Jasper County Democrat, Volume 1, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 February 1899 — “Benton County Divorce Bill.” [ARTICLE]

“Benton County Divorce Bill.”

When the bill divorcing Benton from the 30th judicial circuit passed the House, Grant Hall sent a telegram to “Any Member of the Bar.” It fell into the hands of a prominent legal light, who was carried completely away by the good news.—Benton Review. House Bill No. 6, known as the Benton county divorce bill, carries alimony to the new Judge, and against the county, of five hundred dollars per year. The new regime gives Benton 12 instead of 16 weeks of court per year, and compels that county to pay seven dollars per day extra for this change of Judge, by the attorneys. So that the law might on its fa&fe not appear special or capricious, the provision for alimony is made to apply in like conditions to each of the fifteen counties located in the 2d, 6th, 21st, 37th and 46 circuits of the state. Before a warrant can issue for the alimony against the county treasury, a precipe signed by 200 voters shall be filed with the county board. It therefore behooves the new Judge to stand in with the newspapers and those who attend court, so that by puffs and resolutions his muster roll of friends may reach the necessary 200. The people of Benton county helped elect Judge Thompson to office in 1872-74, ’B6-96, and ought to have known that he was a plain, blunt man; economical, impartial, and endowed with the moral courage of his convictions. The records show that under his ministration the number of active court days was reduced 15 per cent, and the expenses 40 per cent, each day in Benton county. This has resulted in a saving of $1,500 per year to that county. The divorce bill will add SSOO and reinstall the ancient method of conducting circuit court at Fowler. This may be good news to lawyers and bailiffs but it is a little tough on the tax payers. Those who want dignity and displap rather than common sense can pay their money and take their choice. *