The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1884-03-15
TWO MORE vETOES.
GOVERNoR CAMERON OBJECTS
He Doesn't Want DR.. Blanton Voted Out, o.
the Falmouth Frec-Bridge Troubied-On'

He Doesn't Want DR.. BIanton Voted Out, or
the Falmouth Free-Bridge Troubied-One
Veto NulIined.
The following was sent the Senate yes
terday, and by that body the bill in ques-
tion was passed over the Governors veto
ayes, 10; noes. 9; and the House, later,
likewise passed it-nyes, 81; noes, lS:
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA,
GovERNOR's OFFICE,
RICHMOND, March IA, 1884. )
To the Senate Of Virginia:
Returned herewith, without my sigma
ture, Is Senate Bill No. 345, entitled an act
TO amend and re-enact sections and OF
an act approved March 80, 1877, entitled
an act to establish department OF agricul-
ture, mining, and manufacturing for the
State. No suggestion has been made OF
any reason for changing the mode Of ap-
pointment prescribed by the existing sta
tute. No allegation is made OF any abuse
Of the appointing power by the Executive.
am forced to conclude that the bill under
consideration is simply designed to reduce
the authority and prerogatiyes OF the Gov
ernor.
The present occupant Of the Office Of
Commissioner OF Agriculture, &C.. was
nominated on the urgent recommendation
OF large and representative element OF
the farming class; and the nomination WIS
confirmed by the Senate in 1882, so far as 1
am informed, without dissenting voice.
In my judgment the duties OF the position
have been performed with ability, energy.
and honesty. In my opinion the public
interests under charge OF this department
have been vigilantly guarded, and every
effort has been made consistent with the
law to develop and promote them. Ger
tainly no complaint has come from those
most directly concerned.
The authority Of the Governor to ill this
position is restricted by the condition that
his action shall be taken "by and with the
advice and consent Of the Senate" cam
not see that any further limitation Of the
Executive power is necessary or proper.
II it has been abused censure can be ap-
piled in more direct form; il not. change
Of the law must imply censure that is not
deserved. The Office is not one OF any pO-
litical Importance in 4 party sense. The
Commissioner OF Agriculture has no pa
trOnage TO dispense. The present Com
missioner, when appointed, was already
the chosen head of q nOn-political Organi
Zaton claiming to speak for the majority
OF the land-holders and farmers OF Nir-
ginia. His selection originally was not
dictated by partisan motives. And these
statements lead legitimately TO the follow
ing conclusions:
That the Governor must renew his re-
commentator Of an officer who has faith
fully discharged his public obligation.
That the Governor cannot view with ap-
proval bill which, whatever It's purpose,
must be construed as a reflection upon the
administration Of the Executive depart
mems.
That it is a dangerous, If not fatal, pre-
cedent to be set in this era OF political
transition to declare when the nominating
power Of the Executive conflicts with the
right OF confirmation or rejection by the
Senate, remedy shall be found in taking
away from the Governor all control Of
those executive affairs TO which personal
supervision is necessary, and for which
during the interval between legislative
sessions some one should be directly re-
sponsible.
Should such policy be pursued il will
be found, fear, and perhaps too late for
any cure sufficiently prompt that efficiency
OF administration has been sacrificed to a
distribution of power, and that relief from
responsibility will have left the Executive
without the duty or power to watch over
the details Of the government, or to direct
the operations of subordinate officers.
These views are communicated rather
with reference to the Office Of Governor,
and to the permanent relation / think that
officer should hold to the other branches OF
government, than from any considerations
which can or should apply TO the present
incumbent OF that office. My tenure OF it
will be temporary. The Constitution for
bids reelection.
Ii with each variation in public senti-
ment the relations to each other OF the
three coordinate branches OF the govern
ment Of the Commonwealth are to be
changed, "GOd save the Commonwealth"
[Signedl WILLIAM f. CAMERON.
The Governor also returned to the
Senate without his signature Senate bill TO
amend an act to establish ferry or n
bridge across the Rappahannock river at
OF near the town OF Falmouth, &C., ana
in giving his reasons said:
- believe this bill, were it to become
a law, would involve the county in costly
litigation over contracts already entered
into, and would result in the loss to the
county Of the money already appropriated
by the Board Of Supervisors, without Civ
ing the community any increased bridge
facilities therefor"
This bill (and Veto was under consldera-
ton when the Senate adjourned. Mr..
Heaton had the floor and gave way TO That
motion.