Bisbee daily review., 1904-04-14
CANNOT OCCUPY DUAL POSITIONS.

It has been satisfactorily demon strated frequently that a man cannot nil dual public offices, and give to both the attention each should have. The news columns of the Review of yester- day furnishes another example of the truth of this statement T. K. Davis, a resident of Douglas, occupying position with the Calumet & Arizona smelter in that city, was seized with a nervous affliction and from that de- veloped mental disarrangement, which threatened still farther less of mind, so much so that 1t was deemed wise by his family and friends, for the protec- ton of himself and family to have him. examined by the probate judge of this county as to his mental condition, and if in that courts wisdom, it was deem ed advisable, he should be properly committed to the sanitarium at Phoe- nix, where possibly his affliction might be overcome under proper treatment and if possible be restored to his family well in body and mind. The poor wife. accompanied by two lady friends, and probably under subter- fuge wi,h the afflicted patient, went 10 Tombstone, and to the office Of the probate judge of the county, which was found to be vacant, so far as the officer himself was concerned, and the only person who could administer upon the case, was reported to be in Ben son. where he also fills the position of superintendent of the territorial re- form school. Inquiry there developed the fact that he had gone to Tucson, presumably to consult with the secre- tary of the board of the reform school, who is located in that city. And this poor woman. buroened with her heavy load of misery. of itself a terrible strain, her practically insane husband, and two friends are compelled to ling CT at the county seat. matter Of great and unnecessary expense entalieo upon her. because Judge O'Brien's dual duties, called him as superintend- ent Of the reform school, to Tucson. This. is all wrong. The Review has never considered the idea of man oc- eupying a dual official position sat isfactory method of conducting puDhc business. It has refrained from call ing attention to the matter in ;:tb- lie manner simply because that until this moment, no serious inconvenience 10 the public has been complained or But cases, of the kind described as oc- curing this week cali for comment. Judge OBrien has made satisfactory officer as the probate Judge. As Tar as the Review knows, he also capabiy fns the position of superintendent ot the reform school in like manner, but it is plainly evident that he can not give each the attention it deserves, when engaged in the duties Of the oth- CT. Judge O'Brien should make up ms mind which of the offices he desires ta retain. He should resign the other. Public business of the probate court demands the attention Of US occupant. It is public position, sup ported by the taxpayers of the c ,rn- ty. and the taxpayers having business with the Probate office have a right tL have their officer there to transact their business when they call. The clerical duties may be performed oy a young lady deputy, but she cannot commit insane people to the asylum Judge O'Brien should resign as pro bate fudge of Cochise county, or HE superintendent of the territorial re form school