Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1879-09-26
MORE PERTINENT QUESTIONS.

ED. JoURNAL:-To many persons who
have observed the course of our County
Commissioners, and our lower County
Court, the question has occurred, and is
now frequently asked, how much longer
will the people be secure in their property
and private rights?
We will take County Ditch No. 264, as
nm illustration. This ditch was petitioned
for by few holders of wild swamp lands,
which they bought at Il low figure and
held for speculative purposes and several
ditch contractors and spectators in county
bonds. Nearly every taxpayer on the
line OF this ditch in this and Lake town
ship was opposed to its construction,
claiming that they had already been
heavily assessed on the original improve
ment, and that it was amply sufficient for
the purpose for which it was constructed,
and Justly claimed that they ought not TO
be taxed for the benefi5 OF those above
them, who had not contributed dollar
towards constructing the original ditch.
To allay and disarm opposition on the
part OF the taxpayers, Commissioner
Pierce promised that if the taxpayers
would not oppose the ditch, he would see
to it that their assessments should be mere
ly nominal. as they had already been
heavily taxed on the original improve
ment. The result proved the fallacy of
Commissioner Pierces promises. On no
part of the ditch are the assessments heav-
Ter than in Troy township, where the peo-
pie already had ditch sufficient for their
purpose, but we're now called upon TO be
bled for the benefit of few speculators in
swamp lands and county bonds, few
needy ditch contractors and county Of
iicias who prosper and fatten upon the
burdens and misfortunes of tax ridden
people.
Is it surprising that the people here be.
came indignant and cxasperated at such
deception and duplicity? In this and
Lake twp, the taxpayers were almost un-
animous, and very determined in their
opposition to its construction, but by
systematic course of bulldozing and in
timIdstion on the part OF the Commission
ers and contractors, and in violation of an
order of the Court the work was carried
forward. Most Of the taxpayers ceased
their opposition in 30 Tar asthe posses
sion of the ground was concerned, but
many still refuse to pay the tax.
Finding that some could not be intimi-
dated and forcibly disposessed of their
property, they have invoked the aid of
weak and subservient court, to assist them
in their acts OF confiscation and attacks up
on private rights. No railroad company
or any other corporation who have rem
dered full and ample compensation for
property would dare or presume to infringe
upon and violate the rights of the citizen
~ our Commissioners and some of the
contractors have done on this improve
ment Commissioner Pierce on being
asked # the Commissioners and contractors
were not responsible Tor damages resulting
from throwing down and leaving fences
open aad obstructing drains and surface
bitches, answered No! Nobody was re-
sPonsible. III this be so we have come to
pretty pass indeed. Nobody can feel Sc
cure from outrage and injury, especially
ii they live near any of our county bitches.
Many people are beginning to realize the
gravity of the situation and the imperative
necessity of sweeping reforms in our COun-
ty offices and Courts. We have men of
honor and ability 70 fill those positions if
the voters can be brought to shake off the
shackles and prejudice OF party in our To-
cal nff,irs, and refuse To lend themselve
to further the sellish and dishonest deslgns
OF Il ring who have fastened themselves
upon the public purse like vampires up
on living body.
In fact some OF our County offices and
Courts are held and controlled by con-
bination of knnvery and incapacity 10 tt
degree that is dangerous alike to public
and private interests aud morality. We
hope and trust the time il near when the
voters will zee that il is for their Interest
to support worth and ability in preference,
10 following the Lead 0i few chronic
office seekers who nssiduously apply the
lash Of party discipline for the purpose o.
advancing their own selfsh designs upon
the public interests and rights.
The voters owe no man Or body of men
office, but it is their right and duty to Gil
the offices With men OF honeAty and ability
who will be likely to have a proper ap
probation OF the duties and responsibili
lies of their position.
As the people are supposed To be the
masters and the officials their paid agent
il il the privilege and rights Of the voters
to insist that their rights and interests be-
respected by those who are intrusted with
the management of their affairs. Ii those
agents become dishonest and arrogant, lei
the voters regardless of party bnng then
to realizing senee OF their true position
by ousting them from place aud power anc
filling their places with O hers who
will be likely to respect the rights OF ftheil
cOnsli uents.
Ii these principles were carried out on
officials would be more careful in the per
ioTmanoe of their duties and more c0nsid
epate of the rights of the people whom
they are supposed to serve and by whom
they are very literally paid for their ser
vices. INDEPENDENT.
Troy Twp, Sept. %, 1879.