The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1884-03-11
.rvpCE OF rACoUIER.
TWO IMPORTANT MATTERS.
A Few Words TO the General Assembly.

A Few Words 10 the General Assembly.
To the Editor of the Dispatch
In taking survey of the field Of legis-
Iaiion that opened upon and for the gen.
cral good demanded the attention OF the
General Assembly, it will be readily per-
ceiyed that much has been accomplished to
remedy the nOXiOus legislation OF the re-
cent past and TO restore the interests OF the
Commonwealth to their natural and legitl-
mate guardianship. Yet II is apparent,
even TO the most casual observer, that
much remains to be done TO restore pris-
tine purity IN the administration OF the
government. A measure that would be
more potential in thar direction than any
thing ! have seeen suggested has, so
far as nv information extends, failed
to become a law. alude to the bill in lrO-
duced by Mr.. Pollard prohibiting the par
ljcipation OF certain officers in politics.
The evil resulting from the interference
and mtermeddlng in politics OF the officers
named IN Mr.. Pollard's bill, even aside
from the inevitable neglect OF official duty
that must be occasioned thereby, ia a cry
ing one that appeals in trumpet tones to
the law-making power for immediate cor
rectiOn.. In the name of the good people
OF his Commonwealth who have been
lorded over by the petty sltraps OF
party, earnestly invoke the atten-
ton OF the Legislature TO this most i'm
portant subject. There is another matter
which, through inadveTtence or oversight,
has escaped the attention OF this as well as
preceding Legislatures, to which | con-
ceive It will only be necessary to direct the
attention OF the General Assembly to in
sure speedy and proper legislation in the
premises. | allude to the fact that there Is
now no law on the statute-book which pro-
hibts person holding at the same time
the offices Of county superintendent OF
schools and that of supervisor. The law
prohibits a district school trustee from
holding the Office OF supervisor, but Is
silent as TO the county superintendent OF
schools. 1t is the duty Of the superintendent
to make estimates Of the amount necessary
TO be raised by taxation for the support OF
schools, and TO present his estimates TO the
Board OF supervisors for allowance and
levy. The superintendent, who holds also
the office OF supervisor. thus fixes the rate
OF taxation to be imposed on property,
and applies to himself TO allow and levy
for the rate he has previously determined
two offices in the same person is so mani
fest that it is strange indeed, even in these
degenerate times. that men should be
found so devoid OF the finer instincts
as to be willing to occupy 4 posi-
ton so indelicate aud improper. Never
theleSs, they are to be found. |
am credibly informed that in several cOun-
ties Of this Commonwealth the two offices
are held by the same individuals who affect
to see no improperly in doing so. Let the
Legislature learn these obtuse gentry les
son by enacting a law prohibiting the same
person from holding the two offices at one
time; and further, that the acceptance OF
the last office shall operate as Il vacation Of
the office first qualified to. Ii is earnestly
hoped that the Legislature, in the hurry
and confusion incident to the closing days
of the session. will not neglect or over
look matter Of such grave importance to
the taxpayers OF several counties of this
Commonwealth. Sound policy as well IS
common decency demands such an enact
ment. OHIO.