The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1867-04-17
r.. pauper Farm Q.e..i...

In our iSSue of Monday last, we took
occasion 10 present our views in rela-
ZION 10 the proposed purchase Ofa farm
for the paupers of Ohio county. Our
,rrirle has given rise to some examine
ZION into the merits of the case. It was
the first public aHusion to the matter,
and like all items of important informa-
ZION was favorably received by our
readers cf all classes. 1t affords us
Measure to know that in acknowledge
gent of the light we were able to throw
mn Il subject of which so little has
heretofore been said, and as mark
of appreciation of our views, the public
have very generally sanctioned the opin-
ions We presented. We state the fact,
without fear OF contradiction, that the
ax-payers of Ohio county are almost
unanimously opposed to an expendi-
lure of the public funds in any other
than an open and public manner. If
tue money of the people is to be invest
ed in 4 farm for the paupers, or in any
other purchase, the people have right to
kos the details of the transaction, as
il progresses. and it is unjust to them to
keep the affair hidden until it is ma
tured and concluded. We waive all
question as to the desirability of the
proposed purchase; we shall not
stop TO argue whether the prop
rrty about TO be bought is, or
is not, the elegant bargain it IL claimed
10 he. All such considerations,
although important in themselves, are
insignificant when compared with the
fact, that just on the eve of heavy
outlay of their money, the people are
advised, through all unofficial source,
that in some obscure, and for that rea-
son, in a very reprehensible manner,
the preliminary negotiations have all
been entered into, and,, as far as possi-
BILE, concluded. Disguise ii as we may,
the situation is by no means satisfac-
tory. ,r--.
We would not for q moment question
the motives ofany gentleman connected
with this business. The Overseers OF the
Poor and the Supervisors, who are un-
derstsod to have had the purchase in
in Charge are all doubtless animated
by desire to do the hest they can for
the public interest, bnt they owe it to
themselves to take such official action
as will give neither ground for doubt to
the distrustful nor occasion for sneers
TO the captiOus. .H,...
1t will satisfy the public mind and, at
the same time, impair no mans rights,
if our Poor House authorities throw
open the purchase for general competi-
tion. Let every man who has land to
sell hav, chance along with his neigh
bors to supply the supposed public
want. If the market be open, competi-
tion will ensue; thls VIII compei eacH
owner to put his property at the
lowest figures; the public desire
for economy will be gratifed, and
above all the universal dislike to prl-
vate awards of public favors will not
be incurred, If this course be pursued
aud tho nro,,sed purcbase be judicious-
ly made, there will be no room for COM
plaiut from any quarter. If the oppo-
site course be adopted, and the number
Of bidders be restricted, as would seem
10 have been the case, no matter how
desirable an investment may be made,
it will satisfy no respectable number OF
the taxpayers. A clandestine invest
ment of the peoples money has ever
been the object of public detestation.