The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-05-29

Governor Ferry Declares Its
Necessity.
Ne SEEKS NO OTHER OFFICE.


Constitutional Requirements
Governor Ferry, accompanied by Mrs
Ferry. Is spending . few days IN Seattle
attending TO private business. he viii
leave here today and participate in the
memorial services = Tacoma. He is very
much improved. in health and apparently
quite recovered from he nervous stress due
to overwork during the session OF the leg
isiature
The subject of the extra session Was
broached yesterday by . Posr-lSrELLi-
cEscEE reporter. and the governor ex-
pressed his conviction that it was ahso-
iuteiy necessary. He knew. he said. Of no
constitutional means by which the failure
70 pass an apportionment bill could, under
the circumstances, be remedied.
The constitution Is very clear in its di-
rections," said the governor. Article p
OF the constitution says that until other
wise provided by law, the state shall be di-
yided into twenty -four senatorial districts,
but some of those districts elect more than
one senator. Section 6 of Article says
that the senatorial districts shall be num-
bered consecutively, and the senators
chosen at the first election had by virtue
Of this constitution. in odd-numbered dis
tricts. shall go out OF Office at the end of
the first year.
According to that eighteen senator's
from odd-numbered sections 60 out of
Office, and that would only leave seventeen,
or less than majority. The constitution
also says that after the first election the
senator's shall be elected by single districts
of convenient or contiguous territory.
Now. King county, an odd-numbered dis
trict, elected five senators at the last cleo
ton, and as their successors must be
elected from single districts, legislative APP
portionment is absolutely necessary. The
constitution says further that at the first
session after such enumeration by the
United States the legislature shall appor-
ton and district anew the members of the
Senate and House.
II expect to call the legislature together
about August 20, but ii have not received
the census returns By that time it may be
little later. l shall in my call only mention
the apportionment bill as the occasion,
unless some now unseen emergency arises
requiring absolutely necessary legislation. :.
How long do you suppose the session
will last?"
II don't see any reason why the work
should not be done in a week. But the
legislature is not bound by the terms of my
call. Once called into action it is supreme.
and can enact such legislation as it chooses.
Some states. of which Illinois is one, have
q provision in the constitution limiting
the legislation of extra sessions to the sub
iect of the governors call, but we have no
such restriction.
Very few members seemed to realize
that the superintendent was imperative.
They seemed to regard my announcement
that | considered their failure to pass the
apportionment would compel an extra ses-
sion Is . threat But you will see that the
constitution demands certain action taken
which has not been provided for"
Your appointment OF q medical board
has been criticised in some quarters, Gov
ernor'
The character OF the appointees is,
feel convinced. quite beyond question. OBJ
lection has been made by some gentlemen
of the allopathic school because did not
give them greater representation on the
board; but the conclusion Iarrived at was,
i'll my opinion, and after careful considera-
ton. the best, and entirely in harmony
with the spirit Of the Law.
Tho object was to prevent quacks and
incompetent persons from coming into the
state and practicing medicine, and for the
purpose of ascertaining the fitness of prac-
titi0ners an examination is required. Now,
no standard is set up by the bill. nor can
any standard be set up. The bill only pro-
vides that majority OF the board may de-
clare We are not satisfied with your exam
ination, and board Of regulars. az they
call themselves, might. under such judy
ment, honestly express an opinion that
would bar a HON 1opathic, eclectic or
physio- medical candidate from practicing
in the state.
by putting only four allopaths-who
would probably always vote together-a
movable majority is created, because it is
highly improbable that the three other
schools would combine. as they are hardly
less antagonistic 10 each other than the al
lopa.hs are to them. There must be a
unison OF opinion upon q candidates fit
ness, since no majority can be made upon
ethical unanimisy.
'The law makes no distinction of schools.
and took that course which considered
would be most just.
MY only Objects to earn the good opinion
of my fellow-men for honest and conscien-
tious performance of my duty. have no
selfish ambition to crafty. would not be
candidate for any kind Of Office under
any circumstances.
Your name has been mentioned in con-
nection with the United States Senate"
You are at liberty to most positively
declare that under no possible combina.
ton of circumstances would i accept the
Office. am nearly IS years of age. and l
want to enjoy the remainder Of my life IN
leisure. The work OF the last session nearly
broke me down in health. No, hope 10
do my duty. but shall never accept An
other public office.