The contract between the county and M. G. Nease, cruising contractor, was dated in 1914 and was for the cruising of 503,997 acres of land. Warrants honored by the treasurer of the county after being allowed by the commissioners. Treasurer Crockett then, fearing that the full payment of all warrants would be beyond legal right, refused other warrants totaling $44,072. He also threatened to divert to the discharge of later warrants all funds in his hands, whereupon the plaintiff company, holding the warrants, brought suit for an injunction to prohibit him from carrying out such plan.

I do not attempt to review the evidence upon the issue of collusion or conspiracy," said Judge Deitrich in the opinion. "Though the view may be entertained that the commissioners acted improvidently and were wanting in vigilance and care, I am convinced that they were not acted by corrupt motives.

Thoroughness Required
"From an examination of the record made by the board of commissioners at the time the contract was let, and a consideration of the manner in which it was gotten up, it is clear that the board expected a thorough and accurate cruise, and that Nease convinced them that that was the kind of a cruise he would make.

"In his written offer, which was accepted, he proposed to make a very careful cruise, and, as we have seen, the contract call for a careful, complete and thorough cruise." 