The Mineral argus., 1885-04-23

To Iion. ID. S. Haa,, /uIgr:
Although our session has been short
we have worked faithfully and, we be
iieve, for the best interests of the
county. We have found indictments
OF very great Importance to the peo-
pie and have done all in our power to
make proper inquiries into the manage
ment of county affairs. In many res
poets We find that the administration of
Meaghcr county is excellent and the
officials are deserving of our commen-
dation.
There are, so far as we can ascer-
tain in our necessarily cursory exam-
nation. no particular extravagancies or
wrong doings in Meagher county en-
cept IN the justices Of the peace courts.
But with the ways of several magistra-
ties we find the greatest fault and we
severely censure the hhanded, arbi-
trary and illegal methods used by the
justices in this county for the six
months last past. Papers have been
certified to this court of cases tried by
justices in which justices manifestly
had no jurisdiction, and cases have
been laid before us. sent up by justices,
when the statutes plainly conferred
jurisdiction. From evidence before us
we find that justices of the peace have
oftentimes lent Their official positions
a l1a a..,I ~.
private parties; and in not few cases
heavy costs have been put upon the
county and the taxpayers forced to
bear the expense oi private PERSONS
wrongs. Local feeling has evidently
biased the magistrates minds in the
Maiden township. and we heai lily en-
dorse the action taken by the hoard Of
county commissioners in dis; flowing
the bills presented in most of tie cases
from that township, and we urge them
IN behalf of the taxpayers, to ontinue
to disallow all bills by justice where
the cases were utterly trifling and not
f.. TIE public welfare; or where the
parties complaining are prompted )y
revenge or business jealousy or III Spn-
sidcred motives. We would ike to be-
liete that 4 Justices court is a poor
mans court, where real wrongs can be |
primarily adjusted, and adjusted
without much expense; bul magistrates
1t Maiden sit, apparently. to uphold,
by pleading and adjusting in cour,
their own or friends cases. and with a
total disregard of law and evidence !
and practical good sense. |
The Grand Jury, in view of the val |
uable information cleaned by the sys
TEN of experts in several other coun.
ties in the Territory. believe lhat it is I
a wise plan to make a most careful
examination of public accounts in the
county at least once every two years |
Honest officers court investigation. and !,
there is an extraordinary need, partic-
uiarly IN the present hard times, of |
very possible prudence and economy
IN public affairs in Meagher county. I
With this object in view Of securing
the strictest economy and most rigid ,
accountability in public affairs, and of !
promoting the best interests of the
County Of Meagher. we believe the
people should, as soon as possible. and 4
by the next term or court. know in a
practical, plain way exactly how the
moneys of the taxpayers have been
disposed Of and how expended, and
how county officers have collected, for
Years past, and do now collect moneys
lue the county, and just how each Off
,er stands III MeaSher county. We
recommend that the
'ounty commissioners employ an ex-
pert, disinterested accountant. TO ex
mine the books OF all county officers
II Mcagher county, and to make full
md complete report 20 the next grand
ury oI any discrepancies or moneys
ound due and uncolIected from or by
-ny source whatever where there
hou'd be an accounting: that the
mounts pad officers be shown, their
@5rcgate of fees and payments be set
or'h, and just what sums have been
aid into the county Treasurer by al
'iilc'alS tor the past ten year; that 4
orrect list OF any and Ill deinquen,
axes and licenses be made up for the :
ounty, and whether all licenses which +,
rc issued are receipirl ior by the
rca5urcr. and moneys duly accounted [.
.! toy him. And that such report, :
'hen full and complete. be returned TO {
ic next grand jury in and ior this
"unty - bc acted upon by them. To
,rllltltc This px,minatiGu which we