The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1897-01-08


White of Grand Rapids.
Inspector general-John r. Bennett
of Muskegon.
Adjutant general Edwin M. Irish of
Kalamazoo.
The only appointment thus far an
nounced by Governor Pingree is that
of S. Arthur Tomlinson Of Lansing as
his executive clerk. The member Of
this office is also clerk of the pardon
boad.
There appears to be little doubt that
Robert Y. Ogg of Detroit will be appoint
ed commissioner of labor, although Pro-
lessor Bemis of Chicago is still being
talked about. His appointment does not
seem probable owing to the fact that
he is not a resident of the state. 1t Is
known, however, that Governor Pingree
would like very much to have him In
this Office, and it is not among the i'm
possibilities that he may put off maxi
ing the appointment until the Chicago
man has had time to gain a residence
here. But few believe that this will be
done, the concensus Of opinion being
that Mr.. Ogg will be the appointee.
For the deputy railroad commission
ership there appears to be a lively
scramble. John Holbrook of Lansing
thinks he has assurances that he will
get this place. but he is no more conf
dent than is ex-Mayor Joseph L. Cox
of Battle Creek, while J. w. Robbins Of
Pontiac Is hopeful. During the past
day or two the name Of o. c. Tompkins,
the present state accountant, has been
mentioned in this connection, and his
friends talk knowingly on the subject.
1t is known, however, that he is enter
tanning a proposition from Auditor
General Dix to retain his present posi-
tion for several months at least. He
would not hesitate long about declin-
ing, however, If the deputy railroad
commissionership Is offered him. Spec
ulating on their not getting this job,
both Cox and Holbrook are canvassed
in connection with the deputy labor
commissionership. Neither of them
wants the place, each preferring to go
into the railroad department, but Meth
er Is inclined to seriously look gift
horse in the mouth.
The offices which enable the admins
tration to build up a powerful machine
are oil inspector, salt inspector, dairy
and food commissioner and labor COM
missioner. The first named official has
twenty-eight deputies and the second
has eight, while the third has SUPER
vision over five inspectors, and the last
named over five factory inspectors.
The deputy oil and salt inspectors are
each assigned to a district, but the
food and boiler inspectors travel over
the entire state, and all can be putting
in their best ticks for the administration
from one end of the year to the other.
AS a matter Of fact it is with especial
reference to their qualifications as po-
litical machinists that they have al
ways been selected, and there is no rea-
son to suppose that this rule will be de-
parted from this year. Nominally these
deputies and inspectors are appointed
by the head of the department to
which they are attached, but the truth
Is that the governor selects every one
of them. There are scores, not to say
hundreds, of candidates for these posi-
lions, and it will be a number of weeks
before the places are filled.
Under the law the governor can
not appoint labor commissioner
before Feb. 1, the statute creating the
office providing that the commissioner
shall be appointed during the month Of
February and the appointee take his
place March 1, so that Governor Pin
gree is not giving much attention to
this office just at present, but is devot-
ing his time to the places that call for
immediate action. Another office that
will not be filled right away is that Of
insurance commissioner, the term of
Theron +. Giddings, the present COM
missioner, not expiring until July 1.
This leads some Of the politicians to
think that Milo D. Campbell may not
land the place after all, as there Is no
telling what complications may arise
during the next six months. There
have been times in the history of Mich
igan when it has been necessary to use
an office or two in order to secure need
ed legislation. Legislators have been
known to act very stubborn in the mat
ter Of favoring pending legislation I'M
til they secured for their friends what
they desired in the way of offices. His
tory may possibly repeat itself in this
year Of grace.
The program for next week includes
the senate and house caucuses on Tues
day evening. The two houses will con-
vene at noon on Wednesday, as re-
quired by the constitution, and the day |
Will De ueNOttu " swearing III Tic IHeul-
bers and formally electing the officers |
On Thursday afternoon the houses will |
meet in joint convention for the pur-
pose of hearing the messages of the |
retiring and incoming governors. This |
done an adjournment will be taken un-
til the following Monday night to en-
able the presiding officers to make up
their committees, for until this task Is |
completed no business can be transact
ed.
There is some fear among the candi-
dates for legislative positions lest the |
legislature will follow the example set |
by the board of state auditors, which |
has cut the janitor force of the state
house proper just one-third and reduced |
the pay twenty per cent. The clerks in |
the several departments are also fear
full that they, too, may be overtaken by |
the wave of economy.
Ever since Auditor General Dix noti-
fed more than a score of clerks in that |
three weeks ago that their |
services would not be required after
Jan. /, there has been a general desire |
to learn who their successors were to |
be. Auditor Dix maintained discreet |
silence until Saturday, when he an
the following appointments.