The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1878-01-12

| MEssRs. EDIrORs.-Next in political ex-
citement to the late expose of Mr. Chandler
in regard to the Presidential manipulations.
comes the local excitement which Is lat this
writing now prevailing throughout our county
over the appointment Of steward or keeper
Of the County Almshouse. While it is some.
what remarkable that there should be so many
as thirty or forty applicants contesting for
such position, at nominal salary of four
hundred dollars year, and while these may
be consequently under excitement over the
matter, still it must be confessed that the
position Of modern Stewards has become a
very important ard responsible one. Il is a
position by virtue of which the comfort, the
protection, and the welfare of many poor I'M
fortunate creatures is in the hands of the
Steward; the products of the farm, which he
has in charge, depend upon his sagacity as a
farmer; the entire expenses incidental to the
institution depend upon his prudence, integ.
rity and economy. These facts alone make
It extremely desirable that the very best man
should be selected.
The interest on the capital invested, added
to the yearly cost to sustain our poor amounts
tomany thousands of dollars, which come year
ly from the pockets of every taxpayer. There
fore, the selection of the proper man is a re-
sponsible duty and well worthy the careful
consideration Of those who have the appoint
ment to bestow. 1t also very naturally ex-
cites an interest IN every taxpayer who knows
anything about its Importance. While the
position OF Steward under the present regime
IS very important, it is no less responsible.
Now, the question arises, who is responsible
for the faithful protection of the county s
interests? Are not the County Commission
ers alone the proper custodians of the county,
and are they not responsible? The Steward
while he is under q moral sense Of his duties.
Is under no legal restrictions. And if the
commissioners are amenable should they not
either exercise strict supervision over the
Steward, or be relieved by law from the I'M
pleasant and responsible duty of discrimina-
ting among friends, in that case, and then tax
ing the censure? Would it not be better aud
also in keeping with our republicanism to
call upon our Legislature to pass law max
ing the Office of the Steward elective by the
people, require him to give bond, and take
the oath of office as other less important
officers do, and then give him salary COM
mensurate with his duties? Is there not as
good reason why the Steward should be cleo.
ted by the people as to elect the County
treasurer, or any other officer, and thereby
make him responsible both legally and to his
constituency for the performance of the trust
reposed IN him. What say you, taxpayers
SAs1ld your Steward be appointed by your
ballots, or should every new Board of Com
missloners continue to be buttonholed at every
turn or goaded almost unto death by the re-
spective friends of forty applicants represen
ted, 1t may be, by as many long petitions and
after many sleepless nights, they finally hit
upon man whom they have been led TO be-
heve everybody wants, but often, when too
late, find to be the man that nobody wants.
January s, 1878. Vox PoPuII.