Jasper County Democrat, Volume 4, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 October 1901 — ABE’S CLOVEN HOOF. [ARTICLE]

ABE’S CLOVEN HOOF.

County Commissioners Ask For Injunction In Street Paving Matter But Get the Marble Heart. Foiled in creating a sentiment against the quality of the brick being used in the street paving about the public square or in convincing the public that the work was not being well done, “Honest Abe” found, himself compelled to fall back upon his own numerous resources to embarrass the contractors, and on Monday an injunction suit was filed to enjoin the city from accepting the work or paying therefor or issuing bonds to pay therefor. The complaint alleged that the stone foundation for the brick was not as thick as the specifications required, that the brick were not as they should be, and much other buncomb. Judge Thompson owning property fronting on the improvement, was disqualified, and special Judge Virgil 8. Reiter of Hammond, heard the case Tuesday, but reserved his decision until Thursday when he sustained the demurrer of the city to the complain*’, holding that the matter of ac« ceptiug or rejecting the work lay with the city council and thecounty could only abide by its decision. This knocks the last prop from under Mr. Halleck in his, we think, uncalled for fight against the contractors on this improvement—unless he can cause them embarrassment by refusing the allowance of the claim for the county’s share of the cost of the improvement when the matter comes before the commissioners, which Abe’s right-hand man, Simeon, the cattle dealer, says will be done. The fact that Mr. Halleck is personally at outs with the contractors is well known to everyone here, but this is a matter in which the public has no concern. Wholly irresponsible himself in a financial way, he is apparently using the county’s money to vent his personal spleen upon others. The costs of this case will probably reach SIOO or more, as attorneys ■EMHUt good round fees, especially when the county pays the bill. It is time for the people to call a halt on such foolish and needless expenditure of public money.