The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-11-04

law on that point for IL 1t gives the Treasurer
such power as Is claimed lit Is wrong for him to
have that power for eight years. or four years.
or for a single year That objection can be
cured, if necessary to be cured by properly drawn
amendments to the law.
The objection that the rreasurers and Com.
missioners are trying to secure the ADOPTION OF
the amendments cannot be made seriously, Why
should not these men try by every proper legi-
innate means to secure the adoption of these
Amendments. They desire to continue IN ONCE,
and they frankly say so. and they try to per-
suade the people to change the law so that it win
be possible. So long they proper means of
informing and persuading the people they
clearly within their rights. and unless they use
fraudulent measures to prevent the people from
expressing their will at the ballot-box they
who work for public Office.
The chief reason given for the adoption of
the amendments is that it Is unreasonable and
unbusinesslike for the people to be compelled to
discharge efficient public officer, Who holds a
position. the duties of which are largely of a
clerical nature. The in these positions
should be men of good practical Judgment good
accountants, and OF standing and character in
their respective communities When such men
are found and placed in Office by the vote OF the
people, and give satisfaction to their employers.
the people. it is unbusinessike to compel their
employers to discharge them and find another
man. Every business man in the community
would rebel II the law required that he should
change his head book-keeper. and get
every four eight years. The directors of
bank would boot at the idea. that they must get
new cashiers and tellers and bookkeepers every
eight years Experience and training not only
in figures but in the handling OF men and the
Treasurers and Commissioners as for other men
numbers of people.
The main purpose which the State and eoun-
ties have in view is the proper assessment oil
property value, and the prompt collection Of
taxes Certainly experience counts for much in
the appraisement of the value of property. The
ment of real estate and houses, except new i'm.
provements. The land assessors decide that. and
the Commissioner makes out his books accord.
ingly. He assesses personal property only, and
II he is honest man he will assess il as his
Judgment dictates. II he is dishonest the amount
of influence he will obtain by low assessments
will be in proportion to the number Of purchas-
able votes in his county, and should he err flag
ranty in that way, he will be opposed by some
other person and his unfairness exposed in the
campaign 1t is, howevr, to be especially noted
that the General Assembly has practically agreed
that ii is unwise to make an iron-clad rule cutting
ffothe heads of Commissioners at stated time
They are succeeding themselves now by the ap
pontments of the courts, which appointments
largely inuenced by the wishes of the people
If treasurer collects taxes due to the State
and the county and makes proper settlement for
the same he has performed the function OF his
Office
II has been found in any city or county
who does this satisfactorily, and the people wish
him to continue to O. so, why should they not
be allowed to employ him? Can proper laws
be made to safeguard all the interests Of the peo
pie? In fact are there not such safeguards now ?
The Auditor OF Public Accounts requires the
Treasurers to make settlement the 18th OF June
and to turn in all delinquent slips properly APP
proved by the Supervisors, the Commissioners
and the Courts If he does not do suit will
be instituted and he his bondsmen will BIZ
compelled to pay. The chief clerk In the FRS,
Auditors office MIR l.. c. Lee Moore stated to
representative Of The rirytnioM on yesterday
that every Treasurer had paid every dollar due
to the State since the new Constitution was
adopted This is certainly good a record az
could be made Mr. Moore furthermore said that
because Of his knowledge of the value of training
and experience In the performance of such duties
urers he expected to vote for the amendments
giving to the people the right to decide whether
they would retain these men in office. He did
not think it to be right to compel the people TO
dismiss public servant who was carrying on
their business efficiently, and to try an expert
ment contrary to their will
1t is said in reply TO the statement that tho
same per1<n can not be elected to the Office OF
Governor two terms successfully that the Gov
ernor is not an officer of the same Kind as is the