The Greenville times. [volume] (Greenville, Miss.) 1868-1917, 1901-08-31
THE GOVERNORS ACTION

L a ~ ~
The state constitution provides that a 500
to the treasurer SHAH be kept IN the stare o"n
further requires that the governor sna - ths
without giving previous notice OF ms 'h'0"o'
state treasurer ..s .s !. Of
this proyison weit to the treasury count tn
He fo,pd tst$ae7 900 was:msSinE The treasurer "aS
caad mon 10 explain He was unable or unwlling -
do 60 The governor gave him Eye daySin when 70 uAA
GOOD the Deficiency At the end Of five days tne
nor again counted the money, and found II 10 % o" ~
Mace Governor Longino then demanded rom AioAe.
ar Showers an explanation Of the circumstance
the treasurer replied that he had deposited the money
local banks for safe keepiAg because OF the insecurity
the state vaults The local banks denied puoc na' 'n0
money had been deposited with them Inc governor
wrote letter to the treasurer, demanding TO know 'P'
officially in what banks the alleged deposits were "aue'
the amount and date of each deposits what security nAu
been aken what consideration had been paid Tor depoS
So made what evidence of deposits had been aken ana
what entries of said deposits had been made on the BOOKS
of the treasurer's Office
To these inquiries long letter written in reply by
treasurer not making to the questions sPecineo y
the governor but dealing principally with the insecurity
of the state vaults and promising that in the future tne
money should be kept in them, at whatever risk. Inc
demand to know IN what banks the funds mad Deen ue
posted the treasurer declined to answer, claiming that ne
should rst know for what purpose the information was
desired
Governor Longino's reply to this communication was
The suspension of Treasurer Showers from his ofce ana
The appointment Of M. W. H. Carlisle to act iii his stead
pending an Investigation
Hasty Judgment is always unwse well as unjust In
his it might be cruel and irreparabe wrong to
innocent man. Treasurer Showers has borne an unblem
shed reputation The fact that he is poor man is
proof that he has exploited position OF trust
ls personal advantage. His claim that in any event
lie bondsnen would be good for any deficit should not be
sregarded 1t understood that he has retained strong
ounsel to contest the governors action; and until dis
assonate investigation is made and every circumstance
uly weighed, public judgment should be suspended.
'Of the action of Governor Longno the only view
7hch reasonably be taken is of appreciation. He
strictly followed his duty and the directions of the
In such this he had no course
ropery open to him save the one he pursued.
He is the real custodian OF the funds of the state The
.easurer is his lieutenant and in trust of so grave i'm
ortance, he could not in justice to the state retain an
cal whose action allows his discretion to be called In
uestion, even if no serious possibility attached to
ecourse of the treasurer The experience of Mississippi
afforded precedents which amply justify the governor
the course which he has taken. Mr. Showers may and
he Times thinks will be, entirely vndcated from any
enton of wrong dong but the vigilance and caution of
overnor Longno merits the approval and thanks of the