The Smoke-Filled Backroom Deals of 1886

I have been asked to write regarding the Local Option law, yet the recent behavior of the County Commissioners forces me to speak. I propose to enlighten the people of the Territory as to how these guardians of the public interest awarded the contracts for our public works. The advertised requirements for the brickwork were strict: bids were to be in by May 3rd, and contractors were required to account for the total cost of materials, labor, and insurance.

However, Mr. Rainey—who received the contract—ignored these requirements entirely. He submitted a bid for brickwork alone, leaving the plastering and deafening of floors as 'blind' costs, effectively keeping the true price a secret from the Commissioners. Meanwhile, Mr. Hyde submitted a bid for the same work that was $2,800 lower, but his bid was rejected on the technicality that he had not fulfilled every minor requirement. Why this distinction between 'tweedledum and tweedledee'? When Mr. Rainey finishes, he will pocket his money without having to account for the inevitable fluctuations in material prices, while the Territory bears the risk if the building burns or the walls fall. The Commissioners held the bids in secret, refused to make the awards at the appointed time, and determined to accept half-bids. If they are so confident in their conduct, I invite them to submit this matter to a board of competent builders to see if justice was truly served.