Stevens County tribune. (Morris, Minn.) 1877-1880, 1879-07-24

the society ana It's annual exhibitions per
manent institution. Every resident of the
ceunly must be made to feel an intersst in
its success, this can only be accomplished
by making the days exercises and festivities
beneficial, popular and attractive.
In broaching the subject of Mr.. Harris
resignation, we did SO for two reasons. In
the first place there has been considerable
censure heaped upon the County Commits
sioners because it was asserted they caused
his resignation. In the second place we
wished to bring the matter before the people
and in this way ascertain in what manner
the Commissioners were responsible. In
Mr.. Harris communication elsewhere pub,
lished, he takes occasion to express his
| views of the matter. In our first article
we stated that none of the bills were al
lowed until after suit had been commenced,
and it was the general impression that such
was the case, but this is corrected by Mr..
Harris, as he says "the Commissioners laid
over and delayed nearly every bill" Now
the delay in auditing and allowing bills is
of very common occurrence, and where
there are so many questions involved these
delays must necessarily occur, and for one
we do not see why the Commissioners
should be blamed as it does not appear that
they were working other than in the inter-
est of the county. As to the charge of zig
norance and meanness" we will take oc-
casion to state that we must emphatically
disagree with our correspondent. The
Commissioners like the rest of US mortals
may ''err through ignorance" but they be-
ing men of undoubted and unquestioned
honor, the charge of "meanness" is, in our
opinion wrongfully bestowed upon them,
they never by deed or act have deserved
the stigma.
We are glad that Mr.. Harris takes occa-
sion to refer to certain case which was
decided against the county. This case has
been also magniied and distorted by the
enemies of our county board, and they have
been blamed for incurring unnecessary
costs, indeed many openly assert that had
the bill been presented by any other party
it would have been promptly allowed. In
looking into this case we find that much
needless blame and censure has been placed
upon the shoulders of the Commissioners,
in the first place, facts in the manner of
presenting the bill for unlike sums on diff
ferent occasions caused all parties to look
with Suspicion on the whole matter. Then
again there was other matters to be taken
into consideration in allowing the bill to
which we refer. There was an array of
similar claims, amounting in the aggregate
TO over 800, which would have to be paid
by the county in the event of their allow
ing the first one, and as the claim was dis
similar te any ever before. presented, we
do not think any blame can be charged up.
on the board for making test case and
thus establishing a precedent which would
be the means of preventing extortion in
similar instance. We, and indeed the pub
lie in general, never questioned but that
the parties to the suit in question were en-
titled to pay from some source, but even
now we are of the opinion that the county
was not liable and should not pay that bill
In very many instances when bills are dis
allowed or where action is postponed, the
decision of the board is reserved, not sim
ply from questions Of the amount or rates
but from principle or precedent, and while
Mr.. Harris had right, perhaps, to feel ag
grieved at what was considered unwarrant
able delay. yet if he would but look at the
matter and consider the multiplicity o
claims which the board must consider ant
every item of which they must examin,
there is no doubt but that he would ALLOW
his better judgement to prevail and recon
slider hastily formed and, perhaps, impul
sive impression. The village viii no doub
miss Mr.. Harris services as a justice, an
all will regret that he deems it necessar
to resign, but as he has not been treated i
a different manner from others by the Con
missioners, and the records will so prove
we must cheerfully withdraw blame frcr
the commissioners who simply acted fc
what they considered the best interest g
; the county. Mr.. Harris, however, take
: the opportunity to reply to MIR. Hail in a
animated strain, and indeed cCnsidsrin
> that Mr.. Harris did not write or dictate th
!, article which called forth Mr.. Halls reply
he has right to be indignant at its ton,
Y and of course do not take any part
s any personal controversy between Il
4 parties as individuals.