Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1892-07-29
A Needed Reform.

n needed REFORM.
Any one at all familiar with the workings
OF what Is known as the United States COM
missioners court knows that 1t is a stand
Ing disgrace 10 this country's judiciary equip
ment, and should long since have been
abolished. The court here in Bos-
ton was recently the subject of investigation
by congressional committee, and the report
made by that body bears down heavily on
Commissioner Hallelt and Clerk John Stet-
son. and makes an astonishing exhibition oi
1.-THE charges which the committee make
against Commissioner Halett are true, he
has been unfathful in the execution OF the
trust confded to him while perhaps not
legally liable therefor. 1t is certainly dis
grace that man should hold SO many posi-
tions that in his capacity of supervisor OF
elections lie could bring 258 suits before him
self In his capacity as United States commits
sioner, and, in the latter capacity, find that
1903 Of the charges were groundless. The
reason for this Is seen in the fact that be re-
ceives n fee for every case brought whether
II Is dismissed or not, and it Is parody on
justice when the prosecuting officer is also
the magistrate and when financial reward
is obtainable for every case brought.
As the Boston court is but a sample OF
those all over the country, the inyestiga-
tIons by Congress should not be allowed to
stop here. The committee Is quite right In
saying that the offices OF United States COM
missioner and supervisor Of elections are
not compatible, especially when 1t Is shown
before them that unfounded prosecutions
are brought simply for the fees. This is a
kind ofthievIng which can only be stopped
by legislation against Pooh Bah-ism,' and
such Is now recommended, but because these
men have actually violated no law is no rea-
Son that they should be allowed to retain
their positions. 1t is too much to expect
that they will resign Of their own accord,
and that would be too respectable way for
the state and country 10 be rid Of their SER
Vices.
A Grand Boulevard.
Boston's boulevards will soon become more
famous than they already are when the
present plans are carried out. | am particp-
larly pleased TO see that the project suggested
several months ago Of a boulevard 10 Milton
In the Blue Hill region is now an assured
fact. Sklrtina, as it will, Franklin Park,
magnificent roadway will be secured, open
ing up this beautiful part OF the city. II
now remains for Milton to take up the work
where the city will leave 1t and carry the
boulevard to the foot Of Blue Hill, improving
real estate and enhancing the value Of this
suburb. What grand climax to the city's
parks could be added by the acquisition OF
the top Of the hill itself, whence there is
view unparalleled in this part Of the coun-
try. such park, and reached by such u
boulevard, would be without a peer In the
parks Of the world.
The Charming Statue for Newport,
W. Clark Noble, the sculptor, who has a
studio in North Cambridge has just com.
pleted a statue of William Ellery Claiming
for the city Of Newport, which is now ready
for casting. The figure is nine feet high and
will stand on ten. foot pedestal. The sub
ject Is represented in an attitude Of benedic
ton with gently outstretched arms. The
face has been pronounced to be a perfect
fac simie Of the famous preacher.
The Late Gov. Gardner.
The death of ex-Gov. Gardner will recall
to the older citizens the benefits of his three
years occupancy Of the executive chair from
1855 to 1853. The results OF his incumbency
will long remain, for many acts OF perma-
nCnt value were then passed through his in
Auence, and more good, perhaps, was done
through the freedom with which he used the
veto power vested In him. OF late years he
has lived IN retirement, forgotten to the
world save for the GOOD he has done his
native state.
Still Another Report.
Still another investigating committee, that
Of the Board Of Aldermen has reported
upon the disgraceful condition of affairs 10
the department under the charge Of the
Commissioners of Public Institutions, and
yet these officers still hold their positions.
II Encouragement and inability are thus 10
be passed over, what reward Is there for
faithful and intelligent service in the city's
interests.
Not Exactly Con sistent
In looking over the list of firms, societies
aud individuals which have violated the law
regarding the employment of legislative
counsel, otherwise lobbyists" and which
are subject to fine of sloO to $1,000 on ac-
Count Of it, find THE Citizens Law and
Order League" which employed L. Edwin
Dudley to "inhueucc legislation" aud he
acted in the same capacity also for the Re.
publican Temperance Guard. Now l
have no doubt that the Citizens
Law and Order League wished 70
influence legislation in the right way, but
it seems that in trying to do so 1t violated
laws which are In the same statute book as
those which 1t Is organized TO protect. It's
lust little funny TO see an organization for
the enforcement of law violating law and
laying itself liable to a heavy fine on account
Of 1t, but this Is the spectacle which Is pre-.
sented. Perhaps the organization will plead
ignorance Of the law, but that will not ex-
cuse 1t.
nyNpI