The age-herald., 1901-02-06
COL. J. E. B. JACKSON
 ANSWERS MR. WILSON
The Supervisor of Roads Asks
 Some Questions
EXPLAINS ABOUT THE MULES
Denies That They Are Worked on Half Time and Ridden on Sundays by Those Bleeding Out of the
 Public Crib."

Col. J. F. B. Jackson, Supervisor of the Public Roads of Jefferson County, whose department was criticised in an interview growing out of a discussion of the pro- posed plan to divert part of the road fund to relieve a deficit in the general fund of the county, is out in an interview defend- ing his conduct of the department. He also propounds certain questions to W. H. Wilson, of the Board of Revenue, who made certain charges against the conduct of affairs He was seen yesterday by an Age-Herald reporter and said:
 His Statement.
 MT. W. H. Wilson, member of the Coun- ty Board of Revenue, in an interview in the Age-Heral of today, makes a few statements regarding the county roads which I think justify a word in reply. MT. Wilson fails to understand how a County Overseer could draw pay for twenty-seven days during the month of January. The only explanation I can offer Is that the calendar in my office shows twenty-seyen working days for January, 1901.
 MT. Wilson makes the assertion" Colo mel Jackson continued, that the county mules are worked only half time. The fore men and overseers In the several districts will be glad to make affidavit to the fact
 
 one single day when possible to work them. As to the mules being ridden about the county on Sundays by people feeding out of the public crib,' as MT. Wilson expresses it, my positive instructions are that no stock he used on Sundays, and I would appreciate any information that MT. Will son will furnish me regarding any breach of this rule. giving, of course, full partic ulars, name of foreman, etc., and I will see that the offender ceases to work for the county.
 MT. Wilson, a member of the Board of Revenue, has access to the records of the former County Commissioners and will please furnish the contract price per mile to me for macademizing roads. Should the contract method as previously practioed show less cost to the county as compared to the present system, I will favor the contract plan.
 Some Questions.
 q would be glad if MT. Wilson would an- swer the following questions:
 Do you state from your personal knowl- edge that the county mules are idle half the time, if not, please give the name of informant?
 "You state that mules are being used for riding purposes on Sundays by various parties, please furnish names, etc.
 "You claim that the county owns about forty mules, please inform me where I will find the ten extra mules, as my information is that the county owns but thirty mules What has been the cost for maintaining dirt roads under the contract system?
 MT. Bradford worked near your house, did he not? Have you observed any other gang of mules near your place other than those in charge of MT. Bradford?
 q would like to know If MT. Bradford's mules were idle? Did not MT. Bradford have ten mules in use last winter and did he not pay man s10 per month during the time he was macadamizing roads?
 ''Did Mir Taylor not have fourteen mules last winter while macadamizing the roads and only pay $10 per month for caring for the mules on Sunday?
 "I appreciate MT Wilson's desire to point out any fault which he may find in the management of the roads. I hope he will keep me advised as to any information which he may have that will contribute in any way to the better and more economic administration of the road affairs of the county"