Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1864-01-25
Governor Norton. Eux.b.u,sy.

The Goshen Times, a Republican print, thus
elucidates the eligibility of Governor MoRros to
hold the Office Of Governor for another term:
"This objection to Morton's eligibility Is un-
tehable from the fact that he has not been filing
the Office Of Governor during the last four years,
but has been performing the duties of the po-
stioD. being still. in fct, Lieutenant Governor"
The argument of the Times in favor Of the ell
igibility of Governor MoRroy has some force in
one respect. 1t says "he has not been filling the
Office of Governor during the last four years"
hence he Is eligible to serve another consecutive
term. There is a sarcasm in this remark Of the
Times. whether intended or not, which will not
be very palatabIe to His Excellency. ~
The Terre Haute Express heads an article
upon the same subject. Eligibility of Lieut..
Governor MoRTox," and remarks;
Lieut.. Gov. Morton was never elected Cor
eynor. as is well known. Henry s. Lane tras
elected Governor-took the oath of office-was
inaugurated--held the Office for some days. and
then resigned.
This is clear o. p Merton is not, nor has he
been Governor of the State of Indiana under the
Constitution, but by reason of the resignation of
Governor Lane. the duties of Governor de-
volved on him. as Lieutenant Governor.
His ExceIlency took different view of the
question when he assumed the position of Gov
ernOr- On the l4th of January he inaugu
rated Lieutenant Governor. On the l7th of the
same month, three days afterwards, on the resg
nation Of Gov. LANE. he was inaugurated Gov
ernor, took the oath of Office as such, aud
delivered inaugural message In that address
he said: "Called by the Constitution to perform
the duties of the Cfiice of Governor" &c. Since
tliat time, he has signed every official document,
30. p. MORTON, Governor" and he has in every
way performed the functions of that position. No
one deny that he has held the Office of Governor
since the l7th day of January. 1861. But says
the Express. 30. P MORTON is not, nor has he
been, Governor OF the State of Indiana, under The
Constitution" Where then did he get his au-
thority to act as Governor7 What an ass or toady
must be the bped who thus argues. If. as the
Goshen Times, DR. ELLIS paper. contends, His Ex-
celleney, is "stll. in fact, Lieutenant Governor"
why has he not performed the duties Of that posi-
ton? o. p. MORTON has been just as much the
Chief Magistrate of Indiana, and has been so
recognized, any one who has filled that posi-
ton since Indiana became a State. Aud the
Constitution says. Art. 5. Section /: "The ex
ecutive power of the State shall be vested in
Governor. He shall hold his office during four
years. and shall not be eligible more than four
years 10 any period Of eight years" Gov. MORTON
has exercised the executive power of the State
from January II, 1861. Up to the 18th of Janu-
ary, 1865, be will have held the Office Of Governor
four years. And the Constitution says the
Governor shall not be eligible to hold the Office
more than four years in any period of eight years.
But, say the Republican friends of the Governor,
we will nominate him for another term, notwith-
standing this provision of the Constitution. If
elected. Supreme Bench of the same political
faith will be. likewise, and that body can put an
eligible" construction upon the Constitution
Will this not be a convenient Supreme Benchf