The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1902-12-04
THURSDAY. DECEMBER 4. 1902
THE COURT HOUSE QUESTION AGAIN

The court house question, like Ban
qUn's ghost, "wll not down" Though
apparently downed, its ghost is likely
to rise from time to time to trouble the
dreams of the Hamlets who have a
wholesome dread of its rehabilitation
and live in constant fear hat its sha-
dow may become q substance. AS a
matter of fact it is neither dead nor
sleeping. More than year ago the
ISLANDER opened its columns to its
full and free discussion. Communica-
tons were invited and many were re-
ceived and published. None, how
ever, have been solicited since the re-
cent election at which the question AS
SUBMITTED BY THE COMMISSIONERS
was defeated by narrow majority of
electors, though NOT OF TAXPAYERS,
but one has been received which is
cheerfully published this week, though
pressure of other matter compels the
reservation of editorial comment upon
1t until later issue. 1t is, in fact, an
open letter to the people of the county
and the ISLANDER is merely Tire medi-
um of its communication. Following
is the letter:
Mr. Editor and Fellow Taxpayers
In the face of the unscrupulouS methods
adopted tactics less reprehensIble have
been characterized as dishonesty AN AN
ALYsIs OF THE OFFICIAL RETURNS SHOWS
THE FAVORABLE ACTION OF THE TAXPAY-
ERs ON THE COURT HOUSE QUESTION, in
stead of burying it under by a ''2 to l"
vote as its opponents claimed a submits
sion to the people would result III. How
ever, vigilance and farther action is nee
essary at the first meeting OF the board of
county commissioners at which the mem
bers-elect take their seats, notwithstand-
ing the adverse rumors as to these gen.
tlemen on the court house question:.
Not knowing, sufficiently, MrA Sand
with can form no opinion as to him, but
knowing MFR. Graham l have faith in his
honor, integrity and manhood. cannot
but believe that VIM: Graham, if not also
isaac Sandwich, sitting as commits
sioner, under the sanctty of an official
oath, will not let views expressed before
assuming office control or prejudice a
question affecting the best interests of the
county. Believing,
First-That under the facts and the fig
ures disclosed by the official returns, the
majority of TAXPAYERS Of this county
are NOT OPPOSED to the erection of a new
court house at the county seat;
Second-That the court house question
ton is of vital importance to the welfare
of the county, and
Third-That an honorable man does not
disregard and violate His oath of office, the
FRIENDS Of the county, those who prefer
the welfare and progress of the COUNTY to
their individual benefit or locality should
appear before the board of county COM
missioners at the meeting when the COM
missioners-elect assume their duties. At
that meeting my services are at the dis
posal of such friends of tire county to
demonstrate to the board the soundness
and correctness of the above FIRST propo-
sition, to-wit., favorable action on the
court house question by the taxpayers.
The conduct and methods used by the
friends of the measure during the can
vass was open, fair, candid and above
board, VIGOROUSLY different from the
methods Of their opponents. and this
conduc: sho1ld be continued Therefore
let me suggest that the head and front of
the opposition be invited to appesr at the
same time and'then and there, not by in
nuendo, not by inhammatory letters or
abusive circulars but in an open, manly
manner, face to- face. discuss that propo-
sition or forever after hold his peace"
In submitting this suggestion 1 trust
the presumption will be overlooked by
Ihe genial gentleman who is the reputsd
s'boss'' OF San Juan county-atitIs worth.