Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-01-28
OLD SALARIES STAND.
A Joint Session of the Judiciary Com
mitteeS Decides
AGAINST ALL THE AMENDMENTS
To the Constitution, Except the
One to Permit a\Registration
Law to Be Enacted, Nand Even
It is Still in AbeyanceA>An In
teresting Discussion OF theSsal-
ary Question.
.spAeinl 1sl,rran 70 n. Rsga,r.


CHARLESTON. w. VA, January 2L-The
action of the Joint Judiciary Committees OF
the Senate and House, this afternoon, de-
feats the proposed constitutional conyen-
tion and also the proposed amendmentto
increase the salaries OF the Governor and
Circuit and Supreme Court Judges
These matters were made the special or
der of business for this afternoon at
O'Clock.
The proposed constitutional convention
was first taken up for consideration Ia
order 10 bring tho matter before the Joint
committees Cen. St. Clair moved that IL DO
the sense Of the conference that IL is inexpe-
dent and unwise-to submit al amendment
to the people proposing constitutional
convention. Gen. Watts, who was the
prime mover in tho matter, was not present
and could not be found, but he came IN
later and announced that he was opposed
TO the convention.
The sentiment Of the committees as ex-
pressed by several members was that the
matter should be disposed OF Immediately.
No speeches were made and when Chair
man Lively put Gen. ST. Clair's motion II
was carried by viva voce vote.
The Joint resolution proposing an amend
Inent TO the constitution 10 increase the
salaries of the governor and circuit and
supreme court judges, was then taken up.
Delegate cambridge moved to increase the
salary of the first mentioned Official. Gen.
ST. Clair was the first to speak upon the
motion. He thought II the governors sal
ary was to be Increased. all the other Of
ficers in the State, whose pay Is corre-
spondiugly poor, should be considered.
He would be glad TO see the
increase granted. Personally, he was in
favor Of it, but as a representative,
he did not think a vote 10 increase salaries
would voice the sentiments Of his constltu-
ents. He would frankly say that he OPP
posed the entire matter. He opposed 10 on
purely party grounds. The Democratic
party In the State is committed 70 economy
and will be held responsible for any eK-
travagance. 1t the position OF Governor
was made one Of emolument rather than OF
honor, II would decrease the Importance OF
the position. IL the Governor IS granted
an executive mansion, and proper contin-
gent fund. II would make up for the deti-
cheney in his pocket at the end OF each
wear No trouble has so far been expert
enced in getting good msn at the salary
now Paid.
Referring to the increase in judges sal
aries. General ST. Clair stated tnat great
many lawyers don't average 81, 800 year.
The bar OF the country engrossed would
not average 81, 800 a year. Lawyers with
large annual incomes would not accept the
positions anyhow, unless for the honor. He
opposed the matter, because he cid not
think any increase in salaries necessary 70
efficient public service.
Delegate Gamble, OF Hardy, replying 10
General ST. Clair, said there was grow
ing demand throughout the State 10 secure
the best men for public positions. He ad-
a.. rrrtld dVsrA III an Hgr Tr.
ary position il be could afford IL. but there
are many excellent men who cannot afford
TO be Governor. He related au instance.
the last convention, when Hon. q. w.
Daily refused 10 allow the use
of his name because he could
not afford 70 accept the position
on Governor. He agreed with Gen. St.
Clair in his remarks about Circuit Court
Judges. but thought the salaries Of Su-
preme Court judges should be increased.
Their duties are becoming more onerous
and the salary should be sufficient 70 in
duce the best attorneys in the State 70 as
pire te the position.
Mr.. Wilson, Of Ohio county, thought q
very good way 20 get al the matter was by
couparisOn. IL was q patent fact tdat
circuit Judges are being oyerworked and
their circuits will have 70 be decreased.
The proper remedy was the establishment
OF a number Of criminal courts by the adop-
ton OF bills now before the Legislature.
The salaries Of circuit judges, say q, so a
year. he thought sufficient. he did not
think the amendment would be ratified ny
the people. and be therefore opposed IL
Mr. Dardridge stated that ne only knew
enough about the law 70 keep out Of It's
clutches. but he thought tEe positions
named were not honorary ones. That idea
belonged 20 a past era, when. under aris-
frocrat governments, men were willing 10 dc
Do bic service for honor. The only way 70
get good officials, is oy paying good sal
aries The best judges cannot be secured
for g. $50. Judge Faulkner told him that
be left practice Of $500 annually 70 ac-
cep. the judgsship, and now proposes 70 re.
sign.
Senator Farr, Of Doddridge, opposed
the motion He thought the salaries were
sufficient and the fact that the officials are
extrsEagaut should not be considered az
ARGUMENT in favor of the motion
"A McCaliister thought IL would be q
usa expense TO submit the amendment
tQ( ceople.
Maxwell propounded al inquiry
thsr the proposed gubernatoris|