The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1891-09-25
WILLIAM T. CLARK.
The Camnaign.

We are not disposed to criticize or COM
pare the personnel of the three tickets now
before the people of Hartford county for their
SURFACES any more than to say that, prospect
i've of the political principles which each
ticket represents, the Democratic ticket will
not suffer, at any point, by comparison with
either of the others. It is composed of we'll
known citizens, whose fitness for the positions
for which they have been nominated is con-
coded. Indeed, the Democrats of Har-
selves that they have presented to the voters
of the county strong, safe ticket-composed
of men who will not only be elected but who
viii, when elected, discharge their duties
faithfully.
The fact is apparent that there is unrest
and disquietude among farmers everywhere
They feel that while other branches of indus
try have been prospecting their hard and un-
renting toll is not yielding them the returns
to which they are entitled. They are search
ing for the cause. Sometimes they think it
is high taxes, but high taxes would not dis
tress them if farm products brought fair
prices. Besides, the people of Hartford have
much to show for the taxes levied upon them.
Our public schools cost large sum of money
annually, but it is rare to find a man who
will venture to say that this money is not
well and judiciously spent. Our public roads,
too, cost great deal, but the increased out
lay is in compliance with the demands of
farmers conventions, farmers clubs, road
leagues and public sentiment generally.
1t is gratifying to be able to say, however,
that wonderful improvement has taken
place in our roads since the agitation for
better highways began.
The administration of justice is costly in
Hartford as it is everywhere, and as it always
has been everywhere, but no frauds or cor
ruptions stain it here, and the humblest citi-
zen's rights are as well protected as are those
of the highest.
The administration of the county clerks
office is again being subjected to considerable
and we believe undeserVed criticism. The
position of Clerk of the Court is profitable
one and almost any man who feels himself
capable of filling it would be willing to throw
down the pillow lines and take up the pen in
the Court House, and perhaps this inspired
the unjust attack upon the present manage
ment of the Office.
1t is rumored that our Republican friends
intend to concentrate their forces upon this
part of the Democratic ticket The Demo-
cratic nominee for Clerk of the Circuit Court
is Mr.. VIM. s. Forwood, Jr. For several
years he has been the efficient and popular
chief clerk under Capt. A. Lingan Jarrett
and all who have had business in the Office
will testify to the unVarying promptness,
courtesy and honesty with which he has man
aged the details of the office. Our Republi-
can friends in their platform complain that
the force of clerks under the present incum-
bent is too large. Those who know the
amount of business done in the office are of a
different opinion. The law does not allow
the salary of the clerk to exceed $4,000 a
year. Last year it was $4,000. Admitting
that one clerk might be dispensed with, how
would that benefit tax payers? The salary
paid to this subordinate could be legally
drawn by the Clerk of Court himself, and the
result would be the same. The fees of the
Office, except SO far as the charges for court
work are concerned, have no connection
whatever with the tax rate but are paid by
litigants and others having private business
with the Office.
The fees are fixed by law, the accounts are
regularly rendered to the Comptroller of the
State under oath, and unless an official per-
jures himself the amount of the receipts of
the Office cannot be concealed.
The Grand Jury last February thoroughly
and impartialy investigated the allegation
that excessive fees were charged. They had
before them prominent members of the bar
and others, Republicans and Democrats, and
while they criticized some minor points of
administration they fully exonerated the Of
ficials in charge of rong-doing.
As for Mr.. Forwood, the Democratic can
didate for Clerk, we can say without hesita.
ton that he is worthy of the place. The
Office, under his management, is in the best
possible condition. No county clerks Office
in the State is kept in amore exact, thorough
and systematic manner. Personally he is a
most estimable young man. He is manly,
honest and fearless in doing his duty, and
every Democrat in the county should vote
for him.