The age-herald., 1901-05-30
WOULD LENGTHEN
 OFFICIALS TERMS Ordinance Introduced to Make
 Them Four Years CAUSES SOME DISCUSSION The Question of Democratic Custom of Re-eIectIng Efficient Officials To
 Second Term Is Raised and
 May Cause Some Changes.
CAUSES SOME DISCUSSION

Age-Herald Bureau, Clencey's Hotel, Montgomery, May 29.-(SpeciaL 1.-The pre- sentation of an ordinance in the Consti- tutional Convention yesterday by MT. Kirk of Colbert, seeking to make the terms of all state officers four years af- ter the general election in 1902, is causing the present state officials much concern.
 The ordinance of MT. Kirk is to amend section of article of the constitution so as to make state officials, other than Supreme Court judges, hold office for four years, and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified, beginning after the election in 1902 No officer shall be permitted to succeed himself or to hold another state office until after a lapse of two years.
 The purpose of the ordinance is clearly to do away with so many elections, and it seems that almost every delegate in the convention would favor the purpose of the ordinance, but the time of it's ef- fectiveness may cause some trouble in committee. It is argued by some that the better plan would be to continue all of the present state officials in office until the regular election in 1904 when the terms of the Supreme Court judges, Cir cult judges. Chancellors, Probate judges, Circuit clerks, sheriffs, tax collectors and tax assessors will expire. It would thus be possible to begin the terms of all of- ficials on the same date, and at the same time save to the state the cost of one election.
 An Old Custom.
 It has long been the Democratic custom in Alabama to reward an efficient public officer with a second term, and in case of a change of the length of term in 1902 it would doubtless cause a general scramble for some of the offices in attempting to overthrow the old second term custom. The officers who are privileged to ask for a second term in 1902 are the Governor, auditor, treasurer and commissioner of agriculture. To give these officials a sec ond term under the Kirk ordinance would mean their continuance in office for six years. On the other hand. the plan to continue the present officials in office un- til 1904 would mean term of six years for the secretary of state, superintendent of education and attorney general.
 An Opinion.
 Tn speaking of the matter today dele gate expressed his opinion as follows:
 "It appears to me that the idea of continuing all officials in office until 1904 Is much the better one. There are seV- erai reason I could give in support of this conclusion, but sufficient one Is the saving of the cost for one election. The Constitutional Convention, now in session, will probably cost the state s75,O0o, and the adoption of new con stitution will render necessary an extra session of the General Assembly. The State is at present well officeredr and It would greatly facilitate matters to-Tun them all over to 1904, when the term CT every elective officer in the State-State, circuit and county-will expire. If an election Is held in 1902 another will be necessary in 1904."'
 This suggestion has been endorsed by many of the influential delegates.
 The suggestion, if carried into effect, will give to the present General Assem- bly, an honor not often conferred, as it would in extra session be called upon to elect a successor to United States Senator Pettus.