckless, or BOTH We think the
present Board owe it 10 the people and
to themselves TO make an Exhibit Of
the condition of the Finances of the
County.
Now and then man is found who
.objec;s 10 the Bounty paid to Volun
teers. Such men ought to eblis, in the
,ervice Of their country at once, and
ever after bold their peace. We think
that very few of the families of soldiers
are reposing on '.lowery beds of ease"
because of the abundance of the pay
their husbands. fathers and brothers get
for serving the country.
The tax~s are high. They are OPP
pressively SO. They fall with great
weight and distress upon many of our
citizens. But we must relieve the
County Of the burden Of debt which
hands like an incubus upon it. This
should be done in the very best man
ner that wisdom can devise, and with
jew 10 make the burden as light as
possible to those who have i: 10 bear.
1t will he heavy enough at best. But
We must do this honestly, louorably
ard rs soon as practicable.
We regret 10 say that in the mids; OF
these high taxes, under which the peo-
pie are grooming. and 10 relieve item
from portion of which. the Board cut
down The levy for the County two ffshs,
there is class Of restless spirits. who.
to carry out their own selfish ends, are
endeavoring 10 get up the County Seat
question. and run the County to one or
two thousand dollars expense in hold
ing elections drring the coming year,
and thus add 10 the burdens of Lhe taxes
rext year.
1t this was necessary measure. We
should say amen to it. But no man in
his sober senses will say that the county
is suffering for change. No one can
possibly say that change will benefit
the County in any material point of
view. 1t is merely local matter; and
those who move in it do so simply and
alone for their personal interest.
We have said and repeated the fact,
that this is not the time for the agiia-
ton of this question. 1t is unjust to
the absent soldiers, who have interests
and rights involved. l, is best 10 let
the question remain until the railroads
are located, and these will help US TO
settle the matter better and more salts
factory than it can now be done. And
it will be adding TO the already sragger-
ing load OF taxation which the people
are groaning under.
No harm can be done by letting this
question rest for year or two; but
harm. aud wrong. and injustice. may be
done by disturbing it.
We should avoid all matters which
increase the taxes or carry them beyond
1hs needs OF the County. until The sol
diers return, and if it can be done soon,
until our present indebtedness is wiped
out.
Let us have economy in the admins
trsti0u Of our affairs; and all OF US woik
together for our mutual good, until such
time as i. will be just. proper and judo
Gus to agitate local questions.