The Duluth rip-saw. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1917-19??, 1917-05-19

County auditor Odin Halden,
commonly called King of the
Courthouse by the patient tax
payers, has found his way back
to his seat of duty, after a long,
mysterious and. almost continuous
seasons absence.
This week, county auditor Hal
den actually audited few duties
in his marble-lined castle back
Of the post-office. OF course u
good deal of time was taken in
shaking hands with the voters
from the back districts who were
down on jury duty, law suits or
payment of taxes. But the long
lost Konge was on the throne and
when not engaged in weighty af-
fairs Of state with Prime Minister
Walker. good cheer was handed
out so freely that it almost made
the boys think election was close
at hand.
Several citizens who had been
waiting for the legislature to ad-
journ and the weather to heat up
in st. Paul, thereby reminding
Konge Odin that "It is cool in
Duluth" and that salary checks
are regularly issued at the court
house, actually secured audience
with the Man Of Destiny. Those
with special missions or with axes
to grind were taken into the Spid-
fer's Den where, with a royal
wave Of the kingly hand they
were told, "Just leave that to
me-"
The royal press agents were
called in and handed out dope as
to how King Odin had plans all
laid for protection Of the realm,
in conscription matters, fully for
getting that Sheriff Meining, and
Dr.. Robert Graham have joint
and equal powers with him on the
board of county control and that
county attorney Greene is an ex
officio member. But all that may
be considered a disgusting detail,
as county treasurer Vivian, men,
bcr of the Courthouse commission,
could testify if he cared to "ta!k
out in meetin'."
The paid apologists have not
yet issued any statements as to
whether auditor Halden has been
lest all winter or whether it was
the courthouse that got lost. Any
way, the perennial old patron Of
the pie-counter is back and the
great county, of St. Louis, with
it's 5000 square miles Of territory,
once again rides on an even keel.
County auditor Halden may
not realize it yet, but there's a
revolt against further Halden rule
il st. Louis county. The towns
and cities long ago gave him the
frosty face. The rural districts
now are deserting the Halden
flag, even as rats desert sinking
ships. They now see and under
stand his ownership of a major
ity of the board of county. COM
missioners. They see where and
how county money has drizzled
through little leaks in the treas
Ury. They now believe that
thirty years of confinement in
one office warrants an official re-
lief from further public service,
especially when the servant has
some Of the tastes, habits and
methods of the present incumbent
of the auditors office.
Auditor Halden's own political
party is badly spill. over him. He
has, like Caesar, been too ambi-
tious. He has double-crossed some
mighty good men. or so they be-
lieve, which has the same effect
Oh political reputation. The young
voters are turning Mr.. Halden's
picture to the wall and lining up
with younger men. anyone OF
whom is fully competent for the
office.
Neglect Of duty is charged by
many prominent and influential
citizens and taxpayers.
Interference in public and
political matters is another
charge against the man who is
tugglng at the. strings of Lee