Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 December 1898 — Better Effect a Compromise. [ARTICLE]

Better Effect a Compromise.

A $5,000 damage suit against the town of Morocco, for personal injuries, has been compromised by the payment to the plaintiff of SIOO. And a compromise of some kind is the best way out of these suits, if one can be effected. The experience of Rensselaer both in fighting and in compromising such cases, has abundantly proven this fact. And if Mr. Ott, at Remington and the Remington town board can meet together in a spirit of amity and mutual concession and settle the suit for damages, on behalf <>f Mrs. Ott, it will be far the best for both parties. On Mr. Ott’s side of the case, admitting that he will got a verdict, which he probably will, yet it will almost certainly be for a small or at least very moderate sum. For we think it can be proven, beyond any doubt, that in the present financial condition of the town a system of cheap board walks, instead of the more expensive but safer cement, was the best that could be afforded. Further it can be proven that the officials of Remington have as a rule been qnife zealous and careful in keeping their board walks in good repair. These considerations will tend to greatly mitigate the responsibility of the town, and will cut off the question of punitive damages entirely. Therefore it looks to us as though it would not be likely to have much of anything left from his verdict, if the case goes to trial and is fought through several courts, as it probably would be. On the part of the town, even if it should happen to win the case, the expense would probably be more than the cost of a compromise if effected before the case goes to trial.

It is not a question in which the feeling of anger or resentment should figure, on either side, but a spirit of “sweet reasonableness,” is what the occasion calls for.