The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1881-09-01

Jud1ClGfy Dy OlSl udtl4J4AS any %As
from Being Governor More thar
-Four Years in a Period of EIghl
s Years.
Lexington Advertiser.
We learn that the committee on resolu
tions appointed by our late State Conven
ton, were unanimouly in favor of so alter
ing the limit OF the gubernatorial term o.
office as TO render it impossible fDra Cover
nor 70 have the aid of his appointees il
assisting him u secure his own suecessorhip
As 4 means 10 this end. resolution Wa:
favorabl7 considered which disqualified any
one from being Governor more than -four
years in period of eight years, or, in other
words. after Governor bad served one term,
another term must intervene before he is
eligible for reelection. A resolution of this
nature would have been reported but for
the fact that it would have seemed like a
thrust at Gov. Stone after he had been de-
+ feated on this very issue. 1t was omitted
with the understanding that the question
would be brought before the next Leglsla-
ture.
Laws similar to the one proposed are in
Gree in many Of the States and until the
Radicals changed it, the Constitution Of
Mississippi ineapscitated any one from hold
ng the office Of Governor more than four
years in period of six years. There is
nothing % peculiarly intricate about the
duties devolving on a governor as to render
an experience in that office any additional
merit IN a candidate. Sound Judgment and
a knowledge OF the peoples wants, needs
and capacities and an earnest desire to ad-
vance their interests, are the chief require
ments of a good Governor.
These requirements are more likely - be "
found in q man fresh from the people than
in one who has four years been their chief
ruler with such removal from them and
their feelings and interests as such a posi-
ton will, in some degree, entail.
When a Ciovornur j. a candidate nor re-
election he can always command the sup
port OF his appointees and recipients OF
official favorS who are scattered throughout
the state and are in position to make their
weight powerful factor in such a contest
II Governor Is sufficiently crafty and un-
scrupious be can dispense these favors
and appointments, at the expense aud detri-
ifSuL 81 tHt people, AZ 10 make his Te-eieC-
ion almost certainty. Even under ordi-
nary circumstances and with good Cover
Tor, these influences are sometimes strong
enough to defeat the will of the people and
o elect Governor, who is not really the
choice of the people. These objections ap-
)iy only TO an unlimited number of terms '
or the office OF Governor and not TO any
ther office in the State. When we consider h
his in connection with the facts which are o
lndeniably true, that no special experience
5 to the peculiar workings of the Governors
ttice, are necessary To successful discharge
f its duties, and that there can always be a
ound more than one man who can till that
'osition with honor and credit, we cannot but r
ONE TO the conclusion, that law OF the ma
ure alluded to, would be wise and prudent
leasure. 1t may require change in the ii
constitution to effect this purpose, and it
houId be made if necessary n
Besides, there is as much danger of
avlng political Judiciary, by holding out
} them an opportunity of actively sup 70
ortIng Tor reelection the man to whom
ley are indebted for their appoint 80
ents as 1t is to make them elective,
Ithout the corresponding advantages
the latter system. The Northumberland II
the Judiciary in the Governors election co
as one of the two ideas of which Lowry q,
as chosen as the special eia badiment ye
neither this end eau be best attained by -
hitting the time IN which the Governor is :,
egi BILE for reelection, or by making the 'h'
dietary elective, is matter which was
It then determined. lin
While we do not spacially favor the idea DIV
making the Judiciary elective, vet unless the
e tenure Of the Governors office is limited 80
en- the people should have the right 10 ~
IS upon the claims of the officers directly wa
d not indirectly through man thew may
ppart for Governor Der
We say this without any disparagement to ted
~ Stone, whom we esteem and respect Co,
ry highly, and whose official conduct we -
lieve, to have been guided in no instance >
any sinister motive. Neither do we inn
' any reflection on our judiciary which is acc
az-a9a ;,.r.1.f. oil. :. :, i a. 49,,
~ human nature to return a favor nh" =. .
We an eye to the futnrrcc. Yet, notwith- FL
nding all tbs. the late canvass furnished .,.a
ts0ng illustration of the evils and dangers -
;ident to unlimited tenure Of the Ex- pa
ltive office, even where a most exemplary son
in is the incumbent wa