Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1882-09-28
PATTISON SPEAKS.
Abuses Pointed out and Needed lie
forms Indicated.

moss GOVERNMENT ININICAL TO FAITHFUL
PUBLIC sERvICE-PRoFUsE EXPENDITURE
NOT ONLY BURDESsoNE But GENETATEs
IN OFFICIALS A SPIRIT or PRoFLlGAcf-
OTHER POINTS.
PHILADELPHIA, September 20.-The re-
ception rendered to the Democratic
State candidates last night was grand
success. At least 700 invited guests,
representing the Democracy IN all parts
of the State, congregated in the elegant
rooms Of the Commonwealth Club to do
honor so Pattison, Clark, Black, Africa
and Elliott, all OF whom were present
and were greeted by an admiring throng.
For two hours, commencing at o'clock
leading Democrats took part in the levee,
interrupted only when Brinton Case
arose and delivered an address Of wei.
come.
At the conclusion Of Mr. Cases speech
Mr.. Pattison took commanding posi-
tion in the main room of the suite allot'
ted to the reception and made his open.
ing speech of the campaign. lie said
Mr.. President and Gentlemen:
thank the Commonwealth Club for this
tribute TO the State candidates. am
glad to be present at reception ten.
dered by an association which, as ! un.
derstand, had its origin in the desire
to assist in placing the Democratic par.
ty in Philadelphia in accord with the
popular demand for administrative re.
form and the publication Of the public
service. Ny engagements "a public
official have made it impossible for me
to embrace the many opportunities hith.
erto presented for meeting the people
throughout the State. | do not mean
to neglect the duties of one office Tor
the purpose OF being elevated to another.
/ can not resist feeling of difiidence
when contemplate the importance Of
the responsible office for which ! have
been named. The reflection which have
given 10 the subject has strengthened
my conviction OF the magnitude OF the
trust imposed upon the executive OF the
Commonwealth.
The people, through their constitution
have commanded that he "shall take
care that the laws are faithfully execu.
ted" This injunction carries with it a
weight Of meaning that grows in impor
tance with attentive consideration. II
means more than that the Governor
shall be mere automaton to sign his
name to acts OF legislation, nominate
men TO Office and draw his yearly salary.
The constitution invests him with the
highest and gravest responsibilities. BY
his veto. If faithfully and firmly excr.
cised, the Governor is a check upon
hasty, extravagant and pernicious legis
lation.s lie has the right to require an
account of their stewardship from the
heads Of all executive departments. The
Treasurer, Who ia the custodian oi the
peoples money the Auditor General.
who is the chief accounting officer Of the
Commonwealth, and the inspector Of
every draft drawn against the treasury (;
the Secretary OF Internal Affairs, who
has a general supervision OF the corpo-
rations Of the State and her business
aud material interests the Attorney.
General, the Superintendent OF Public
instruction. the Secretary of the Com.
monwealth-all are subject to the in.
quiry of the chief magistrate Of the peo-
pie charged with the faithful execution
Of the criminal law also is in his keep.
ing. By the inordinate exercise Of exec.
utive clemency the prison doors may be
opened and transgressoTs OF the law al.
lowed to escape just punishment. IL Is
a mistake to suppose that the favorable
decision of the Pardon Board is cOnclu.
sive upon the executive. The recon.
mendations of that board are advisory
only. BY the fundamental law the final
power to grant pardons is vested in the
Governor, who alone is responsible for
the exercise OF this grave duty.
take advantage Of this opportunity
10 say chat in my Judgment the issues Of
the coming election are confined with.
in the four corners of our State. BE.
tween Lake Erie and the Deleware and
from the northern tier TO the southern
border is to be found the reason for eve.
~ question legitimateiy entering into
che contest Amy attempt TO import
scsuea l. an effort to detract public at.
dentiou from the real questions involy.
ed in the campaign.
This occasion would not justify me in
making lengthy speech. II may be
fitting, however. that briefly state one
or two thoughts upon matters that i'm.
press me ~ imporlsnt for present pub.
lie consideration. One Of tho Rrayest
evils in our political system is the low
estimate Of duty held by public fune
tionaries. This arises from their failnre
10 recognize this fundamental idea OF
sonr government thntsa public Office X