The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1903-03-11
WEDNESDAY, MARCH II, 1908.
THE ONE MAN POWER.


which have operated against the people
BY one man power is meant the author
ity vested in the Governor of Louisiana
whose power is as great, if not greater,
than the Governor Of New York. Under
the authority of law he is vested with
the appointment of officials in every par
isI Of the State which aggregate into
the thousands. The question is not on
the personal or the qualifications Of the
appointments or appointees, but Wheth-
er the Governor of Louisiana should be
permitted to exercise power which IN
one sence makes him political autocrat.
Il is true this power was vested in the
Governor to safeguard the people at a
time when the State was in peril, but
there is now no danger since the people
who have the right TO govern are in full
possession Of the State. Under the pres
ent system Of appointment the people
are net only relieved of the authority of
siecting officers 10 positions appointive,
but in a vacancy such as sheriff, for in
stance, the wishes of the people may be
nlillified altogether, as was practically
demonstrated in Lincoln parish recently
where there was vacancy resulting
from the death OF the sheriff of that par
ish In such case, under the law, the
coroner Of the parish assumes charge
until the vacancy is filed When this
vacancy occurred the citizens of Lin
coin expressed a desire to have such
vacancy filled by one who would repre-
sent the majority Of the Democrats of
the parish, and naturally requested the
Democratic parish committee to order
primary election, at which the sDeno-
Gratis would be given an opportunity OF
declaring their choice. 1t was UNDER
stood and agreed 70 that The man receiv-
ing such majority should be the sheriff
Accordingly the Democratic parish com
nlittee fixed a date for such primary,
which provoked the ire OF Governor
Heard 70 degree which surprised his
friends he Governor Immediately and
tlacerennoniously squeIched the commit
ice who had advised him and desired
delay III the appointment until the people
could speak Not only were the people
wiling bun the several candidates read
ily acqtsiesced n proposition which
was fair and Democrats. It is urneces-
sary to quote what Governor Heard said
exeept thai he declared that the people
had flo authority and that he had al
ready appointed the man, Mr.. Mayfe1d,
and he il1tinaated that no other need ap-
ply There could be no objection urged
against Mr. Mayheld, gentleman es-
teeaned for his personal worth, and who
had been the dead sheriff chief deputy,
and i IS not this appointement as the
Woeld be rebui<e Of Governor Heard to
The Democrats Of Lincoln parish for
their assumption Of authority which is
vested IN home alone, which should be
emphasized.
il true a primary would have re-
CURED delay 10 compliance with for
raalities and teehnicalities, and in a close
nalisies and teehnicalifies. and in al
sfese construction OF the law the
acting sheriff could not have col
leeted the taxes due and also that
such delay would have perhaps neon
vsnieneed people who desired to liqui-
date their debts to the parish and State,
hui the Democrats OF Lincoln committed /
no act 70 which Governor Heard should +
have taken olfense he power which is
exercised hg the Governor is supposed
Io be from the people, who are some
Esarnes battered as sovereigns and are
sssereigns when they determine to be.
ltis clear 70 our mind that tie apologies
and explanations il favor Of the Gov
cfaaot s:an add little 10 his credit, and he
mas forced himself IL a position which is
nat % harmony with his declarations
and efsiiasiations 81 all rights being
vested IN The people But cur purpose is
not So nasiei. a criticism OF he Governor
far exercising 4 prerogative giten him
b iass as e Is e call the peoples atten-
ton g and 70 emphasize the necessity of |
relieving the Governor Of much if moi
~ The appointlve power he possesses,
ard with this and other issues before
Which llae claims Of individuals are
IL
ininiInIzstl ne one man power IS no
longer necessity The people are the
power and the power 1nist be returned
e the people. IF not, why not?
No Girl Was Enlisted
view YORK, March 11.-Maior Arthur
murray. who commands Fart rr,,ftar