The St. Cloud journal. [volume] (St. Cloud, Minn.) 1866-1876, 1875-02-04

REPLYT FROM NH. L. D. 1Ax,aoND
RAYMOND, STDARNs Co., MINI, !
January 3()th 127k

I
49, January 30th, 1875. ! ~
EDITOR JouRNA1.-My communication
In regard to taxes, published in your issue
Of the 9Th inst has called forth = reply
from reader whose occupation seems 10
be that Of 6ddling. BY tho way, I would
just remark that believe he has fddlsd
for the county about long enough, and
might ~ we'll look for place to hang up
his bow, for people are tired out dancing
tho rogus's march. Lot mo snalyse his
reply. His first statement says that the
next year after our township organization,
eur town and school tax was 1916 mills
against % mills for State and county pur-
poses. Very likely this was 10, but he neg
lected to say that in that year we were
building new school house, and ~ con.
sequence taxes for homo use were necessari-
ly high. By his own figures he proves
that our home taxes have been steadily re-
ducsd, until in 1873 they were only one
fourth ~ high a. they were seven years
previous, and yet he has the cheek to say
that we ought to practice, little more
economy
We have brought Fiddler down
the course of time 10 1878; lot us jog
along another year and
COMPARE NOTES.
I find that in one year land has doubled
in value, and State and county taxes have
followed in the wake, being nearly double
our town and school taxes. "How is that
for high?" "Fddler" says one cause Of
high taxes is that some people think that
the county has lots of money, and can af.
ford to pay double prices for services.
Just 20; only more 10. 20 him one bet
ter. have long been of the opinion that
a certain number believe they have . d.
vine right not only to double but treble
pay for services rendered, but also . right
essrnally to
MILK THE COUNTY COW,
and make the dear people find all the fed
der.
Another item il brought forth from the
musty records Of the county and held up
to the taxpayer, which he no doubt con-
siden c'~sher, viz, the survey of aceztai.
State road. 1nasmuch a. he brought the
thing forth, let mo present both aides Of the
shisld and then the public can judge its
true color. In 1870 If my memory il cor
roct) the Legislature passed IN act for the
survey and location of a State road from
Lake George in Stearns county to the Red
River, and the writer was appointed one
9th Commissioners. The survey was
made in accordance with law, and payment
for services demanded accordingly. Judge
of our astonishment whom we presented
our bill to learn that the Legislature had
no authority or right 70 pass said law until
they had consulted our County Board At
least, that was the opinion of the Board.
We found out that instead of Stsarns coun-
~ being subject to the laws of the State of
Minnesota, it was an independent kingdom
governed Dy nall dozen
PETTY RINGS,
denying the validity of &atc laws, and car.
rying out the dotrine of Independent
soversignties, which their brethren of like
political faith are trying to establish at tho
present time in the Southern States.
We brought these facts to the notice of
Judge McKelvy. He upset their doctrine,
and gave us judgment against the county
with costs. "Fiddler' and his band were
not satisfied yet. They appealed the case
to the Supreme Court which confirmed the
decision of the court below, and made tho
county not only fiddle, but dance and pay
for the music. Our original claim against the
county was $45. The Supreme Court gave
u judgment for $97 so and all costs against
the county. How much he was our
friend who has access to the official records
will please report. He says that it was by
dint of influence that judgment was obtained
in our favor. Isn't that rather cool? Why,
Mr.. Editor, we should be sorry to think
that any person in Stearns county is 10 OBJ
fuse as to believe it necessary to use any
influence to decide case a. plain a. TIA,
was. I believe little less mulishnsss on
the part of our County Board would una.
terially lessen taxes" but "Fiddler' doef
not evidently take da& into consideration
Finally, in regard 10 our dancing awhile
and then paying our taxes, I would say
that if the Equalizing Board are within thu
bounds of law, We expect to, but if the,
have overstepped it, the taxpayers of thi,
part of Stearns county will refer the matte,
to that tribunal which heretofore made The
nullyfers dance. I also believe that thu
people yet have = right to investigate III,
management Of their affairs and ASCERTAIN
how some Of their public servants suddenly
acquire wealth. If any of the prsciou.
birds who roost in the Court House e,
wounded, all I have t. cay il, lot them flut.
ter. Truly yours
L. B. RIA YMOND.