The Ontario Argus. (Ontario, Or.) 1???-1947, 1914-10-29
|HERf IS THE WAY A PIONEER OF THIS
SECTION LOOKS AT THE COUNTY SEAT ISSUE
To the taxpayers Of Malheur county

To the taxpayers Of Malheur county
concerning the county seat question:
No doubt you have all heard the
arguments of both Vale and Ontario
through the press and their public
speakers. Now let us, as taxpayers,
sum these arguments up together.
have no interest In either Vale or On
tario, more than love and friendship
for their citizens. A am an old settler,
coming here before Malheur county
was cut off from Baker county.
have Travelled across the country by
way of the "Old Stone house" to attend
court at Baker city; was there In the
county convention at which the Mr..
Lockett was nominated to represent
Baker county. During the time he
represented us, their county was
divided from Baker county, and
through his influence the county seat
was located at what was then known
as the "Old Stone House on the NAL
heur." Through Mr.. Lockett, Mr..
Rhinehart and others Influential friends
the appointive offices we're filled. DR..
Froman who owned a ranch near what
is know Vale was appointed Judge;
Henry Murray OF that vicinity was ap-
pointed sheriff, and Il. II. Test, clerk.
These appointments held good for two
years, until the next general election.
at which time we elected county Of
ficers and also decided on the present
location OF the county seat. They
built temporary court house and jail
which served until this present court
house was built.
Being deeply interested In county
politics at that time. distinctly re-
member many OF Wales schemes TO
win at that election. Ontario, then a
small village. was Wales strongest OPP
ponent. In order TO defeat her, Vale
sent her emissaries TO Jordan Valley.
melting them to enter the race for the
county seat, thus making II a three
cornered affair. splitting the vote
against her. In this way Vale easily
won the victory. This was an astute
political move. and the race OF Vale
politicians is not dead yet. Ny Nyssa
friends. you must bear In mind that the
old Vale ring Is still on the turf. let
we tell you that they are trying to
play the same card on you that they
played In Jordan Valley. They are
advising you that this county seat
move little previous, representing
that when Nyssa becomes the end OF
the railroad division and gets those
railroad shops. she will then have tho
best chance OF winning the county
seat. hut let me tell you that II these
things even should come to pass, you
will find In Vale your worst enemy.
notice IN the Enterprise a letter
from my old friend Uncle John
In that letter he asks us
''Why We should tear down Vale 10
build up ontario?" wish to state as a
taxpayer that no one wishes 10 pull
Vale down. But we do believe that
the county property belongs TO the
taxpayers of the county and not 10
Vale or any other town. We do be-
Iieye after duly weighing the arguments
On both sides that II is to the benefit
Df the taxpayers of Malheur county |
10 accept this legal building and bona
'ide offer of a new court house by the
Ontario citizens. Uncle John would
cad you TO believe that this offer is
lot made in good faith.
Now let me ask you as taxpayers:
( YOU held note for $4,000 due on