Jasper County Democrat, Volume 5, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 July 1902 — IRORUOIS DITCH NOTICE. [ARTICLE]

IRORUOIS DITCH NOTICE.

The second meeting of the friends of the Iroquois Ditch, organized with Nehemah Hopkins as chairman and George P. Ketchum as secretary. The committee reported 30 petitions and 60 per cent, of aid, with debts all paid. The next matter after the application is complete was the selection of viewers. A committee of seven was appointed to canvas the territory outside of the valley, extending into border counties, and one at large as follows: Joseh Harris. Newton county. J limes Welch. Bentou county, R. F. Ferguson, White county. Frank Foltz. Starke county, George W. Williams, Porter county. Amos H. Alter, Lake county, Hon. Johii Eger, Mayor, at Large. The Statute prescribes. Ist. That one viewer shall be a surveyor and engineer. 2d. That each shall be wholly disinterest, cd in tl e improvement. 3d. That neither shall be related by blood or marriage, within the degree of second cousin, to any part owner of the improvement. In the interest ot economy and justice, all viewers should be careful, industrious and unbiased in applying the law to the facts. The special subject for discussion and suggestion, on next Saturday, is a list to be submitted to the county board, from which to select viewers, if an application be ordered filed. As the owners have the sole power to determine “the best route" an<! to plan the work for letting, a wise selection is of the greatest moment. Tne scientific viewer may also let, superintend, receive and order payment for the work, and for lhe neglect of duty, he is liable in a bond which he must give. Good viewers are very necessary to secure a good improvement and a fair partition of its ownership. Every friend of the movement should suggest to the proper member of the committee any available men. The statute puts up no bar as to the place of residence. Will you come promptly at 3 p. m„ Saturday, July 26, 1902, to hear further reports of the committee, also to study and decide cn available and compete: t viewers, to be recommended to the county board? Nk.miah Hopkins, President, G. P. Ketchum, Secretary.