Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-04-15
COMMUNICATED.

lSOMMUNlCA1ED.
The want of concert of action between
the democratic members of the Board of
Public Works, when the boards of the elee-
mosynary institutions were appointed, is a
matter of grave concern TO all well-wishes
for the prosperity of the State and OF the
democratic party.
The action of the Legislature, in taking
the appointing power out of the hands of
the Governor and placing that power in the
hands of this board can only be justified
upon the ground that there was public
necessity for a change, growing out Of the
fact that the official action of those boards,
appointed by the Governor, had resulted in
serious detriment to the institutions, and
that there was consequent demand on the
part of the People for radical change.
The Legislature, III exercising this un-
usual power, confidently expected that the
democratic members of the board would act
| in perfect and complete accord, and by their
judicious selection Of the members of the
new boards, vindicate the wisdom of the
Legislature, and through it, of the demo
cratic party, in making this change. The
Legislature looked to Auditor Marye and
Treasurer Barksdale to see that such seec-
lions were made, as would ensure 81 COM
pIete change from the coalition manage
ment OF those Institutions, aud that the new
management inaugurated by them, would,
by honesty, skill, efficiency and siugleness
OF purpose, present so striking and favorable
contrast to that which it succeeded, that in
ir7would be full viudicaton of the act of
the Legislature.
The Legislature acted upon The SUPPOSE
ton that the Governor would be ut variance
10 them, and would try TO retain as much
rs possible of his former handiwork, but
there was an expectation, amounting to
assurance, that Messrs Barksdale and
Marys would defeat him, in toto, in all
such efforts and, further, if the Legis-
lature had not felt assured that such would
be their course, it is my opinion the change
would not have been made, or else, others,
upon whom it could rely, would have been
selected to carry out its will.
Now at the very commencement of their
work in this direction it appears there was
serious difference of opinion between them,
and that those differences were not adj listed,
and that in consequence the Object had in
view by the Legislature is seriously en-
dangered, if not defeated
Mr.. Barksdale's card to the public is not
| by amy means satisfactory to me. tits clear
that if two democrats had agreed upon GER
tain cOalltiOnists, who were to he placed
on the boards, that, though they may
vote together at the meeting of the board
for Z or s Of the H. their disagreement
upon the other three or four may entirely
change the complexion Of the whole Board
and virtually give control TO the coalitionisls,
or if not give them control, make the Board
so incongruous in its clements as to destroy
its efficiency for good. The statute requr-
ing appointments to be made with refer
cnce solely to fitness and business qualifca-
tons, without regard to party affiliations"
should not certainly be construed to mean
that. under any circumstances the coalition
lists might be left in control, for coalition
! control means a continuance of that man
agement which such radical measures had
been resorted to, TO break up.
do not wish TO cast blame in any special
quarter, for do not know where it should
rest, but if it should turn out, that there is
no Improvement in the management Of the
Institutions, then the party in selecting that
| Board as the appointing power, committed
Il serious blunder and somebody will be held
to heavy accountability. Let us hope
those gentlemen who hold so high place
in the esteem Of The democratic party will
reconcile their differences before it is too
late and all may yet be well.
The public do not care who are selected
as the heads OF the institution SO that they
are men Of standing, known for honesty, ad
ministratve ability, technical knowledge
and experience, and if such are appointed
the country will be satisfied, and not other
wise. S.