Semi=weekly graphic., 1896-12-19
JEFFERSON C0UNTT GOT- EMINENT AND NEEDED
 REFORMS.
REFORMS.

| HhNc DCGu aSht0 hO N4ltl eb-A uAu
 ticle outlining what reforms, if any,
 in my judgment would be to the in-
 terest of the county if legislation
 should be invoked to bring about
 such reforms. In complying with this request l desire in the outset
 to impress upon my readers with all possible force that the measures
 which I may advocate are those
 which in my judgment are to the
 best interests of the county without
 regard to who may in the future
 hold the offices.
 I beg also to say that Tn anything I may write that there is nothing
 intended in criticism of any man
 who is now an office holder, from
 whom I have throughout my official career received the kindest eonsid- eration, and by whom l have always been met as laborers in common
 field for the benefit of the people who have reposed confidence in Us. If there are errors iu our plan of government, and the fact that the hand of the finite is at the helm is justification for the belief that such is the case, they are faults of the leg islatures which enacted the law and not the officers who fill the positions of legislative creation.
 The criterion of perfect govern ment, in my estimation, would be to have the offices administered with the same careful attention that a shrewd and careful business man would give to his private office. This cannot be done without some change in our organic law. Whether this result should be ac- complished by the expensive meth cd of new constitution, or by the more economical method of submit ting needed amendments to the con stitution, it is not my purpose to consider. This should be left to those better trained in the methods of legislation.
 There are some changes, however, which may be accomplished by amendments to existing laws, with out conflicting with our present constitution.
 As careful thought as I am capa- ble of giving the subject has brought to my mind the conviction that abolition of the present fee system would be to the best interest of our county. It is not necessary nor would it be proper for me to make suggestions as to t1e proper compensation to be paid in lieu of the fees now provided. This should be left to the consideration of the law makers. The reason for this must be apparent to any person 1 familiar with the conditions of our county.
 I must not be understoodas ad- vocating that officers are generally too well paid. But salaries, where the stipend is dependent upon the fee system, are not equaHzed. The i State officers are not welGenough l paid. Itis probably true that the intended to pay the enough cash to keep the wolf from the door while contemplat- ing the halo of glory with which be is takes the place Of needed raiment And yet there are county officers in&Ro small number in this State who receive Q greater compensation for DO more work 1 than is given to the chief executive.
 A fair example of the inequalities of this system is found in the com parison of the office of County 1 and State Treasurer. When the latter official assumes thel duties of office it becomes necessary for him to call on friends in differ ent parts of the State to become surity upon his bond, while his more fortunate brother of the =coun- i