The comet., 1881-07-23
THE DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
OF A GOVERNOR.


A good deal of nonsense has been
uttered In reference to the sort of per-
son who should be Governor. The
remark has frequently been made
that such man is the very one to be
Governor, because he would be ag-
gressive and wide awake, and would
accomplish great things, with other
simi ar absurd claims in favor of the
lavorite urged for Governor. We pro-
pose to examine the question, what
are the powers and duties of Governor,
as ordained by the constitution? In
| him resides the chief executive power
of the State. He is commander-in
chief of the army and navy of the
State, and of the militia except when
in the service of the United States
and has power to call for the militia to
execute the laws, repel invasion and
suppress riots and insurrections. He
may require information in writing
from the officers in the executive de-
par:ment on any subject relating to
the duties of their respective offices.
He may convene the Legislature in
cases of emergency, and in case of
disagreement between the two houses
as to the time of adjournment, may
adjourn them. 1t is his duty TO give
the Legislature information of the state
Of the government (of the State and
recommend TO their consideration such
measures as he may deem necessary
and eXpedient. He is to see that the
laws ale faithfully executed. He may
grant reprieves and pardons, and re-
nit fines, and with the consent of the
Senate may remit forfeitures. He is
to keep the great seal of the State,
and use it officially. He is to appoint
certain officers and issue to them COM
missions under the great seal. He is
to approve and sign bills and concur
rent resolutions passed by both houses
of the Legislature and signed by their
presiding officers and presented to
him, or return them with his objec-
tions, to the house in which they Or
iginated.
From the complete enumeration of
the constitutional powers and duties Of
Governor, it is manifest that the Of
flee is an important one, and has an
nexed to it great power and RESPONSE
bility and duties, but it is made clear
that except in the matter of seeing
tnat the laws are executed, and in
giving information and making rec
concentrations to the Legislature, his
power and duties are negative rather
than positive, and he is to be passive
and not active. The idea that
great things may be accomplished
by aggressive action by the Cover
nor is Il mistaken one Information
may be given to the Legislature
and measures may be recommended
to its consideration from the editorial
chair, through the columns of a news
paper, or by circulars, as well as from
the Governors Office. 1t is the duty
of the Governor to recommend. 1t is
the privilege Of every other person to
do SO, and IL Is certain that wise
measure would meet as much favor i'm
the Legislature when brought to its
notice by a citizen not in Office as
when recommended by the Governor.
Regard would be had to the measure,
and not to the source from which it
was recommended.
The capacity of any of the distin-
uished editors of this State to accom-
pish great things for the State, would
be in no degree enlarged by being
made Governor, so far as giving in-
to the Legislature of the
state of the government, and recon-
for its consideration meas
lres deemed eXpedient. In the mat
Ter of seeing that the laws are faith
FULLY executed, as there is but one path
10 pursue, the thought is not to be in
lulged that there could be any differ
ence in the ac ton of different incum-
Dents of the Office of Governor. 1t is
that any Governor would
Employ promptly the whole power of
he State TO enforce the law when
necessary. The same may be said as
o many Of the other powers and
luties of the Governor. The course
$ 50 plain and fenced in by law, that
10 one can err therein or 90 astray, If ,
ne takes the law for his guide.
1t is therefore apparent that good
ense, fair nttlligence, honesty, firm
less and habits Of industry and atten-
ion to business, with high sense Of
ialobligation, and duty and fidel-
ty TO the Constitution and laws, con- ,
titute the important requisites of ,,
Governor, and that there is not much
Iemand for brilliancy or aggressive
less. There is many brilliant man,
nd ready writer and astute party
manager, who would make but an in
ifferent Governor.