The County Courthouse Construction Scandal

When the county commissioners go with the courthouse matter, is the work to go on? A reporter asked one of the county officials. 'Yes, if the county commissioners back down and allow the contractors to do things, the work will go on,' was the response. 'The trouble is that the superintendent is at odds with the contractors and the superintendent for the county. The commissioners say that Superintendent Rogers is objectionable and must be let go and another one appointed.' 'What wrong has the superintendent done?' 'Nothing, except to try to make the new contractors live up to the specifications, which are part of the contract. The specifications state that nothing but hard-burned brick are to be allowed about the building. Rogers has kicked against soft brick, which must not be placed in the building. He also kicked against other matters in reference to the specifications. He has kicked so hard that the contractors are feeling sore about it.' Architect Ritchie sent a communication in which he stated that he had notified the contractors to discharge the foreman, and to employ new men in their positions before proceeding with the work. This he did in accordance with the terms of the contract. This was followed by the resignation of the new county superintendent, Rogers, which the board, after some deliberation, accepted.