The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1885-01-16
THE COUNTY SEAT 1mBRoGLIe
A Plain Statement Of Facts i'm the
Case.

A Plain Statement Of Facts i'm the
Case.
At tho recent general election held in Steele
county the qualified voters were called upon to
express their preference TOR the location Of the
county seat. There were three contestants In
the field, Hope, Sherbreoke, and Pickert OF
the 69S votes polled ON the county seat ques-
ton Sherbrooks received 1856 votes, Pickert 1874
votes, and Hope l5S, Shsrbroske recsiving IA
more votes thsn Hope and Pickert combined.
After tho returns had bean sanvassed the county
passed resolution recognizing
Sherbrooks ~ the county seat, and sabss-
queAty this was reafirmed and resolution
passed providing that until proper buildings
could be erected at Sherbroeks tho public busi-
ness should continue to be transacted at Hope.
Up to this point all the indications pointed to
recognition Of the will OF the people ~ sx-
pressed at the ballot-box. But it had been dis
covered that there was technically In tho law
whereby tho carrying out of the wishes of the
people Of Steele county might be delayed il
not entirely subverted. There has always been
4 party Of malcontents in Hope whose policy
has bsen rule or ruin. SO manifest was this In
the late election that they were willing to sac
ri6ee Hope aud all its interests to carry cut
their pot schemes. These men, availing them-
selves Of the technicality just alluded to-hav-
ing formed combination for that purpsse-
have succeeded in having a, injunction issued
restraining the county commissioners or any
Of the public officers from removing to Sher-
brooke. We have no desire to prejudge this
question. We admit that It Is pure and simple
the construction that the sourts may place upon
the reading of the law. But, let US ask, sup
posing, for tho sake Of argument that the
court should eonstrue the law in accordance
With ther desire, will it benefit Hope? Will
it not rather serve TO intensity the bitter feel
ngs and prejudices against Hope and It's peo-
pie which has existed almost since the founda
ton Of The town, but which, since the location
show signs of dying out? Would it not he we'll
for these parties to remember that the law, like
two-etiged sword, may be made to cut both
waysP No question of taint or fraud has been
raised with regard to the recent election. On
the contrary, all allege that it was in every re-
spect free and fair. Can the same thing 10
said of all past elections in Hope?
Every one connected with these proceedings
is a. well aware a. We are that were the pso-
pie OF Steele county called upon tomorrow to
vote OIL this question again that it would be
decided in ravor OF sherbrooke BY an over
whslming majority. Even large number Of
these whs !lsve been the staunchest friends
Of Hope would vote for Sherbrooke, not be-
sauss they love Hope less, but justice mors
We are aware that we shall incur the dis
pleasure OF some OF our friends for our course
in this matter, but if any regard is to be paid
to the will of the people as expressed through
the ballot-box 1t is time a precedent should be
established. The people are heartily tired Of
the continual sluabbles that have occurred in
this county, and they have Fetsd- ts- locate The
| county seat ut point iu the exact gsograph-
icsl center Of the county, as matter of justice
! to alI, which shsuld be satisfactory.