Morrison Waite

“ The taxable inhabitants of the 'strip of country' had authority to vote to tax themselves for the stock. In this way they could bind themselves; but that did not create a debt of the county, as such, for which funding bonds might be issued. The debt, if any, was of the 'strip' only, and not the county. As no bond could be issued under the original vote, the county assumed no obligation whatever. The county court and other officers of the county could be compelled to levy, collect, and pay over the tax, but that was all the county or its officers were required to do. ”

“ On the 24th of March, 1868, the General Assembly of missouri passed an act 'to enable counties, cities, and incorporated towns to fund their respective debts.' Sect. 1 of that act is as follows:--
'That the various counties of this State be, and they are hereby, authorized to fund any and all debts they may owe, and for that purpose may issue bonds bearing interest at not more than ten per centum per annum, payable semi-annually, with interest coupons attached ”