The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1884-08-01
COMMUNICATIONS.
THE SCHOOL HOUSE COMMITTEE.

LIE SShOoh hSOSx SSu1n1
Ed. Register The city OF lola in its gener-
ousity, united with all branches and classes
and voted bonds for new school house to be a
benefit and ornament to our city; and the me-
chanics Of the city all put to a shoulder to help
to carry 1t through, supposing, and hoping that
il might be benefit to them, for they felt con-
fident that there was as good class of mechan-
les here as could be found in any part of the
State, or any other State which | must
say / think is fact. Now, after the
money was raised and the advisory committee
selected, Of which there was not mechanic
among them, they did not coun sci with a
single mechanic in the city, as Nave learned,
but have gone ahead with their scheme just as
though no one had any right to criticise or saw
why do you go and let the contract to a man
from Ohio at his own offer, without calling up
on anyone to compete with him, or giving our
mechanics any shadow of chance even to put
in bid, until our mechanics criticised
the committee in pretty sharp terms in regard
to their acts whereupon the committee, that
same evening, as we believe, changed their ar
rangements SO as to give the mechanics one
week to put in their bids, an insult still more
aggravating than the first for they must know
that the time was too short for them to look af-
ter their material and make their estimates and
get In their bids with any certainty of success.
As matter of course the gentleman from Ohio
gets the job, just as he had stated previous to
hat time.
Thus far their scheme has worked admirably
well, and, without doubt, they think they
can slide through with the rest of their iiabo-
zeal work with equal success. Now, the gen.
frar, anil 81,
TO sub-let the building of the house to different
parties, and grind them down TO a losing Job, SO
that he can shoulder good share of the money
as clear profit and in place of using or spend
Ing it here, as our mechanics would have done
had they got the job, he Tugs it OF to another
State, and we get no benefit from the profits
only in paying taxes on money taken away to
another State, which will be of no benefit to
us or the city. This we consider DOWNRIGHT
insult to the citizens and mechanics Of lola, and
nearly all of them that 1 have heard express
their views, are of the same opinion, and look
upon thu committee being opposed to the
mechanics OF the city.
Now, just stop and look upon the committee,
and see who they are and of what prof ssion.
First we mention is the clerk of the court. by
profession lawyer; he is necessary 10 adj
minister the law and direct their minds in
legal channel, that they may not make any
blunder in carrying out their concoctcd scheme.
Next is our physician ii is indispensably
necessary to have him to administer the opiatcs
e. sDoth the mind and make smooth the way 10
carry out their disgusting scheme, for we all
know that he is man well calculated to lead
astray the minds of the majority with his
smooth, oily tongue. Next comes our carriage
manufacturer; it is necessary to have him to
furnish a splendid carriage for the committee
TO ride in when they 20 out to inspect the noble
structure, that they may not soil their clothes
or tarnish their slippers, 50 as to appear unbe-
coming to the laboring men that do their work
for mere song, while they reap the benefit of
their hard earnings. Next comes our county
treasurer it is very necessary to have him to
secure the money until the final distribution
our committee can sweep up the scattered
nickels that may be gobbled up by shrewd figur-
ing and keen financial management, that they
may have some recompense for their services
in managing SO gigantic a structure. Next in
rotation comes our hardware dealer it is
necessary to secure him so as to furnish iron
and steel for the noble structure, and for the
repairs on the Roman chariot which will be
furnished to carry the honorable members on
their tour OF inspection, in case there should
be any break or failure to the magnificent vehi-
Gle, for there will be great weight in seven
members Of the Royal family; therefore they
WI want to be prepared for any accident that
might occur Next comes our land agent: il
is Enthusiastically necessary to have him so that
its title wiz be found all sound and in a legal
form, transfers all in order and the grounds le-
galiy surveyed and record made, so there will
be no possible chance for litigation. Next, and
last one OF the honorable members, is our ex-
county superintendent Of pub. ic instruction it
is, beyond boubt, necessary TO have him on
lie committee, as his large experience with.
country seAool houses and school marn.s gould
make his counsel very useful.