Lincoln County times. (Jerome, Idaho) 1911-1919, 1912-03-14
THE BONDS DEFEATED.

Against ------ ------------io
The above figures not only tell
the tale of the bond election held
here ON Monday, but sound a tenn
porary death knell to the progreS-
sive spirit that has predominated
in this town since the sage brush
gave way TO our broad streets and
substantial buildings. As it re-
auires two-thirds vote Of the peo-
pie to carry an election of this ma
ture, the result leaves the town
practically bankrupt, with no funds
in sight upon which to draw war
rants, necessitatng the trustees
serving notice on the Electric Light |
and Water Co. that they can ex-
pect no remuneration for their SER
vices until other means are provid-
ed with which to meet their month
ly accounts.
The figures do not, however, tell
Of the deception and misrepresenta-
tions made by very few of our
once prominent citizens, who
through purely selfish and jealous
motives, used their utmost endea
vors to defeat the measure which
was intended to furnish relief to our
citizens who are over-burdened with
taxation and other expenses, and Ia
open a means Of furnishing employ
nent to a large number in the i'm
provement Of our streets and other
public property.
Ever since the induction Of the
present trustees into office, there
has been feeling Of jealousy en-
gcndered by some of the members
Of the former board, for no other
reason apparently than that the pre-
sent board have, from It's inception
adopted system of economy which
they have strictly adhered To.
Upon assuming their duties, the
present board found that their pre-
decessors had not only left depict
ed treasury but also outstanding
warrants to the amount of almost
$1,000, which were held a. obli
cations against the town and draw
ing interest. About the first duty %
the incoming board was I" devis'
some means Ia wipe out this out
standing Indebtedness, and hence
policy Of economy was at once
adopted, 10y abolishing the salary q
the treasurer and cutting down ex
penscs along other lines. Realizing
that even this would not produc
the desired results, other plans wer
outlined, and the question OF issu
ing bonds having been suggested
an open meeting of the board wa
called which was attended 10y
large number of our prominent bu'
mess men and citizens, and tn
matter having been fully discussed
it was thought advisable to pursu
this course, and the very either
who so strenuously opposed I'll
measure on Monday gave their a:
surance at that time Of their heart
support of such n measure.
Accordingly bond election WI
ordered and resulted in a unan
nous vote being cast for the propos
tion. There was no difficulty
disposing of the bonds at a very fa
orable price, but upon investigatil
the proceedings consequent to the
issue it was found that through Il
neglect of the former board no leg
provisions had been made for stat'
meetings of the board and cons
quently another election had to
called. In the meantime contrac
had been awarded for the constru
ton of the sidewalks, upon {
strength of the bonds having ca
ried, and warrants issued against
street improvement fund. Interest
these warrants has been accumuli
ing, and when the second electi
was called it was found necessa
To increase the amount of the bon
to meet these warrants and also