Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-06-27
ExECUTIVE CLEMENCY AND AP-
POINTHEN

Since the foundation OF the government
the Governors Of the several States have
been greatly embarrassed in the exercise of
the pardoning and the appointing power.
Every man who has served as chief execu-
tive of a State tells The same story 81 70
the dissatisfaction WI ich the exercise of
these powers is sure to occasion. Gen.
tlemen OF refined senaibility will readily re-
alizs the embarrassment of Governor in
making appointments to Office when all the
applicants are worthy and all of them are his
personal aud political friends. The duty ia
full Of delioacy and endorsements. The ex-
ecuive is forced 10 select between valued
friends whose friendship is highly priced,
aul knowing his course will produce an
enlargement he is often tempted to resign
and made to regret that he ever accepted
position which places him in the attitude If
seeming ipfdslIty TO Lifelong friends. If pos-
sibIe, the parGonirg poTer is fraught with
sill greater embarr AS mepls. 1t is easy for
men TO talk about not Interfering with the
stern mandates Of memorable Law, but when
placed in power they are sure to lean 10 the
side Of mercy, and the world ia disposed to
forgive errors committed in a spirit Of COM
passion. This is tribute to the nobleness
OF human nature. So prone are the chief
ex' cutIyes Of the States to yield 10 he tesrs
II mothers, wivss, sisters and children, th at
many Of the States hSve created Board of
Pardons, thus relieving the Governor Of a
rsspon,ibility which, if left to one man, is
likely be exerci.ed ia mercy. Every Gov
ernor, more or less, exercises the pardoniug
pow invested in him for wise and humane
purposes, but the opposition is almost sure TO
max this pretext for asssiing the admin
isuS.ion 10 which they are hostile. Gov Black
burn LOT Kentucky, has been bitterly denouncyd
for pardoniogs 60 many of the convic,s GRO wded
il penitentiary the abode of dissase,
cruelty and death. A committee was ap.
pointed to investigate the matter, and he was
sustained. Colquilt and Stephens, of Geor-
gis, were charged with a too free use Of The
p,rdouiug power. But they were su.tained
By the people, Il is not therefore surpris-
lug nat those who Wish 10 ind fault with
Gov. Bate should resort to the stale device of
complaining about his exercise OF the par.
doning power. 1t is true his nature is SYM
pathstic Astounding in mercy and tenderness
for the distressed, but he has never granted
apiIdon no. justified By petitions, which if
he b d not respected would have made him
a cruel tyrant, placing his own opinion
abovs the pubic sentiment which united in
appealing to mis- clemency. The GallaIin
EramulG, which supported Fussell in the
last Gubernstorial election, takes the view
aud says:
number OF journals are on their ears in regard
to the paIdons granted by Coz. Bate. We fail 10
- that any of Them put their fingers any that
OF too much elemency are not in order, unless 1t
could be shown that any or all OF them were i'm
oparly pardoned. We understand that the Gov
properly gives great weight to the recommended
lions OF the JUDGES aud attorney generals who tried
neces ariIy act upon Information, and we have no
doubt that ne is iudicious in his conclusions in
each case. We dIdn { support or vote for him. and
are not expected TO defend his administration but
we know enough OF him to know that he is doing
bis cuty with fidelity TO his oath, and that he is
incapable of any official act that does OF compot
with the highest standard of right. To this ex-
tent We expect 10 be supporter VI his admins
tTation, though we did diner hugely on the mat
ter OF the Stale debt. He may make some mis-
takes, but 1t will be free from corruption and
marked by purity ana patriotism. No one will
ever have 10 defend Gov. Bate upon a charge Of
malfeasance in once.
The hue and cry raised against Gov. Bate
al out paidons, shows the utter desperation
OF those who are hunting ior pretexi for
assailiDg him. He is amply fortified in all
the pardoDs he has granted. Those who are
seeking an opportunity 10 carp at his official
acts must hunt for other Pretexs. The fret
ak months Of Gov. Bates admiDislr alton has