The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1872-03-06

MIR. Smith agreed Win tue gentleman
from Monongalia; a large fund passed
under his supervision; he was the only
officer whose salary l would increase.
Would not the amendment be deleter-
ious to the interests of the Slater Be
cause he would leave his important
duties in the charge OF clerk. Mr..
Smith referred to the extra expense and
inefficiency of operation by having the
different public institutions OF the State
so scattered. Better abolish the seat
of government, if its officers do not re-
side here, and let the Legislature meet
in some church.
The amendment was lost.
Mr.. Hoge moved to strike out in
section 2 Secretary Of State, IN second
line
Mr.. Robinson moved to insert "State
Superintendent OF Free Schools" With
drawn.
Mr.. johnson. of Wood, would move
to strike out the whole section.
Mr.. Price was in favor Of striking
out, because he wanted the Auditor and
Treasurer appointed by the Legisla-
ture.
Mr.. johnson withdrew for the present
for the purpose OF testing the question
whether the people or the Legislature
should elect
Mr.. Hagans moved to strike out.
Mr.. Hagans referred TO the systems
OF government; that each branch
should be separate and distinct. If
YOU combine them it is fatal to the in.
terests of the State. The great tribunal
was the people. There would be wire
pulling and trading if such course was
adopted. On this ground he was op-
posed to the election OF the Secretary Of
State
Mr.. Martin chad a good deal rather
select the whole people" to decide such
cases.
Mr.. Hoge said his proposition was
verv different from that of Mr.. Price.
Mr.. Price withdrew his motion.
The question came up on striking out
Secretary OF State" ayes AZ.
Mr.. Price said he had had a coed
many defeats, but one more would not
discourage him. He referred to what
Mr.. Hagans had said about blending
the departments; explained how Clerks
of Courts were chosen; had taken
nothing out of the hands Of the people,
but felt it his duty to make the motion.
Mr.. Leonard differed from the gentle
man. The Legislature now had the
power to investigate the acts OF the
Auditor. If YOU give the Legislature
the election power, they will choose one
officer from this section, and another
from that; the best men to nominate
these officers are sent right from the
people. lie was opposed to giving the
Legislature the appointment OF any
officers.
Mr.. Woods said he had no distrust Of
the people. who should know the acts
OF the officers. The gentleman seemed
to think that the Legislature, if it finds
out officers are in default, is the only
power that can remove them. The
officers that had already filled these
offices were elected by the people, and
had given satisfaction.
Mr.. Filzhugh should vote for the
proposition OF the gentleman from
Greenbrier, not because he dlstrusted
the people, but these officers were NOM
mated by an irresponsible caucus. The
Legislature is responsible body.
Mr.. Martin could not see how the
Legislature had less control over these
officers if elected by the people than if
elected by themselves and could turn
them out for the same causes.
Mr.. johnson thought Mr.. Fitzhugh's
argument proved too much. He was
willing to trust the people.
The motion was lost.
Mr.. Price said: "The result was just
as | expected.
Mr.. Robinsons motion was adopted.
The gentleman from Richie moved
to strike out in fourth line every four
years thereafter.
Mr.. IIagans asked that the chairman
explain the meaning OF the section,
and thought the clause should be re-
tanned.
Mr.. Hoge thought the suggestion Of
the gentleman from Richie was proper:
Mr.. johnson accepted criticism and
the clause was stricken out.
Section 3 was read.
Mr.. Hagans moved to change ballot
to vote" Accepted.
Mr.. Hoge moved to insert after sec
ton 3 that "the Secretary Of State shall
be appointed by the Governor. :"
Mr.. Martin thought section 3 not
perspicuous.
Mr.. Woods submitted where it re
ferred to several officers it was not
Mr.. Wheat moved to insert "or either
Of the said offices. "
Mr.. johnson said it seemed tauto-
logical
Mr.. Wheat said tautology was the
unnecessary repetition Of words, and 1t
was not the case here.
Mr.. Peudleton suggested "for the
same office.
Mr.. Wheat accepted and the vote was
carried.
The proposition of Mr.. Hose was in
order
Section three was further amended.
Mr.. Woods said that the reference
to the Legislature deciding contested
elections was decided in the bill Of
rights.
After slight amendments and vote
on the question to strike out, by a vote
OF fourteen to seventeen, less than a
quorum.
On motion OF NJ. Wiley, being salts
fed that the committee were weary, the
committee rose. Ayes 81, nays l9.
The gentleman from Rltchie asked
ransss until 10 2 NJ