The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1881-12-31
Reprehensible Tactics.

Governor Hamilton, according to the
Baltimore 1G,cricdn, a journal which seems
to be posted on the movements and lnten-
tons of the Governor, has concluded to
use the patronage of his office to force upon
the Legislature his peculiar ideas of reform.
The Hagerstown Nail, which is regarded
as the Governors mouthpiece, puts forth a
similar intimation. In a threatening man
ner it reminds the Democratic leaders that
the Governor IS the appointing power of
great number of offices, and suggests if his
nominees are not confirmed by the Senate,
he can fill the places after the adjournment
when no confirmation will be needed. 1t
says:
''But what if the Senate do refuse to confirm
the appointments of the Executive The
Governor, after the first appointee for par
tcular Office is rejected, can wait until the
adjournment of the Legislature and then APP
point some one else who need not be confirm
ed. What the Governor will do IN reference
to his appointments this winter, we do not
know. He, no doubt, will ito as he thinks
right in conscientious discharge ofhis official
duties and as best subserSes the interests OF
the people and promotion of good government.
But we do know, or at least think we know,
what his friends Will advise him to do-and
that is to see that his own patronage Is not
used against him that he appoint no man to
Office wha is not in favor Ofgood government,
order and honesty, and in favor of the reforms
promised And further, that the recOmmen-
tlations of his traducers and of those who have
already deceived him, and of those who choose
to further oppose him in his honest efforts to
reform abuses and correct wrongs, shall amount
10 nauoht. This will be the advice ofthe Gov
ernor's friends. 1t should not be forgotten
that he is the appointing power OF great num-
Der of offices"
Governor Hamilton. then, according tC
these journals, proposes to carry his pecu-
liar reform (?) measures, and will use the
patronage of his Office to furt her them. In
fact he intends to buy what support tol
them he can with the tender Of offices IN
his gift, Such is the position Of the Exec
utive. He is determined to carry out his
ideas. and will prostitute his office to that
end This is the high plane upon which
the great Reform (?) Governor Of Mary
land is to stand
Such conduct upon the part of Governor
Hamilton, if he should attempt it, would
deserve and should receive the severest rep
rehension. His views were presented tc
the Legislature two years ago, and 50 OBJ
iectionable and unreasonable were many
that they failed to command the support Of
more than corporals guard Of the entire
one hundred and twelve members Last
spring he again presented his views TO the
public upon the stump, through the pres
and by pamphlet and the Legislature has
been elected with full knowledge Of them
Should the Legislature, which is soon tt
meet, not favor his proposed measures, he
should not undertake to buy or drive them
with the patronage Of his Office They will
reflect the views of their constituencies and
carry out their wishes. Any attempt to
influence them by patronage to pursue a
different course would constitute an offence
which the constitution empowers the leg
stature to take cognzance Of.