Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1885-01-01
Grumbling Taxpayers.

Ed. Register-Ever since the publication
of the proceedings Of the County Court at It's
last session, great deal of grumbling has
been done by many taxpayers, largely on
account of what they call "the extravagant
and reckless amount" expended for paupers.
There is no doubt but a great many per-
sons think the County Court to blame for
not exercising more rigid economy TN this
matter, and in not having more backbone IN
refusing such liberal appropriations.
Perhaps it may be true that our present
Court is too kind hearted and too easily i'm
pressed with the persuasive appeals OF the
needy. but too severe censure should not be
applied, for to err in this matter is certainly
humane, at least, even if not in all its ex-
tent, just to the many poor taxpayers,
many of whom are but little better able
physically to support themselves than some
of those who get help.
It NAV be tue, too, as some grumblers as
sert, that there is no limit to the demand for
aid, if the Court finds itself too timid to say
NO!
They paint to the fact that the whole an
nual expenditures by the old County Court
few years ago, did not exceed $500 to $500,
while the present Court has expended
nearly $1,000, in six months past. The times,
too, they say, were harder. during the "duH
times" number of years ago than they are
now. And the grumblers say, as the popu-
lation has increased but little, there IS nc
such change In the condition of the poor ~
| to Justify such extravaganza In using Inc
public funds.
The impression seems to have gained &C.
ceptance, too, that the Court has allowed
itself to be imposed upon by some OF tht
Doctors, as well as some of the paupers
| For instance heard an indignant tax-payel
point with emphasis to an item OF $55 allow
| cd DIR. Gregory for alleged services at Hogan
Also. $50 allowed DIR. Sawyer for fhre'
months practice on Old Uncle Isaac's chron
/ 10 core leg. The ailment having been know
/ for the last dozen years to be incurable, tn
ernmbler thought the payment OF such bill
/ for voluntary service, was unjustlhaDle, es
necially as he understood that like necessar
j service was rendered Uncle Isaac for man
j vears by DIR. Farrar, Sr., for about 50 year
i Now. while admit that there is som
Ground of complaint at the action Of tn
1 GOurt. ana WnliG uO uot piOposC " alto
. gether excuse the Court, yet people shoul
remember the hundreds of appeals that al
made to the County Court for aid, and tt
many that are refused.
Many of them are piteous, and yet do n
succeed. Some of the most unworthy al
peals come dressed in such affecting tern
as to require great deal Of sternness to r
sist, on the part of the judges. So that Y
should thank the Court that they have dol
as well as they have in this matter, evt
though they might have acted with mo
Isevere economy.
/ Several taxpayers would Ike TO have y
: publish the two DR.. bills above referred
SO they can see two Of the holes their mon
went out at.
But, grumblers must also bear In NH
that suffering paupers must be relieve
The law provides for that. It 10 the duty
the Court to give such discreet aid - wisdo'
i and q lust sense OF Christian duty, and &
finds OF the County will allow.
III Unless the Court oversteps this, am stl
THE intelligent taxpayers will not compia1
Dec. a6th. 1884. "A TAx.PAYER.