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Show PATRONAGE OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES. We have received the following query which we will attempt to answer explicitly: <br><br> EDITOR LEADER:- If you think it is not out of the way, I would like to ask a question through the columns of your paper, to be answered for the information of the public: When a job is to be done for any of the district schools is it is it proper for the trustees to let it to their relations at any Price the latter are a mind to Ask? If you see fit please answer through your paper. Respectfully, TEX. <br><br> A careful examination of the school law will show that it contains no provision designating the parties whom the trustees shall employ to construct or repair school buildings,&c. For all of any prohibition contained in the statute, the trustees are at liberty to let out contracts for such work, to whom they please, or to employ their relations or anyone else they may choose, to do it. The law does not require them to call for bids, nor to let the work to the lowest responsible bidder. If the work to be done is of sufficient cost and importance, however, the latter course is usually taken, not because the law requires it, but because it is fair, just, honest and business like method of proceedure [procedure]. Notwithstanding the liberty allowed trustees in such matters, if it could be shown that, through favoritism, "ringism," or any other corrupt motive, they had paid a much higher than the usual price for work on school property, &c., they would be liable to prosecution on their bonds for malfeasance in office, for such a course would be a breach of their official duty such as could not escape the cognizance of the law. There is a moral law governing these matters that should be as effective in controlling school trustees as any statute would be, and it tenders them morally bound to regard only the best interests of the school district in rewarding contracts for or letting out work on school buildings, &c., and trustees who patronize their particular friends or relatives, at the expense of the school district, of course do very wrong morally, besides rendering themselves legally liable. |