The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1886-10-21

The New Co0og1S0saO0.
The flea Of the Monticello Constellation
Of last year contain q series Of commuui-
Gated articles discussing the new Consti-
tuition shortly after the adjournment OF
the Convention. From The issue of that
paper dated August %, 1885. we copy
the following as bearing upon the chief
objection made in the black belt coun-
ties, TO wit: that they Will be liable to
suffer il county Offices should pass from
the control of the democrats. In former
issues of the FLoRrDrAN we have directed
attention to the complete safeguards
thrown about the interests of the people
in the exhaustive provisions of the Arti-
cles of che new Constitution in reference
to the competency of county officials, their
bonds and their liability to immediate sus-
pension for any dereliction of duty, NAL
feasance, or vicious conduct:
VIEWS ON THE NEW CONSTITUTION.
Correspondence Of the constitutional
While public opinion is shaping as 10 the mer-
its OF the proposed new Constitution, It may not
be out Of place 10 consider the most important
and perhaps the only serious objection that has
been urged against it
II this objection is plainly presented il is sim
ply this: that there is danger under it OF The
election OF Republican county officials in some
OF the counties where that party is in The major
ity. Those who are familiar with the political
history of Florida from 1853 to 1875 fully com
prehend what this means and II is not 70 be won
dered at that they dread a renewal of the evils
that we had TO endure during that period.
Ii must, however, be borne in mind, that the
Convention was not q partisan body-it could
not legisate against political parties. Even if it
had attempted to do so, indirectly, as did the
Convention Of 1868, when, through the appoint
ing power it undertook TO grasp every Office in the
State except that of Constable. the result would
probably have been similar to that which fol-
lowed the former experiment. Nothing con-
tributed more to their loss of power than these
very appointments, and when their candidate for
Governor was defeated in 1876, the whole army
of Republican of1ce-hOders vert out of power
Such contrvances generally end in annoying
the inventor, for the day of disaster and defeat
is almost sure to come sooner or later.
The recent Convention became necessity
because the people had grown wearyot this ap-
pointing power. The Democratic counties feared
that in case of a single political disaster they
might lose control oil their county affairs. The
nearer government is 10 the people, the dearer it
is, and the demand for change became so loud
that the party leaders were compelled to heed it,
The State Convention at Pensacola recognized
IT, Our candidate for Governor advocated it
wherever he addressed the Democratic masses
during the campaign, and the result was an over
whelming msjoriy for the Convention.
In the Convention there was no division of
sentiment among the Democrats upon the Ques
ton OF electing the county officers. All saw that
the demands ofihe Democratic counties were rea-
sOnable, and even those who had been elected
from counties which are close. or generally Re-
publican, yielded the general question and only
asked for protection.
Protection from what? Certainly not from
Repubcanism They knew that there could he no
legislation against party and they had no right
to ask or expect it, and they did not. But they
did have right to ask legislation against ire
spOnsible Office holders, whether Democrats or
Republicans, against incompetency, against ig-
norance, against crime These are not bounded
by party lines, and those affected by such legisla-
ton and its impartial execution have no Just
ground OF complaint
The history OF the past proved that it was un-
safe to trust the financial interests of the coun
ties in the hands of County Commissioners who
are irresponsible, ignorant or dishonest. A sin
gle bad man, with incompetent associates may
lead whole Board astray, and ruin the financial
Interests of Il county for a generation. Neither
are such men fit TO have control OF the elective
machinery. 1t was deemed safe to put these i'm
pOrtant interests under the entire control Of the
State Administration. and SO the County Com
missioners were made appointive. There was
no other way 10 have entire control over them
The law requires them TO give no bond and in
many counties The majority OF the voters have
not yet proved that they comprehend the full
measure of their responsibilities as citizens.
The attention Of your readers has already been
directed to the sections of the new instrument
which require the newly elected officer to give
good and sufficient bond, approved by the Board
OF County Commissioners, before he can enter up
on his duties, and to the provs ons which re-
qulre him to be the bona fide officer, and not a
mere sham, lending his name to another who is
unable TO stand the test of popular vote. (Art.
VIII, Sec. z, and Art. XVI, Sec. 49, A careful
study of these sections will prove conclusively
that no man can fill any county office who does
not enjoy the confidence Of the business interest of
the county 10 which he lives Unless enough OF
the responsible citizens assist in making The bond
required by law within sixty days, the Office be-
comes vacant, and the Governor fills il by ap
pointment. And the surities on the bond can
get none of the emoluments of the Office.
OF course there are counties where it is pos
sible for Republicans to meet these requirements.
II is possible for them to select competent men,
who are entirely responsible, and who can be
elected and give bonds that are good and that
the County Commissioners will approve. The
Convention made no attempt to keep such men
ont of Office by legislation. But let either party
put forward the ignorant, the irresponsible, the
vicious, and though there may be a numerical
majority at the polls 10 elect them these whole
some restraints will be an insurmountable ob-
stacle between those so elected and the offices
they strive TO reach.
There is still another item of protection if
after the office-holder gives his bond and enters
upon his Office he neglects his duty, or commits
felony, or is guilty Of drunkenness. or is found
10 be incompetent, the Governor has authority
to suspendhim until the next session OF the Leg
islature and to make an I'D interim appointment,
and when the Legislature convenes, the Cover
nor, with the consent OF the Senate, can remove
the offending or incompetent officer and fill his
place for the residue OF the term. Art. ". Sec
Ia
S. P
Death of Conductor Warden.
Last Friday David L. Warden, passenger conductor on