Twenty Questions for City Council Candidates: Ward 1

Last month, Rolla Preservation Alliance contacted the individuals running for City Council asking them to answer twenty questions regarding the city.  Currently we have heard back from five of the eight candidates.  Over the next few weeks we will post our questions with their unedited answers in order to educate the voting public of the opinions and beliefs of the candidates.

The individuals we select to represent us on City Council are our closest connection to city government.  Their decisions have greater impact on our lives than most national decisions.  Yet, during the 2014 municipal election only 16.70% of registered voters in Phelps County turned out to vote.  The year before that roughly 8% of registered voters turned up at the polls.  These local elections are decided by a handful of votes.  In 2013, the election for City Council in Ward 6 was decided by 6 votes.  In Ward 5 it was decided by 7 votes.  Your vote is very important.  That is why Rolla Preservation Alliance decided to contact the candidates so voters can be informed and to take time to cast a ballot and act on their best judgement.

This week we will focus of the candidates running for City Council in Ward 1.  Running for City Council are Jonathan C. Hines (incumbent) and Ryan Yoakum.

Q&A with candidate Jonathan C. Hines (incumbent)

Name? 
Jonathan C. Hines

Where are you from?
Grew up in Collinsville, Illinois, not far from St. Louis.  Graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO, and was commissioned into the Air Force.  I served 22 years in the Air Force, and when it was time to prepare for life after the Air Force my family and I chose to come to Rolla.  Throughout our lives we often came to this area for vacation and we intend to stay here for the rest of our lives.

How long have you been a resident of Rolla? 

July of 2015 will be 10 years.

What is the single most important issue in your ward?

Economic development and jobs

What is the worst thing to happen in your ward in the last five years?

The increase in drug problems a couple of years back was really a black eye for the ward.  The neighborhood watches and police have done a very good job cleaning this up

What is the best thing to happen in your ward in the last five years?

Revitalization of the downtown area with some new buildings, parking, new businesses

What does Rolla do well?

Our parks system delivers great recreational opportunities and park acreage to everyone at very low cost, especially compared to much large cities.  Our parks help us draw in sports tournaments and aid economic development.  So what we do well is get the most out of our dollars for our park system which makes our city a great place to live.

What could Rolla do better?

We need to address our transportation congestion problems with Hwy 63 and Kings Highway.  The volume of traffic is a constant source of frustration for many in the city, and it is only going to get worse.  The traffic study being done should give us data and insight to aid in developing solutions to the traffic problems.

How can you/the city support small business development and expansion?

Keep reasonable regulations and minimal taxes in place to enable creative entrepreneurs the ability to start their businesses and grow them here.  There is great local talent coming to and through the university.  It would be great if more of our local talent could develop businesses here.

What should we do to encourage others to relocate here?

People relocate for jobs and quality of life.  Rolla has a good quality of life which appeals to many people.  The parks, schools, and easy access to outdoor recreation are positive for our city.  We also need to maintain a business friendly atmosphere to create more jobs.

What should we do to encourage graduates from Missouri S&T to stay in Rolla?

The university’s technology transfer building is helping students develop their ideas into viable companies.  These all have the potential to decide to remain in Rolla.  Keeping a business friendly environment of reasonable regulations and low taxes makes it easier for the business to decide to stay here.

Do you support the Rolla West Master Plan and the Westside Transportation Plan?  Why or why not?

The Rolla West Master Plan is an important part of the city’s future growth.  The transportation issues that have been noted for many years are going to be studied and have recommendations come from the study so the city can decide how best to proceed.

  

Do you support the Forum Plaza Community Improvement District (CID)? Why or why not?

I did vote for it, reluctantly.  The costs of the development will be passed on to the customer, whether it is hidden in the cost of the products purchased, or is clearly visible as a sales tax on the receipt.  The CID approach at least allows customers to see what the increased costs are for a refurbished shopping center, and if they don’t like it, they can choose not to shop there.  In which case, none of their money will go to support the redevelopment improvements at Forum Plaza.

What is the proper use of tax increment financing (TIF)?  Is there a proper use?

This has been a hot button issue, mostly due to some of the efforts with it in the past.  As we talk about the need for jobs and economic growth, we also have to realize that we, as a city, compete with other cities for business relocation and development.  Cities should not be in the pickers of winners and losers economically.  The free market does a much better job of allocating resources.  However, there are times that using a portion of increased tax assessments to help pay for a large development project are needed to bring the project to Rolla.  The benefits of the project, via jobs, sales taxes, and property taxes, to the community must far exceed the tax increment financing costs to be considered.

Is eminent domain ever warranted?

Only for public infrastructure, like roads, where it is a critical need…not to be used to take someone’s property away for economic development. 

Due to the growth of the student population at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, more student housing is needed.  With the recent proliferation of student housing construction by private investors, do you think stronger regulations and building codes are needed from Planning and Zoning Department?  Why are why not. 

No.  The current regulations and codes are sufficient.

Do you support the overall campus master plan of the Missouri University of Science and Technology?  What do you like? What changes would you like to see?

The master plan for the university is an important guide for university growth over the next decade.  The university is a critical component of our city, and in my ward.  The plan outlines projects that will make our city more appealing for those who visit, attract more students, and help bring more economic growth. 

Do you support the Rolla Preservation Commission and their efforts to retain and reuse the historic built environment?  Why or why not?

Yes.  Not only is it important to know who we are and see where we came from…it is good for economic development and tourism.  I am a history major and live in a house nearly 100 years old…I love history.

What are your thoughts regarding Rolla’s historic heritage and historic assets?

When I moved here I was somewhat surprised and saddened by how many interesting buildings had been lost.  It is important to keep the city’s heritage, which can be done while still making improvements.  When done right it improves economic development.

What do you think is the best way to stabilize the core residential neighborhoods of Rolla?

Strong neighborhood watch programs and police relationships to ensure safety and remove any drug or criminal activity.  

 

Boundaries of Ward 1 in Orange.

Q&A with candidate Ryan Yoakum 

Name?
Ryan Yoakum

Where are you from?
I grew up in Dixon, Missouri.

How long have you been a resident of Rolla?
I have lived in Rolla for two years.

What is the single most important issue in your ward?
The City of Rolla supporting the growth of businesses is the most important issue. Many businesses
in Ward One have been a part of Rolla for a long time and are a tremendously important. These
businesses provide jobs for Rolla residents and taxes to the city.

What is the worst thing to happen in your ward in the last five years?
The aging building infrastructure within my ward has been a hardship on people living within the ward
and upon the businesses located there. Many new businesses would much rather locate in other areas
within the city, such as along Highway 63.

What is the best thing to happen in your ward in the last five years?
The expansion of the University has brought more business to the ward. The University expansion has
also resulted in many new residential buildings being either built or renovated.

What does Rolla do well?
Rolla works well with the University as well as playing host to several different regional economic
collaborations.

What could Rolla do better?
I believe that Rolla could better address severe poverty through more funding of community outreach
programs. Volunteer programs could be created for example to further education.

How can you/the city support small business development and expansion?
Small business development can be supported by continuing to keep graduates of MS&T within the city
as well as work to create a business incubator to assist with the actual creation of brand new businesses.

What should we do to encourage others to relocate here?
The City of Rolla continuing to support large employers within the region that have consistently
provided employment. Supporting these business will result in further growth creating more jobs
necessary to build the economy of the city.

What should we do to encourage graduates from Missouri S&T to stay in Rolla?
Graduates from MS&T need job opportunities within this city. So many of them leave because the
nearest available jobs for them are located in larger cities. More job opportunities would keep a
graduates within the city.

Do you support the Rolla West Master Plan and the Westside Transportation Plan? Why or why not?
Currently the Missouri Department of Transportation is facing huge budget deficits. The Rolla West
master plan would be much more feasible if MoDot were able to assist with funds for such a project. As
it stands the Department will have a large number of roads it is unable to maintain much less be able to
provide for such a project as this.

Do you support the Forum Plaza Community Improvement District? Why or why not?
I do support the improvement to the District. Renovating the area will attract more business and be
good for the community as a whole.

What is the proper use of tax increment financing (TIF)? Is there a proper use?
The proper use of a TIF is to use such funds for improvement of blighted tracts within a city. Such
projects should result in economic development that will increase city revenues.

Is eminent domain ever warranted?
Eminent Domain is certainly warranted whenever the health and well being of citizens is put at risk.
Some economic and transportation projects also warrant its use.

Due to the growth of the student population at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, more student housing is needed. With the recent proliferation of student housing construction by private investors, do you think stronger regulations and building codes are needed from Planning and Zoning Department? Why are why not.
The P&Z has upheld the codes that are in place and simple expansion of the University is not a cause
to warrant new codes to be put in place. The codes in place already exist to meet such needs and
standards.

Do you support the overall campus master plan of the Missouri University of Science and Technology? What do you like? What changes would you like to see?
I support most of the plans held by the University, however such plans should not impede
transportational development such as along Highway 63.

Do you support the Rolla Preservation Commission and their efforts to retain and reuse the historic built environment? Why or why not?
I do support the effort to preserve the architectural treasures within our city. We can grow as a city
without tearing down our past.

What are your thoughts regarding Rolla’s historic heritage and historic assets?
The historic heritage of our city is rather impressive. Buildings from the Civil War Era in particular should
be protected and treasured.

What do you think is the best way to stabilize the core residential neighborhoods of Rolla?
The best way to do this is to continue to grow the city as a whole. Business growth will provide more
jobs which in turn will keep the city growing at a continued pace.

Please stayed tuned as next week we will post the answers of candidates running for City Council  in Ward 2

Stand Cool: Daily Civil War Observations from Rolla

By Ryan Reed

Rolla Express

January 28, 1861

Vol. 1, No. 28

Missouri Legislature

“The convention Bill after a long discussion in both branches of the Legislature of the State has passed by an almost unanimous vote – only two in the Senate and seventeen in the house voting against the measure.  The election of three delegates from each Senatorial District will take place on the 18^th of February – less than one month hence – and the Convention will assemble on the 28^th of the same month.  This measure has been sustained by men of all parties, excepting the Black Republicans. 

After the passage of a bill to create a Constitutional Convention to consider Missouri’s secession, the legislature stipulated the election of three delegates from each senatorial district.  These three elected delegates would create the members of the convention.  Obviously, the Republicans in the legislature voted against the Constitutional Convention to consider secession.

The Convention

For the Rolla Express

“This is an important era in the history of Missouri, and our whole Union.  Events have transpired within the past few months, that are calculated to bring sorrow to the hearts of every patriot, and cause every lover of his country to act with energy for his country’s good.  The future of our glorious and much loved union is a matter of interest to every citizen, and how to preserve it in all its glory – to perpetuate it and hand it down to coming generations is a subject for the contemplation of all.  Let us all think and act as becomes patriots – as men who love their country for their country’s good.

The Legislature of this State, hoping no doubt, to do good for the whole country, have passed a bill calling a convention to be held on the 28^th of February, the delegates to attend sadi convention are to be elected on the 18^th of February.

The time intervening between the passage of the bill and the election is short.  The people, those who have to do the voting – who are really the source of all power in our government, do not seem to be fully aware of the importance of this convention.  So far as I know, but little is said about the matter in the country.  I want the PEOPLE to begin to talk about the matter, and to unite on the best men in the country as candidates to represent us in the convention.  As I am one of the people and an interested party, I take the liberty of suggesting a ticket that I think will faithfully and ably represent this district, promising at the same time, to vote for any other ticket that may be agreed upon by a majority of the people.

My ticket is

Wm G. Pomroy of Crawford

Wm. James of Phelps

C.H. Frost of Texas

And I venture to say that three more acceptable men, or better qualified, will not be found in the district.  They are well known – are men of talent, and know the wants of the people.  I for one would be pleased to see them announced as candidates.

PHELPS”

Daniel Parsons-First Mayor of Rolla.

A Letter from Jefferson

“We are indebted to the courtesy of T.F. Jones, Esq Sheriff of Phelps County, for the delivery of the following letter from Mr. Williams:

Jefferson City, Jan 24, 1861

Hall of Representatives

Editor of the Express

Dear Sir:  You have, of course, learned all the particulars in reference to the convention Bill.  It provides for the election of three delegates from each Senatorial District.  You ought to call out your BEST MEN, as candidates.  Rolla is now incorporated: D.R. Parsons is appointed Mayor, and E.W. Bishop, John Webber, John Dunivin, E.G. Morse, F. Hartj, A. Malcolm and H. Andrae are councilmen who hold their office until the first Monday in June, when a regular election take place.  They have the appointment of Marshal and Treasurer.  The election of Public Printer and U.S. Senator are the principal topics here now.  There is considerable excitement on this question – what will be the result no one can predict.  Green’s chances are the best but by no means certain.

Yours &c

Sam’l G. Williams

Williams ran on the democratic ticket and was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives by the people of Phelps County.  He is relating the news of the election for the Constitutional Convention.  Plus, he informs the Rolla Express that the City of Rolla is now incorporated and lists that appointment to local government until a regular election can be held in the Spring.

John W. Noell on Secession

“we publish the following letter for the benefit of such of our readers as will no doubt be interested in seeing what views their representative in Congress entertains in relation to the present condition of our country:

Washington City, Jan. 14, 1861

N.B. Buck, Esq

Dear Sir: - Your favor of the 10^th inst. in which you say it would be a source of satisfaction to my constituents to hear my views on national affairs at this juncture, is received.  My silence up to this time has not been from want of interest in the subject but rather because I saw no practical good I could accomplish by writing or speaking upon it.  When you attribute to me, as you do in your letter, sentiments of devotion to the union of these sates, as also to the south and her institutions, you do me no more than justice.

It is well know that I do not concur in this doctrine of peaceable secession, as it is called; that I do not believe the Constitution of the United States recognized the right of individuals or states to destroy it at pleasure, with or without cause.  Yet it is now too late to argue that question.  We have now to deal with facts, not abstructions.  Secession now is no longer a question.

Revolution with its black, tempestuous countenance and bloody hands, stand before us.  The extreme southern states have already cut loose form their moorings.  It is for the border states to determine what part they will play in this great tragedy, for such I must call it.  That determination is not to be reached  by the power of passion, but by cool deliberation and sober judgment.  The disunion movement in the south has hitherto been of extreme excitement.  It is not the result of calm judgment conscious of intolerable wrongs for which no redress is attainable.

Like all passionate movements, the means of success are left to chance.  No system of finance or regular military organization have been devised.  In fact, in the fury of the movement, they have been almost forgotten.  What must be the inevitable result?  I say DISASTER AFTER DISASTER, until we get into civil strife among ONE ANOTHER, at the South.  The revolution , as now organized, is a failure in advance.  A failure because its fruits turn to ashes on our lips.  We seek SECUTIRY and PROTECTION, but we find in the very morning of our revolutionary existence, CONFISCATION AND DESTRUCTION.

If Missouri and other border states, stimulated by like passions and excitement rush headlong and blindfold into this revolution, they increase the magnitude of the calamity, and close the door forever against the last hope of preserving the constitution and the UNION. 

And what is to follow the revolution?  The North can not conquer us if she were to attempt it.  This is not the danger ahead.  Did you ever examine critically the material of which these revolutions were composed? If you have you cannot have fail to discover that they have been, with a single exception, in the hands of the turbulent and reckless; not the prudent and wise.  Men of wisdom, men, of peace, men of property are always backward in these revolutionary times.  Those who HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE are ever foremost in the work of destruction.  From this cause the leadership of the Southern disunion movement will soon pass into the hands of reckless political and military adventures.  They will require immense sums of money for the CAUSE and still greater sums for themselves.  A system of exaction upon the substantial men of the country will begin. They will lay their hands on money, negroes, lands, everything.  Murmers against these exactions will be allowed by confiscation and – shall I say it – DEATH!

Aye horrid as may be the idea, I say death!  Then will begin to go up to heaven, as in the days of the “reign of terror,” the wails of the widow and fatherless.  Then, when too late, shall we be able to estimate the blessings of this government of law and order, under whose protection influence none dare make us afraid.  When we have reached the climax of horrors, torn to pieces by factions, involved in all the quarrels and strifes between military rivals, with no country, no nationality, no peace, no safety, we will fly from the bloody scene of an endless anarchy to a absolute despotism.  Thus it will be that this most wonderful government shall die in the same century that gave it birth.  Surely, if the border states hold the power to avert these calamities, it should be done.  They do hold this power, in my opinion.

What should they do?  My judgment is, that they should act cautiously, deliberately.  Revolution well prepared for, is as practicable as if we rush into it without preparation.  If we can get time, all our wrongs will be redressed.  The desperate politicians are working against time.  They are afraid of the sober second thought of the people.  Mark my prediction, the disunion politicians of Missouri will not allow the people to decide, whether or not they are to have a convention.  Oh, no.  This would never do.  It would give the people time to think for themselves.. “We must do the thinking for them.  If we do not the country will be saved, and we shall be lost,” is the idea now up permost in the minds of disunionists.  My own judgment is , that the border States should make wise and timely arrangements to promote  their financial strength; to prefect their military organization and assume the attitude of peace makers, with arms in had to defend their own rights, when all peaceful means have failed.

If Missouri at last is forced to assent to a dissolution of the Union, she must have guarantees that her rights and interest will be secure in a Southern Confederacy.  The gulf State are dictorial in their manner, and aristocratic in their tendencies.  They will insist upon basing the right to vote on property.  The yeomanry of Missouri will never yield this point.  Free trade is to be a ruling element.  The iron, lead, copper and manufactures of Missouri, as well as the agricultural interests dependent on them, would go down under the operation of such a system.  A system of exorbitant direct taxation is abhorrent to our people.  We could not submit to it.  If we cannot live in peace under our present government, then I am not willing to risk any new confederation without knowing how and where we are to stand in it.

For these reasons let Missouri prepare well for contingencies, but stand cool and firm to act as her own honor, dignity and the happiness of her people demands.  Above all let us cling to the Union as long as one ray of hope remains that it may be saved.  In giving utterance to these sentiments, I know that I am braving the epidemic that has seized the public mind in my own State, but I am ready to meet the consequences.  I have no political ambition that could be gratified by place and power in a miserable little sectional confederacy, or military despotism.  My political existence is of no consequence whatever.  I can only know that the country is in imminent peril, and I shall do all I can to save it without regard to consequences personal to myself.  I know no particular distinctions now but on “for or against my country.”  Democrats, Whigs, Americans, Know Nothings are names that I now blot out from my memory.  I shall strives to forget them all until we get through this dark and stormy night.

Very truly yours,

John W. Noell”

John Noell was elected during the Summer of 1860 to the United States Senate to represent District 7, which included Phelps County.  During his candidacy he ran as a Southern Democrat and supported Breckinridge for the Presidency. 

In his letter to N.B. Buck, co-editor of the Rolla Express, Noell states support of the Southern states and her institutions but also a devotion to the Union.  In short, the body of his letter warns against disunion and strives for cooler heads to hash out a peaceful resolution rather than secession.  He believes that if the Constitutional Convention vies for secession Missouri and joins the confederacy, she will not have equal standing with the more powerful Gulf States.  In his finally paragraph, Noell states “Democrats, Whigs, Americans, Know Nothings are names that I now blot out from my memory.”  Basically, Noell is telling his constituents that he will work with anyone to come to a peaceful resolution instead of secession, which he believes will lead to civil war.  

Hard Times Prevail: Daily Civil War Observations from Rolla

By Ryan Reed

Letter
Allen B. Johnson to Eliza M. Frazier
Truncated

Rolla  Jan 27th 1861

My Dearest Eliza: - 

I can think of little news to relate, for all excitement continues to be of a public character, known as soon to you as me perhaps.  We get news even in this distant land, only 24 hours old from Washington.  Hard times prevail to an alarming extent throughout the entire south.  Saint Louis is much like Sunday, all thru the week.  People who live in such places as this know little of the pressure felt in cities until they go and see for themselves.

Allen Johnson in 1863

Oh such splendid weather as we have had this winter.  I wish you could be here to enjoy it, as I am sure you would.  "Italian skies" are as nothing compared with it I imagine.  We had a light fall of snow last week, and on Thursday all sleighs that could be mustered were brought into requisition in St. Louis, but in Rolla it did not come near being sleighing.  Hope you will write me all the news you hear when you go to Montrose.  How dose "Jennie" and George get along?  I have heard nothing from him since the time I got your first letter.

Most Affectionately Yours

Allen

Special thanks to The State Historical Society of Missouri Research Center-Rolla for providing the Johnson letters housed at their facility.  The letters concerning Johnson's activities were transcribed with a brief biography written by John F. Bradbury, Assistant Director at the State Historical Society of Missouri Research Center-Rolla, for the June 1987 issue of the Phelps County Historical Society Newsletter.

Inevitable Consequences: Daily Civil War Observations from Rolla

By: Ryan Reed

Rolla Express

January 21, 1861

Vol. 1, No. 27

Mistaken View

“This paper has been and is earnestly and most ably advocating the rights of the South, and we heartily commend its ability and concur in the opinions it advances in regard to the duty of Missouri to stand by her sister states in the maintaining of their rights, whether in the Union or out of it.  But whether it is wisdom, on the part of Missouri, to go out also, is a grave question.

Missouri Tasting Secession Soup

In our judgment, Missouri and the border States may, perhaps, secure more for their Southern neighbors, by their conciliatory counsels IN the Union, than by placing themselves in a beligerant attitude, and there by driving from us those who otherwise might be our friends.  We must in case all the slave states secede make up our minds to do some fighting, because it is folly, in our opinion, to talk about peaceable secession after seeing the tone of the Northern press an knowing the spirit of its people.  The people of the North have, until recently, been laboring under the impression that the South is principally made up of braggots and boasters.  Is not the determined attitude of the South and the vallient conduct of the sons of South Carolina sufficient to convince them that the South means what she says?  We know the South is determined to maintain her position, and is ABLE to do it.  We think the people of the North are beginning to think so now and that opinion is now producing it desired effects upon the public mind.

Every day we are gaining friends among the people of the Free States.  The masses are honest and willing to do what is right, but they have been misled by ambitious politicians and fanatical preachers – now they are beginning to see their error and feel the practical inconvenience of carrying out their free soil doctrines.  Every branch of industry feels its pressure, and cotton is in demand.  Massachusetts is talking about the repeal of their personal property bills, and Seward don’t make the severe coercion speech that has been talked about, and we think, rather than fight, our Republican neighbors will be willing to meet us a great deal more than half way.  But if the conservative influence of the border slave states is withdrawn from the halls of Congress will not the Democracy of the North, now feeble enough, become utterly powerless to avert the storm?  If we know the people of the North they are also have and determine, and if provoked to fight will be a hard nation to conquer, because they are made of the same sort of stuff of the people of the South, and if war should ensure our Country particularly Missouri and the border states would be utterly ruined.  If possible, in the name of all that is good and just and merciful, let the spirit of conciliation and forbearance prevail. 

It is possible, Missouri and a few sister States can effect more by conciliatory counsels in the Union than by going out.  It is possible the Federal power may be curbed and restrained, by the events already transpired, and through the influence of the Democratic members of Congress, affect more by warding off the severity of the blow that might otherwise fall upon the seceeding states, than voluntarily, and perhaps unnecessarily, making our beloved state the battlefield for one of the most bloody strifes the world ever saw!  It is possible, if no more States secede, those already out may not be seriously molested, but if the border states also go, we may all gird on our armor and prepare for battle.  Neither life or property will be safe!  Minions of abolitionism and the lawless banditi will hunt down our stock, sack our towns, and run off our negroes, while every branch of lawful trade will be entirely prostrated.

If secession is the only alternative, let us prepare our minds and set our houses in order to meet the dreadful, but inevitable consequences!  Terrible, indeed, is the disease that needs so fearful a remedy!

Let Missouri take her stand beside Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee, rather than adopt, at present, the more severe, remedy of immediate and unconditional secession.”

The editor of the Rolla Express has decided to make his position known concerning Missouri’s secession from the Union.  Why now?  Because days earlier a bill was passed by the state legislature to create a Constitutional Convention to consider Missouri’s secession.  Why did we need a Constitution Convention to sort out this issue?  Because the 1820 Missouri Constitution provided for minor revisions to be made by amendment, but required that any general revision be carried out by an elected special convention.  When secession was proposed, the Missouri General Assembly voted that such a drastic change in the status of Missouri was comparable to such a general revision, that the General Assembly was not empowered to decide the issue and called a convention. 

In his article, the editor believes Missouri should stand by her “sister states” in maintaining the rights of the South.  However, he believes secession of Missouri from the Union would be disastrous for the state.   Therefore, he is stating that Missouri should remain in the Union.  If the state does secede, he recommends we batten down the hatches and expect the worse to happen. 

Locally, the town Rolla was positioning itself for incorporation.  However, the legality of Phelps County was questioned by a representative from Crawford County. 

Legislative

“A bill has been passed introducing into the House, for the incorporation of the town of Rolla, it passed that body.

A little breeze of excitement was created in the House by ta resolution offered by Mr. Devol, of Crawford County, requiring the Speaker to appoint a Committee of Seven to investigate the legality of the representation of Phelps County.

The member from Phelps County, Mr. Williams, immediately flew to his feet and demanded an explanation of the resolution.  He represented a constituency of over on thousand voters.  Phelps was one the richest and most flourishing counties in the State, and was as justly entitled to a seat on the floor of the House as any county that could be named.  An effort was made by the member from Crawford, he said, to oust him from his place, and he had but to call upon the house to reject the proposition with the “contempt it deserved.”

The gentleman from Crawford rejoined that the county of Phelps had swindled its neighbor, Crawford County, out of a large slice of “territory” and the object of the resolution, was to settle the dispute.  If the gentleman from Phelps was entitled to his seat, the Special Committee suggested in the resolution would so report after hearing the facts.

The matter was finally, by vote of 60 ayes to 5 noes, indefinitely postponed.

Phelps County heartily approves of the course of her Representative, in defending the claims of this county against the imputation of “fraud.”  Hon. T.R. Freeman, one of the Judges of Phelps County Court, living in the three mile strip of territory in controversy between Crawford and Phelps, has just sent a petition to Mr. Williams, signed by the residents of the territory respectfully suggesting that if they have been “stole” they don’t know it, and requesting that they may be legally, if not already, attached to Phelps County, as a matter of convenience to the inhabitants of the territory in question.”   

Census News

“From conversation with the sheriff of Phelps County we are informed that the total white population of this county to be about 5,000 and some 100 slaves.  Of this population, Rolla contains 600 souls and there are about 200 hands employed upon the railroad.”