East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1921-11-08
COUNTY COURT
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meeting last night, but other reports
which have leaked out whisper of 9TH
er things than this one recommends
tiOn which happened during the more
than two hours the meeting was in
session. For one thing. it is said that
the county court declared that it uues-
toned the reliability of Sheriff Zoeth
Houser in enforcing the prohibition
laws, and that because fun confidence
was not felt in him the decision was
made to hire Z. B. F. Ridgway as
special agent.
This is the fullest expression that
has been secured from any member of
the county court since the trouble
came up. all public statements given
out by the three members of the court
being to the effect that the difference
of opinion between the court and the
sheriff was one of law Interpretation
and had nothing personal in it.
Court Issues Statement.
The following statement relating to
recent issues and the attitude of the
county court was issued last evening
by members of that body:
ITO the People of Umatilla County:
There appears to be much misun-
derstanding current touching the rela-
tions existing between the County
Court and the Sheriff, and perhaps as
public servants an explanation is due.
After conference the following agreed
statement of facts is presented:
81. There is q somewhat ambiguous
statute which was intended by the
Legislature to regulate the authority
of the County Courts of the state in
the matter of allowance of the eX-
penses of sheriff's offices. Mr. Housel
requested the County Court to allow
the expense incurred by him in the
enforcement of the prohibition law
The court gave the subject considera-
ton, secured the opinion of the Attor-
| ney- General of the state, and were
advised that they had no authority tC
allow such expense under the law
They so advised the sheriff
"2. The sheriff then announced
IIldI lie GOulu .llOt |tllOid iOilStl "
lpay the expenses out of his own pock
ct, and the problem then before The
court was to find some other methoc
of enforcement. Their only recourse
was recourse to the state. The Cover
nor possesses authority to appoint spe'
cial enforcement officers. Members
of the court visited the office of the
governor, and arranged for the ap'
pointment of Mr.. Ridgway, a former
deputy in the sheriff's office. The
Governor made the appointment will
the understanding that the salary ant
expenses of such officer was to be
paid by the county.
"S. The court arranged with Mr.
Ridgway to assume the duties, agree.
ing to pay him $4,000 per month
with $25.00 additional for incidental
expenses In addition to the duties OF
special enforcement agent, he is tC
perform the duties of traffic officer
with no additional pay. 1t was real
ized that his duties would require an
automobile, therefore one was pur-
chased at $1500.00, the county paying
100000 down, and agreeing to pay
$4,000 per month until the balance
he'd been paid Until paid for the title
remains in the county, but If Mr.
Ridgeway continues in the perform
ance of his duties until the car has
been paid for, it becomes his pro
perty. He bears all expenses of up
keep and maintenance, 1t is consid.
cred that when he has paid the cost Of
the monthly running of the car, his
actual compensation will be about
$4,000 per month, plus what the cal
may be worth at the end of the year
"A. The court and the sheriff dis
agree only as to the Interpretation OF
the law of the state. and that ques
tion is now before the Supreme Court
for determination. When the court
speaks that will settle all disputes
and all controversy. The enforcement
of the prohibition law is desired by
ALL There is no disagreement as TO
that. When the sheriff felt unable to
longer bear the expenses, the court
took the only course open to meet
the bootlegging problem.
49, All are anxious to minimize eX
pense and taxation. All realize tina
any man who fully performs his dut