Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-08

from its natural flow in the bitches,
into the middle of the road, or in any
other way do anything that will in the
least iniure or damage the highway.
To this end we examined several wit
nesses, men ofbusiness and integrity,
from various sections of the county,
and learned that these conditions do
exist We also questioned our super
visor and his testimony supported
that of these men. We did not deem
il proper and wise at this time TO take
any too drastic action in this matter,
as some good citizens have not yet
realized it as violation Of the law, nor
do they realize the damage done in
this way, but we suggested to the SUI
pervisor that he notify all parties who
are guilty of these things to desist
therefrom, and in case of refusal, re-
port il to the County Attorney. We
suggest that every public spirited cit
izen who has knowledge of fragrant
violations of our road laws, report
same to proper authorities, that viola
tors be summoned and reminded that
action will be taken and we recon-
mend that succeeding Grand Juries,
take this matter under consideration
and deal with violators more severely
than we have done, to the end that
Christian county shall have good
roads, at least expense.
1t came to our ears, individually
and as a body, that there have been
a great many charges and accusations
made at public gatherings, on the
streets and other places, against some
or all of our county officials, charging
them with Interpretations of funds
and negligence Of duty. Acting on the
advice of our County Attorney, Mr..
Ira D. Smith, we have seen fit to in
vestigate these charges . in a most
thorough manner. We summoned
about one hundred citizens from ev-
cry part of the city and county, men
who think, know and do things, men
who take interest in the county's well
fare, men who were said to have made
these ACQUISITIONS and men who had
probably heard these accusations.
After searching examination of this
cloud of witnesses" we find that
there has been no specific charge of
graft, misappropriation or irregularity
in the disbursement of the county's
funds, but these remarks had been
made in general way, each witness
stating that it was only "rumor"
which was not thought worthy of in
vestigation. We did not in any way
attempt to justify any violation Of |
official duty by any officer, but with a |
sincere ana earnest desire to arrive |
at the facts of the case, we onducted |
m energetic, thorough and lmpn tial !
Investigation, to the end that we have
discovered that these rumors without
exception are the outcome of heated
about the bond proposition,
IN which good men have allowed
themselves TO be carried away on
wave of passion and prejudice.
We even went further than this,
md separately investigated every
county warrant for the year 1915 and
ound them in complete accord with
he orders Of either the Fiscal or
County Court. However, we were
lot so derelict in our duty but that
We warned these persons brought be-
ore us, that by such careless remarks
hey were striking at the foundation
Il our civic institutions and casting
ELECTION and discredit upon the Off
lal integrity OF those whom we have
levated to public life.
In justice to these witnesses, in
ustice to our officials, and in Justice
D ourselves, we feel it our duty to ,
lamp as absolutely false, as far as {
Te could discern, any charge of any I
regularity whatever by any of our
ounty officials from the least to the /,
reatest
We visited the County Jail, and
,und that although it is very much :
yer crowded, Jailer Mullins is hand
ng the prisoners in the best way {
under the circumstances.
onditions in and about the jail are
anitary and the inmates with one ac-
ord complimented their iailer on his g
.aafrnant of fham