Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1883-02-07
GOV. BATES APPOINrEEs
Agitation as 10 When Their
Terms Begin.



augurated two years ago the 10Th OF
last month, with the exception of the
warden Of the State prison, removing
Mr.. Blizzard and appointing Mr.. Wa
ters, he made no changes in Governor
Marks appointees for several months.
allowing them to hold over the two
years from which they were appointed
periods OF time varying from two or
three weeks to as mahy months. This
was especially the case with the Offices
OF Commissioner Of Agriculture and
Superintendent Of Prisons. The for
mer not being appointed until March
aud the latter late in May.
While it would be a violation of
constitutional principles to deprive
the Executive Of the power to remove
men be has the power to appoint, the
Legislature in creating these appoint
i've Offices clearly had in view that the
incumbents should hold for two years
IRON the time at which they are ap>
pointed, unless removed for good and
sufficient reasons, always provided the
term Of the incumbent marks the be-
ginning of new administration.
General Bate, in announcing his ap
pointment to these offices so early. did
not contemplate the violation of what
usage has made an established custom,
but was actuated by desire to escape
the torment Of Office seek Ors by giving
out early in his career who were to be
appointed. However,it seems that the
new officials are eager to take posses.
sion Of their new berths, and now the
whole business is in hot water, and
only the decision Of Attorney General
Lea, to whom the question has been
referred for his opinion, will settle the
matter
Mr.. MoWhirter, it seems, wanted to
get possession of his office so as to dis.
seminate among the farmers Of Ten
nessee, in time for their spring plant.
ing, bis ideas upon agriculture. DR..
Hawkins felt the State needed his ser
vices few weeks yet, and wouldn't 90,
and first the Governor and then the
Attorney General was appealed to. The
first official said any agreement the two
Commissioners shouldarrive at between
themselves would be satisfactory 10
him, aud the latter took the matter
uader adGsement, where t is to be
presumed he still has it, as no decision
has been rendered SO far as heard
from.
AT the penitentiary the case is some.
what different. AS soon as Governor
Bate was inaugurated, Warden Waters
resigned, several days before the two
years for which he was appointed had
expired. ThereupOn the newly APP
pointed warden came down and took
charge Of the Office. Mr.. Bennett,
Superintendent of prisons under Gov.
Hawkins, knowing his two years did
not expire for more than three months,
evinCed no disposition to resign,
and the affairs of the prison we're
thus under a republican superintend. &.
ent and democratic warden. But Col.
Carter, VINO had been appointed 10
Mr.. Benefits place, came here from
his home in Knoxville and wanted
his Office. Both the gentlemen called
on Gov Bate, and he told them the
attorney general could settle the
matter. When appealed to by Col
| Carter, it is said Attorney general
Lea advised that gentleman to visit
the prison and induce Col. Bennett 20
enter and there lock him ip. This
jocular remark put all parties in a
good humor, and it is likely no deci,
sion will be rendered, and that both
the commissioner of agriculture and
superintendent Of prisons will hold
office until the second anniversary OF
the day for which they we're appointed.