Rensselaer Gazette, Volume 2, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 March 1859 — TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES. [ARTICLE]

TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES.

[For the Rensselaer Gazette

Jlr. Editor: As we are hereafter to have but one trustee in each township, it will be seen.at a glance, th it a great responsibility will be connected with that otliee. But it is my purpose to call the attention of the people to the fact that Ptez'r whole system of common schools is under the direction of one man. Now I ask ii this one man ought not to be selected for his fitness for this office? We can get along somehow with a bad Governor, or almost any other b id officer, because we have the whole county or State froth which to select a hiding place till “Herod be dead.” But, sir, I should like to know ihow a man can live shut up in one little township, with one of these “high pressure” trustees. “Oh, lor so.in ■ vast Prairie; Some boundless contiguity of shade.” No, fellow citizens, >ve must elect goad and true men to this office, or we shall have to leaye tile country. We ought to elect u man possessed of" the following qualifications, viz; A virtuous character—a sound m j n d—a lover of common schools—one who will keep within the teller and spirit of the law. He ought to have no monstrous or eccentric opinions to propagate or defend; a suggestion in regard to all public officers. Why should a man, divinely appointed to upturn all that has been heretofore supposed to be settled, in regard to interests of time and eternity—to make wise'men of fools, and fools of wise men—to make men sorry they ever did believe anything but nonsense; why, I say, should we require such men to attend to the paltr waffairs of a public office! Have they uot a right to claim exemption’

I hope no one will get “crusty” and refuse to eat their supper; or nervous, and refuse to sleep. But, reader, will you help to elect a good township trustee for your own town-

ship?

J.