The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1897-11-12
A PRESS

The story Of the fellow who was an ao-
solute teetotaler. but whom the boys one
day overpowered stretched out. ana
loaded up with ounta dew through
a funnel forced into ms mouth mas
but ii has never lost its Illustrative DOW
ers. When the effects OF the rude practi-
cal Joke had worn on, Ii will be recaiteo.
he asked the boys II IL wasn't ABOUT tims
to funnel him again. Governor Russeli
posed very s-anctimoniously as a total ap-
stainer from the free passes. and then al
lowed himself to be ~funneiled through the
courtesy Of the railroad corporations
that he was cussing and stili cusses, unti
his pockets were full. This was. In all
conscience. bad enough. but His Nios
had acquired the thirst for passes. and
was ready TO be funnelled again. as We
gather from the statement that he now
keeps pass books in his Office. and issues
passes to members OF his family or guests
of his household whenever he gets ready.
Charlotte Observer.
When Governor Russell came into once
his private secretary with his
favorite pose. h a the governor will
abandon Governors Cars policy OF Sc
cretly p~ardoning criminals out OF the
penitentiary: all pardons will hereafter
sued. As usual. il seems that this secre-
tary was talking through his tile roofing.
At any rate. the governor has many
times recently backed water on this an
nOunCemeEt Dy secretly paTuouNuS Sou-
victs out of the states prison. The last
one OF the kind was a negro burglar
Ernest williams-a life convict from
MecklenburR county. He was last week.
set free without any reason being given
for his release. Others before him have
had the same good fortune. When II
suits the governors purpose or mood, he
for ic when It doesn't suit his purpose.
he just keeps mum. But the public all
the time are led to believe that all grist
from the pardon mill comes out in their
sight and for their inSpection.-RaleiEh
News and Observer.
But. outside Of the question. also in
volved. as to the power Of the governor
to remove from office a judicial officer. a
member Of a court OF record. 1t occurs to
US that a very serious question necces-
sarily must arise In the consideration OF
the power Of the governor to suspend or
remove an officer under the law OF 1881.
This law confers upo the governor the
power to suspend or remove a commits
Sioner when he becomes disqualified"
otherwise than in the manner specially
designated in the act. To become dis
qualified the commissioner must commit
some act obnoxious to the law creating
the commission. This a question Of fact
entirely. AS We have always understood
all questions of fact are submitted to a
jury. In this case the governor charges
that Mr.. Wilson had committed certain
acts winch otherwise OlSquallned nlm.
Mr.. Wilson denies the charge and de-
mands to be confronted by his accusers
and the evidence. and the right 10 be
heard thereon. This the governor refuses
to grant, but claims power to remove alb
solutely. and report to the Legislature.
Before Judge Robinson Mr.. Wilson again
makes denial Of charge. demands a trial
by jury. so the facts can be enquired into.
This latter the judge refused. and pro-
ceeds to decide the constitutional point
involved. in which he sustains the gov
ernor.-Ashevilie Gazette.