Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1881-07-19
HAS OUR SUPREME COURT A
REPORTER?

They were asked that question last
March, by the Executive Council. fney
have not vet answered 1t. Our Governor
served his notice upon Mr.. Spaulding that
he was removed. He had been appointed
in 1850, by Governor Davis, with the ao-
vice and consent of the Council, and COM
missioned TO hold his office ''for the term
of four years, unless sooner removed oy
the Governor and Council for the time
being" That is the exact language oil his
commission, signed by the Governor an'l
Secretary of State, aud be airing the seal OF
the State. His commission is not out. lt
has three years TO run. Our Governor hau
hardly got warm in his seat before ne
aimed his blow at the Court, through the
Reporter, by attempting Col. Spauluihg
removal, by nominating successor
Without consulting with Major Hastings,
he nut him in nomination. The Councii
rejected him-not rom any objection 10
Major Hastings, because they knew nilh
qualified, bat because, as they distinctly
told the Governor, they should not consent
IN removals except for cause. In any case
where charges were filed, or cause alleged
they would imp9rtially hear and decide
They did so in one case, and consented u
a removal OF a Republican oihce-holuer'
before his term was out. No charges were
made against Col. SpaUldiug HIS attempt
ed removal was entirely upon polltlca'
e,-ounds. and 30 stated by the GoVernor
himself. He asked Republican Council
chosen by a Republican Legislature, %
assist him in the removal OF Il iaithiu'
Republican officer, whose term was only
quarter out. 10 give place 10 Democrat
The Council refused 70 DO 1t and rejected
the nomination, whereupOn the Governor
claimip. the power Of removal without
,he consent OF the Council, notified Mr.
Snaul,iin, that he was then and thereby
removed. and nominated his law-partner
Mr.. smith. OF Bangor, 10 uu the vacancy
Tins claimed 10 have been created by tht
Governors act alone. Was there NacHu-
" 10 he filed. Was the Court without "a
rrporterg II vacancy existed it was thc
dnty of the Council 20 confirm any suit
able nomination. rnot, then they decline
20 help remove, aud thus create vacancy
Az that juncturc the Council stated Their
objections Ia the Governor. and asked him
- ioin them in requesting The Court -
decide the question for them. lie declined
The Council submitted the question. II
has not vet been answered Col. Spauid-
INV. INl Spite OF kllt NN'f'' siN't -
n,It ha. continued 10 an the Office and
discharge - duties. The Court has per-
mittcd him % do 50 for three months, COW
erin. the Law terms ut Augusta and Ban
ror. His quarter, salary became due on
the III instant The Council voted q war
rant ON The Treasury for hi> pay. Ihr
Governor refused - sign the warrant anu
there the matter stands today. The Gov
crpor sly> he has removed Mr. Sp3uidiuS.
who saws he isn't removed, and the Court
treat, hiln - their officer, thus disregard
tn. the claim Of removal and he goes on
serving tine State without being able To
ret any pay. - thr Governor snaps MS
h1u,r, iu tue Courts face auJ ~1y~ on
may recognize Mr.. SpaU,liu- - Your on
c,r. but won't BE-, him draw his Na.lry.
The Council - awaiting the action ot IN"
Court and resisting the attempt OF The
Governor - make other removals Tor Ike
cause. Ifihc Governor Is right The Coun-
ell are mere ob,tructioui>->; u wrong
then ne : usurPer, boldly DEFY ~ the
Court and it, authority .-BWy'r h'g.