The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1880-05-20

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not otherwise than provided by law.
Because they have the management of
the county funds it does not follow that
they can use. those funds insspeculation
even though such speculation he for the
financial benefit of the county. Because
they have the management of the coun-
ty business it does not follow that they
can engage in a general banking bust
ness for the county, though it prove
financial success.
The management of the county funds
and business is committed to their care,
but such management has been wisely
circumscribed and limited, and there
are bounds beyond which they may not
go.
Mr.. Bloom says that the case cited
from our Supreme Court is dissimilar
to the one under discussion, yet he fails
to point out its dissimilarity. 1t seems
to be exactly in point. and think the
impartial reader will so look upon it.
Other authorities could be cited sustain
ing the case of Goodnow vs.. Ramsey
Co., but if Mr.. Bloom can not under
stand or see the force of that decision,
it would be useless to call attention to
others. will, however, quote single
further sentence from that decision
which seems too plain for even the will
fully blind to misunderstanding: IF the
power to make such paper commercial
paper exists y it must be confer
red by statute, and we in vain look in
the statute for the grant of any such
power to the commissioners"
Mr.. Bloom claims that he has discov-
cred on the statute that power which
the supreme Judges in vain looked for.
and he cites it in his article rs found in
sec. ia CHI: 8, statutes 1873, but he was
guilty of SURPRISING part Of the Ian
guage. It reads, the commissioners
''shall have the care Of the county prop
erty and the management of the county
funds and business Except IN cases other
,0ise prorided for; but shall exercise no
other poecers than such as are givcn by
lo'U." {The words in italics are the ones
suppressed.) In the very next stroke Of
his pen he says 1.-THE present difficulty
which the commissioners are trying to
lawfully adjust has come upon them by
reason of biennial sessions of our legis-
llture." That IS al admission of the
want of an act to lawfully. adjust such
present difficulty" It is evident that
this time order resolution was conc7iv-
ed from convenience and supposed ne
cesslty, and the board try to shield it
from criticism on the plea of expedien-
cy. If the question was one Of expedi-
ency only, thenI the judgment of tie
commissioners would be entitled to
great weight, Notwithstanding some
would doubt the soundness of this ar
yument, that by issuing one class of
county paper another class would be in
creased in value.
But Mr.. Bloom further says that the
interest on the bonds has been dulv pro-
vided for and is now in the treasury,
and that the principal is not now due;
That the principal and interest on the
jail order falling due in July, 1850, has
been provided for and is now in the
treasury. If that be true, then the pre-
amble Of tie resolution which reads,
"Whereas, certain bonds of Mobiles
County fall due June, 1880, and there
being no funds in the treasury to me-.
said liability &C., is misleading, and
mere lreteXt on which to issue time
orders to fund the floating indebted
ness of the county.
When those bonds of the county were
issued the argument used in favor there
OF was, that by their issuance county
orders would become par; but that al
gument has proven to lie fal]acious.
The same argument is now used for is
suing these time orders. 1t does not ap-
pear quite certain to common person
how taxation will be lessened by the is
suance and negotiation at public ven
due OF our county paper.
But be that as it may, the objection
urged is simply a want of authority in
the commissioners. This is not the on
]y instance Of their unauthorized acts.
They reduced the Judgment for taxes on
the mill property from some 5000 to
about 81 200, without authority. They
issued time orders bearing interest in
pay nent for the Jail without authority,
They appointed depository for the
county moneys without authority.
They have done many other acts far ex-
ceeding their jurisdiction which space
forbids mention Of and which the people
have a right to criticize.
In conclusion, must pay compli-
ment to Mr.. Bloom s poetical taste and
sarcasm, which far exceed his logic or
knowledge of his official duty.