Rock Island Argus., 1916-03-09
SHORTHAND BILLS
BOTHERIhC BOARD
Discussion Raised by Committees Re.
fusal to Order Reporter Paid
for Services.
At INQUESTS OF THE CORONER
Beautiful Silk American Flag Present.
ed to Supervisors by John Bu-
ford Post, G. A. II.

Sractlcally the entire morning Ses-
sion of the board of supervisors was
taken up with consideration of the
countys liability for the payment of
shorthand reporters bills for services
before coroner's inquests. Bills of Ed
Reed for about $50 which had been
turned down by the judiciary commit
tee, prompted the discussion.
Although the report of the commit
tee had not been presented to the board,
Supervisor William Elliott asked that
S. r. KenWOrthy, counsel for Mr.. Reed,
be given opportunity to speak on a bill
which would later be brought to the
attention of the entire board. The re-
quest was granted. Mr. Kenworthy
contended that the taking of short
hand notes of inquests, especially
where the question of liability for
deaths is concerned, was very impor-
tant. He argued that the taking Of
testimony in long hand was entirely
unsatisfactory and unreliable and that
it was the duty Of the county in the
interests Of humanity. and in justice
to the family Of the bereaved to pay
for the services of reporter.
Claims 1t Economy.
He argued that it would be in the
interest Of economy to establish this
rule because it would result in reduc-
ing court costs and prevent useless
litigation which the county pays for.
since through it. it would be possible
to learn real facts concerning acct
dents. He explained that some years
I ago, he was before the board when the
supervisors refused to pay Mr.. Reed for
| stenographic notes of session Of a
grand jury. Suit was brought against the
county and Judge Ramsay held that
the county would have to pay the bill.
/ He intimated that a test case might
| be made of the present account, if ia
vorable action was not taken.
| States Attorney F. E. Thompson was
called on and he explained that the
present rule of the board, adopted at
I
/ hand notes would only be paid for
when ordered by the states attorney
| for services before the grand jury and
at inquests and said it was merely a
( question Of whether the board wanted
/ to extend this to include cases where
the coroner thought stenography notes
were necessary. He said that he felt
sure that the coroner would not present
bill that was unfair and unjust.
( DR.. c. J. Meyer outlined his reasons
, for desiring the shorthand notes in the
present cases. Supervisor NJ. o. Girls
void was much opposed to paying the
bills. 1t is probably action on them
will be taken this afternoon.
Petitions of Rural township for aid
for two bridges to cost 81 900 each and
Andalusia township for one bridge
costing $1,000, were granted, the coun-
ty agreeing to pay half of the expense
! The county clerk was directed TO pay
the sum of 500 when the deed for the
strip of land needed at the approach tc
the proposed Colona bridge had beer
approved by the roads and bridges com
mittee and presented to him.
Present Flag.
Beautiful silk Emerican flag was pre-,
sented to the board of supervisors this
afternoon by John Buford post, G. A
R. Presentation was made by P. F
Cox, patriotic instructor of the post
Old Glory had not been given a place
in the supervisors room for years anG
the veterans decided that it would bt
the proper thing to present one to The
board, to be placed on the wall ovel
the chairman's head. The board great
ly appreciated the gift.
American beauty roses were placed
on the chairman's desk this morning
the gift of the three lady supervisor;
from Moline. Members of the boarC
were at a loss to understand the occa
sion Of the pretty gift and the Ques
ton was asked ''if it was a boy or {
girl" but it was later found that The
fair sOlons from the Plow city merely
wished in this way to show their appre
citation of courtesies which had beer
extended to them.