The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1933-06-01
T. ON TIN U E II
- from page on,
Asks for Briefs in
Cases Against Two
Other County Dads

the contract with The Tribune should
be renewed. McCurdy declared the
two commissioners sought to get the
consent to such proposition of two
other commissioners, George F. Will
and william Fricke, but that they
refused. John Fortenberry, q sales
man for The Tribune, McCurdy con-
tinued, then entered the meeting and
walked out with Swanson. Forten-
berry on his return was said to have
proposed renewal Of the contract for
this year at q 10 per cent discount,
and the three commissioners who
were subsequently suspended voted
to rescind the previous motion to
advertise for contracts.
Will questioned the legality Of re-
newing the contract, but the three
commissioners constituting a majority
voted for the renewal, McCurdy said.
on the advice of the Tribune sales
man, and without getting any other
legal advice voted to give the contract
to the Tribune"
Tiedman's testimony showed, ac-
cording to McCurdy, that the only
legal advice he had was Fortenberry's
word that some other counties had
been renewing contracts.
"The gist Of the charges Is" Nc.
Curdy said, that the commissioners
renewed the contract without getting
any legal advice"
Tiedman New Member
Tiedman, he added, was a nSN
member, taking office in January.
The other members had been on the
board for many years. McCurdy con-
tinued, and knew better" The
prosecutor contended that in 1881
Solder and Swanson, as members Of
the board, had obtained an attorney
generals opinion ruling that 1t was
necessary to advertise for bids on the
type Of contract as the one renewed
last March with the Tribune.
McCurdy said the testimony showed
the board, in 1881, rescinded its action
in renewing a contract after the at
torney generals opinion was pro.
duced, but that Swanson had voted
against resembling and against adver-
Using for bids.
Contract was then let to the Quick
Print company, with Swanson and
Solder, as a minority, voting against
the award, and then placing a motion
to readvertise for bids ito give the
Tribune another chance" McCurdy
told the governor.
No effort was made by these COM
1nissioners, he said, to renew the con-
tract with the Quick Print in 1882.
When bids were opened for that years
contract, McCurdy continued, Swan
son and Solder voted in favor Of an
award to The Tribune. with the other
members Of the board joining In .
unanimous vote.
McCurdy called attention to con-
tracts for furnishing the new Burleigh
county courthouse with office equip
ment, pointing to Swanson's and
Soder's votes on various motions that
involved this matter.
Testimony, he added. regarding the
various transactions prior to this year
+! in which the Bismarck Tribune was
involved "cast light" on the 1888 con-
tract as regards Swanson and Solder
Charges Organized Campaign
During the year that the Quick
Print had the county contract for sup
plies, $4,166 supplies were purchased
from The Tribune, McCurdy said. He
said this was exclusive Of payment
to the Tribune as official paper.
1T was not merely one thing" Nc
Curdy continued, "but q part Of ar
organized complete course Of conduct
extending over period Of years. ir
which the two commissioners favored
The Tribune.
Sullivan followed McCurdy, calling
to the governors attention motion
filed with the chief executive by thu
defense asking dismissal Of the pro.
ceedings.
1.-THE actual and entire facts were
not brought to your attention." Sulli.
van said, when you made that ordel
removing the commissioners. I dom
believe If you had the facts you woult
have done so"
Sullivan contended McCurdy lef
out Of his argument several pertinen
matters in connection with the let
ting Of the contract to the Tribune q.
disclosed by the record taken by tn
special commissioner
After the contract was let. Sullivan
| ad6Ad neoreSentatiON4 Vaepn MARA n