Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 97, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 August 1899 — County Council Doings. [ARTICLE]

County Council Doings.

The County Council met Monday for organization, all members being present except A. J. Bellows of Carpenter township. It was, in one respect, probably the most remarkable meeting of the kind held in the state. After electing officers as required, a petition in the name of the counoil was circulated, in substance, praying all county officers, oonhty commissioners and township trustees that all legal notioes required by law to be published in a leading democratic paper be published in the Jasper County Democrat. It was signed by all members except Mr. Bellows. That such action should be taken by the democratic members is not surprising but that the republicans should encourage the petition to the extent of signing it has created considerable talk, if not some feeling. As is universally undertood these gentlemen have the privilege of petition as individuals but as an aotion of the council it is out of order, and, while having no legal bearing on the case, it is, in nearly every instance considered a meddling with affairs that have naught to do with the duties of these gentleman as offioers. , *|Dr. Washburn was out of the city and we were unable to interview him. Mr. Spitler explained his action in the matter at some length and justified the step as follows. When presented to him the petition had already been signed by Messrs. Welch, Yeoman, Cooper, Eldridge and Washburn, not however in£his presence. He thinks there should be, or is, some manner in which the leading paper of a party is to be determined and inclined to the opinion that the Central Committee are to be the judges. While admitting that it was a matter without the jurisdiction of the council, other than as individuals, he thought perhaps it would save some of the offiers included, trouble in the courts, and hence his idea of signing the instrument All this brings the matter back to the question “What constitutes the leading paper,” one that will require a decision of the court to settle to the satisfaction of the people of Jagperooaaty. Our new quarters enables us to handle a lamer and better stock than ever. We entreat you to call.

B. K. ZIMMERMAN.