Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-08-22
THE COUNCIL AND GOVERNOR.

Deen disseminated. ne writer says -
The differences between Gov. Plais-
ted and the Council began as soon as he
was qualified. For years it has been
the custom for the Council to select a
Messenger by the adoption of an order
naming the man, the order being pre-
Sented by some member of the Council.
Major House had served the previous
Council in that capacity, and the present
one desiring to continue his services, an
order to that effect was passed, but Gov.
Plaisted refused to approve it, because
he desired to have his own son employed
as Messenger and Private Secretary.
The Council desired TO retain House be-
cause he was familiar with the duties
and was deserving and needy soldier,
whose scars are the testimonials OF his
valor in the field On the other hand
the Governors son, while a worthy Young
man, is incapacitated by deafness.
Moreover. the Councillors felt a dellcacy
about having the Governors son wait
upon them as a Messenger who does
his duty should. Details are unnecessary.
The Governor was permitted TO have his
son for his Messenger and Private Secre-
tary and upon the favorable reports of the
Council he has been allowed 10 draw pay,
while the Councillors have had no mes
senger-a thing unknown in the history
Of the State Heretofore the council
have always chosen the messenger.
Speaking Of other appointments the
writer says
To Aug lst Governor Plaisted has
made 9S3 nominations. OF these the
Council has rejected 50. The 90 NOM
nations rejected represent 50 different
persons, Of whom were republicans
who had been appointed to take the
places Of other republicans whose terms
had not expired, in accordance with what
appears 10 have been a purpose to cause
mischief. a word His Excellency has
publicly used on more than one occasion.
The only important Offices that are vacant
to-day are those Of one Justice Of the Su-
preme Court. two Municipal Judges, one
Trusteeship and two Sheritts. These
vacancies cause no interruption Of pub
lie business
WITHOUT giving cause, without
asking the advice, Of the Council, and
without even seeking It's consent, Gov
Piaisted has attempted TO remove TWEEN
weigh; officers, some Of which are the
most impor,an; in the State subject 10
Executive appointment. The terms of
most OF these officers are period ofyearS
unless sooner removed, or during the
pleasure Of the Executive. not TO exceed
q given term Of years. In no case did
the Governor assign a cause for removal.
Indeed. none could be invented, because
the ircumbouts in every case were men
ofcharac;eI and experience. The remov-
as were attempted 70 make room for
political friends
Thus far during the term Of Gov.
Plsis,ed twelve vacancies Of what may
be termed important offices and trustee
ships have occurred by reason Of exPir-
atious OF terms Of service. Ofthe twelve,
ten have been filed and two remain Va
cant OF the ten filed, six ofthe appoin-
tees aye tusiOni>tS. two are republicans
and two are womcn-the four latter be
ing Of the least importance. SIX vacan-
cies have occurred by the expiration Of
The terms Of Municipal Judges IN as many
republican cities. The Governor noml-
mated fu>ioni>ts in every instance. -Four
Of those appointed have been confirmed,
and two have been rejected for reasons
which every intelligent man would deem
10 be sufficient, But in the cases where
the nominations have been rejected no
embarrassment, in the administration of
Justice can result. because Trial Justices
are authorized TO act in case OF vacancies.
The writer gives in detail all the civ
cumstaGccS connected with the attempt
10 drop Judge Libby and other officers,
and concludes as follows -
The Governors organs assert daily
that the Council constantly takes pains
20 show is contempt for that official, and
has lost no opportunity to interfere with
the proper conduct of the public service.
The charge is false. The Council, on
the contrary. has treated Gov. Plsisted
with personal courtesy. 1t has never
failed 10 consult his convenience relative
20 the time and manner Of performing
certain duties. Il has simply resisted
his ercroachmeutS when it was necessary,
and in many things has Welded rights
established by custom in order to pre-
vent confusion in public business. In
deed, it has gone beyond ordinary couI-
tesy in allowing bills presented by him
for the compensation Of members OF his
somewhat numerous military staff, not
only when on actual duty, but when
they have attended His Excellency on
occasions Of receptions and balls. Re
publican governors have not been accus-
toned TO present such bills for payment,
but there Is no accounting for the pecu-
liar manifestations of fusion economy,
which. must be so gratifying 20 the
plain people.
- Not 50 with Gov. Plais;ed He
has shown himself trihing, captious, ex-
asperating and arbitrary in his treatment
Of the Council he has denied that body
rights which its predecessors have a.
ways enjoyed he has denied its right
70 meet and adjourn, in defence of pre-
cedent and law; he has usurped the
functions of the Council by attempting
10 remove officers without its consent he
has given 10 the Constitution the most
forced and unnatural construction in