The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1891-04-17
SENATOR HERRING SPEAKS.
HE ANSWERS THE MISGUIDED CRITICS
OF GOV. PATTISoN.


"Quite an unnecessary alarm pre-
vades portion of the republican press
of this state at the present time, as to
what action Governor Pattison will
take as to the commissions of the
state librarian, superintendent of pub
lie instruction and factory inspector" "
Thus spoke Senator Herring, of Col
umbia county, last Mon lay night, and
then he continued:
"The appointments for these offices
were made by Governor Beaver and
their nominations were confirmed by
the senate on the goth day of January,
1901. In their anxiety the republi-
cans are charging bad faith upon the
governor or upon the democratic sena
tors. This is very unjust as well as very
unkind. Prior to the Inauguration Of
Governor Pattison the republican
senators were apprehensive that the
democratic senators, composing more
than one-third of the senate, would
refuse to confirm Governor Beavers
appointments for these offices. This
apprehension of course arose from
their guilty consclences in this matter,
they knowing full well that it was an
attempt to take from the incoming ad-
ministration its just rights. So long
discussion was had upon the matter as
will appear fully upon pages I26, Ia7
and I2S of the Legislative Record,
on the speeches of Ross and Green on
the democratic side and Robinson,
Goblin, Penrose, on the republican
side. Not a word is said or even
limited at as to any action but that of
confirmation of these appointments.
There was not the most remote refer
ence to the commissions nor to the
action of the governor after confrma-
ton. In no part of the discussion was
the action of the governor referred to.
The upshot Of the discussion was the
adoption Of the following resolution
offered by Mr.. Penrose:
"Resolved, That the senate will
hold an executive session on Tuesday,
January 20, at s O'Clock p. m, for the
purpose of acting on the appoint
ments of the governor and all such
appointments shall be acted on in such
order as they have been sent in, by
the senate"
In this discussion a regular love
feast was developed and indulged in
and all appointments confirmed.
This question was precipitated by
the republicans and they were i'm
perious in their demands and all were
conceded by the democrats During
all this time it never entered the head
of any democratic or republican sena-
tor that anything but a confirmation
was needed. Now the republican
senators are demanding that these
officers be commissioned by the Cover
nor or they will refuse to confirm GER
tain appointments that he has made
or will make. This is either a bluff
on the democratic senators or a bull
doze on the governor. We are assur-
ed that no arrangement directly or in
directly was made by the democratic
senators that involved the governor
nor was any required. We are also
convinced that the governor was not
consulted by them in any way nor at
any time in the matter.
Republican hindsight, is now more
comprehensive than their foresight.
To excuse their ignorance, stupidity
or lack of foresight the republican
senators and press charge bad faith on
the democrats Of which they are in no
wise guilty. These officers have COM
missions now, and are acting under
them and they are good until the
close of the session. They do not
need two for each one. The re-
publican senators invited the situation,
let them accept it. No democratic
senator plead guilty to the charge of
bad faith nor yielded an inch.
This is neither the time nor the occa-
sion to discuss the right or the duty of
the governor. He can and doubtless
will take care Of himself and promptly
act when the time comes."