The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-09-01
ROONEY WILL QUIT
Probation Officer Doesn't Like
County Economy Cut.
Commissioners Plans, in Part,
in Effect Today.
DETENTION HOME TO STAY?
For Present, Charity Institu-
ton, VIII Be Maintained.
To Save $4,000 of $1,000 Nee
essary to Cover Deficit.

The economy move which was
mapped out last month by the county
commissioners was inaugurated at the
court house this morning. The orlg1-
nal plan will be followed in all but two
cases The commissioners have decid-
ed to keep the detention home open
temporarily, annulling their former
order to have it closed today. Also
the question of cutting the salary of
J. A Campbell, Jr., county surveyor,
will remain untouched
The following opinion from S. N.
Hawks, assistant attorney general was
received a the office of the county
attorney this morning in regard to the
Campbell case:
LIN my judgement, it is the duty
of the county surveyor in county
having more than $4,000 population
to keep his office open six days a
week. At times other duties require
his. absence from the office The
statute clearly provides that when his
office is open he receive 81 per day
for its oeing kept open and in my
judgement it is kept open whenever
it is physically open and in charge of
some person qualified to answer the
ordinary calls of the office and this
does not mean that a qualified sur
Veyor shall be in charge.
There are records to be kept. Call
ers need to examine the records and
some one should be there familiar
with those matters and prepared to
answer ordinary questions and to re-
ceive for the surveyor ordinary mes
sages and other communications re-
lating to the work of the office. If
he is elsewhere on private business
and his duties are being neglected that
fact, of course, is one for which he,
like any officer, may receive censure,
or if he places in charge of his office
a person who neglects the duty of the
office or is totally incapable of keep
ing the office open to the extent of
enabling him to answer ordinary de-
mands of the public then, of course,
the surveyor may be charged with
neglect Of his duty but neglect of
duty does not of itself give authority
to other officers to withhold from the
officer neglecting duty the salary or
compensation which the law distinct
ly allows him
1.-The neglect of duty is a ground for
removal from office but an officer
may be entitled to his salary as long
as he remains in office and until his
removal by proper proceedings even
though he may be charged with neg
lect of duty
Campbell Is Positive.
In regard to his office, Campbell
stated this morning that he has kept
the records in good shap, something
that has not been done for twenty
eight years prior to the time he en-
tered office
work, always see that the county is
served first" said Campbell. 81 have
written to the county commissioners
asking about any complaints that have
been made against my office, but 1
have not yet received an answer"
Rooney Will Quit.
In only one office of the court
house has any definite move been
made to cut down according to the
orders of the commissioners. Hugh
MacFarland, probate judge, has dis
missed Miss Louise McGoff, a clerk,
and has notified Ed v Rooney, pro-
baton officer, that he will have to
work for less money than he, has been
receiving. The clerk hire in the pro-
bate court office was cut $500
Rooney today stated that he would
resign but that he would wait until
Judge MacFarland could get someone
to take his place At present the
Juvenile court has four probation Of
ficers, only one of whom receives pay.
There will be no change in the
county treasurer's office until E. A.
Campbell, county treasurer ELECT,
takes office October II. Sheriff Kiene
said this morning that he probably
would have to cut off a deputy in
order to save the $500 which is asked
of him.
Beginning today three-fourths of