Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-01-10
COUNTY AFFAIRS.

The Treasurer's statement, published
in another column. shows that Oxford
County finances are in an excellent con-
dition. At the close of 1881 there were
s5,6S7.S3 in the Treasury. The Coun-
" has no debt, outstanding bonds or La
bilities save 81, 56s.42 in accounts which
have accrued but have not yet been called
for. To offset these accounts, there are
due in taxes Sl,l44.25 in addition to
the cash on hand, making balance in IA
yor Of the County of s5,29S.6G. This
IS gain of about 100000 over the
standing of last year. A balance OF
about $4,000. 90 should be in the Treas
sry a, the close of each year, in order to
pay bills accruing between January and
September when the taxes come in,
without hiring money.
The excellent condition of our affairs
is due largely TO the economical admins
tration of the board Of County Commits
sioners. Their personal bills have been
exceedingly small, and corresponding
degree Of economy has marked al their
business transactions. Mr.. Geo. +.
Hammond of Paris, the retiring member,
has been a very efficient officer, working
for the best interests Of the County, and
saving many dollars by being a resident
of the shire town. Mr.. Hammond has
served but one term, but Gov. Plsis,ed
has failed to reappOint him, so we lose
his service. for the year TO come. The
people will have something TO say about
this matter next September. We have
but two Commissioners at present. Hon.
II. q. Walker of Lowell, IS serving on
The last year Of his first term, and will
be chairman when the board is organized.
Mr.. Walker has been popular and eff
Gent officer. Although he WAS elected
by fusion majority two years ago, the
Republican. and the people At large have
lost nothing by having him upon the
board. He has not been partisan in
public affairs but has done his duty faith
fully and impartially. II such men
were always nominated for office, there
would be little fear of injury TO the Coun-
", no matter which party was successful
IN the elections. Mr.. Pettengill, the
iunior member of the board is also very
efhcien, man, having had large exper-
iente in municipal affairs. He Is good
business man and looks carefully after
the County's interests. We doubt il a
letter board of Commissioners can be
found in the State.
The Clerks office is made vacant by
the expiration of the term Of James 5.
Wrgh; ESQ, and the failure Of the Coun-
81 to confirm Gov. Plais;ed's nominee,
Chss. +. Whitman Of Norway. Mr..
Wright is now in charge of the office I'M
der the direction of the County Commits
,ioners, to care for the records, but no
legal papers can issue from the Office,
until an appointment has been made.
No doubt the Court will soon appoint
M Wright Clerk pro TEN, if the dead
lock continresat Augusta. Mr.. Wright
Is as good Clerk as can be secured.
He is particularly fitted for the place BY
his methodical and industrious habits.
He j. perfectly familiar with County az
fairs and it Will be a long time before
another man IS so well qualified for the
duties of this Office A change at pre-
sent would be very unfortunate, and the
Council viii be sustained by our people
in their refusal 10 confirm a new man for
one year, when an election in September
would probably unseat him, and throw
things into confusion by the introduction
of anot er novitiate.
The remaining County offices do not
become vacant this year.