Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1886-03-18

cry essential point, the Democratic Ad'
rocate agrees with our argument against
a law proposing to increase the local
Legislative prerogatives Of County Com
lnissioners.
Our argument Was based upon the
presumption that the persons filling
those offices would in point Of intelli-
gence remain in the future Of like
kind as in the past. the term of their
incumbency and the emoluments re-
manning the same and in the advocates
first article there was nothing to ad-
wise us of any proposed change other
than an addition to their prerogatives
and this certainly would not, per Sc, in
sure the application Of a superior set of
men for the Offices.
The plan suggested however is that
the law should be so modified as to re-
duce the number of County Commits
sioners to three, they to be elected for
six years; the first set to be elected, one
for two, one for four and one for six
wears and one thereafter at each bl.
ennial election.
The lessened number and extended
period of incumbency would assuredly
add to the emoluments of the office,
hence, the very object shown by us to
be desirable would be attained, the in
ducement to able men to seek the of
foe. We would very much dislike to
occupy a false position regarding the
possible local influences that have ex-
erted themselves in the matter Of the
making up of our opinion and the real
merit of such Influences had probably
better be made patent by us, to the end
that the Adrocate's suggestion that our
judgement may be influenced by local
matters may become very proper
fact.
A fair opinion of the merit Of all
statements made one week ago and of
the virtue Of our opposition to the en-
largement Of the powers Of Comfy
Commissioners as they are may be made
up from the following statement
One member of the present Board of
County Commissioners of Frederick
County, in our presence and that OF
several other competent witnesses, rs,
tilted himself in voting for late Tax
Collector Padgett upon the grounds
that he (Padgett( would be of service
to him (said Commissioner in the sale
of his machinery.
Now when the Office of Co. Commits
sioner is held at so low an estimate
that it is possible for men of such NOR
al and mental calibre to aspire and sue
coed thereto, not once but again by re
election, it strikes us. that their duties
should be rigldly and plainly laid down
by the law and their discretionary pow
ers should be limited to zero, unless we
wouldhave Our county affairs managed
something after the order Of those in
the Land Of Chance, that Hated saw in
his dream.
THE CLARIoNs objections are upon
the grounds that the office Of Co. Com.
missioner as now constituted is objec-
tionable on various grounds and that
until the emo.umeDts and we will say
incumbency thereof make it superior
Office to hold, it will continue to be
filed by men Of mediocrity, relieved by
occasional honorable exceptions, hence
it is not advisable to augment their
rights and prerogatives.
First remodel the office, its holding,
character and emolument; adding to the
length of time of holding the Office; in.
crease the personal responsibility by
]essening the number; increase and bet.
ter systematic the sittings of the
Board; frame the law SO that such mis-
cradle subterfuges as now prevail in
The matter of the salary of the Office be
rot necessary; pay a salary that will
insure the attention Of capable men;
then, and only then, place additional
powers in their hands.