The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1891-01-27

has been, to bring to bear influences upon
him related to the appointing power, or
to those supposed to be capable of in
huencing the Executive, or the active
workers to whom the Governor may feel
that he is under some obligations, or to
whom, because of their position in
society or the State, it is assumed he will
give ear. Indeed, it Is no secret what
ever that the struggle for place in the
printing department begins away back
in the caucus, the primary and the con-
vention, and includes and intermediates
with the selection of nominees for almost,
if not all, other State and even of national
positions.
Now, to elect the Superintendent will in
sure, to great extent, his independence.
His subordinates will be those of his
choosing. He alone will be responsible
for them, and they will be responsible to
him only. There will be none, or very
few, who can because of ''pulls' in other
directions, snap their fingers at him and
defy him to displace them, no matter how
incompetent they are or how Indifferent
to industrious discharge of their duties.
five assume that Superintendent were
elected who was thoroughly competent,
honest, and solicitous to administer his
Office with an eye single to the good of
the State and the economy Of his office, is
it at all likely that he would submit to in
competents being thrust upon him; that
he would for an instant give heed to in
fuences that under the condition of APP
pointment could menace his position
Would not all reasons conspire in the
case of such a man to make him select
workmen and supplies as if he was the
owner of the plant and the personal pay
master of the institution? Would not all
things tend to enable him to exercise true
economy and to secure the highest excel
lence and greatest economy in all depart
ments for which he would be responsible?
Surprising him to be true workman,
having high pride as an artisan, he would
as naturally surround himself by compe-
tent men, as clean man would with
clean associates.
But what assurance is there that the
people will choose Independent and COM
petent Superintendent? No party would
assume the risk of nominating any other.
The absence of full qualification in a cam
didate would be made notorious by the
printer craft. Each party would realize
that the craft would sit in judgment upon
their choice; having regard, therefor, for
the fitness and capacity of the candidate,
the political parties would, with the hope
of victory in mind, strengthen their
tickets by naming the men whose qualifi-
cations were unassailable, and who had
the commentator of the craft. If one
political convention should be so manip-
ulated as to present weak man, the sec
ond convention would be sure to present.
in opposition, a candidate strong by con-
trast for his availability, fitness and capa-
bility as an artisan and an administrator.
Such incentives moving political par
ties, and the printing craft operating
about equally upon all, would insure
the State Superintendent of high ca
pacity.
If the citizens who have filled the office
of Governor could be Intercepted upon
this subject, they would, we believe, to a
man, bear witness to the unwisdom of
making the Office of Superintendent of
State Printing appointive; they would
agree that had it been elective in the past.
their own official paths would have been
smoother, their official lives more peace
full, and the best interests of the State
more conserved.
In the discussion of this question in de-
tail, there is intended to be made no refer
ence to the late Superintendent, whose
administration was a credit, nor to the
present incumbent, who is the first prac-
tical job printer who has entered upon the