The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-09-04
ANSWERING Up.

The West Point Weekly News has
been asking the local legislative can
ddates for their views on certain
questions OF far-reaching Importance.
The would-be lawmakers have an
swered up very we'll. Among the
questions put by the News is: Are
YOU in favor or against the fee sys-
tenn the answers as 10 the fee sys-
TEN are detailed below
One OF the candidates FOR State SEN
ator replies:
The system of fleeing public officials
Is relic of barbaric' times, and is al
together unsuited to modern ideas of
government Even in our colonial
period when ii had its uses because il
was the ea:iest and simplest method
of remuneration it was greatly abused
and led to scandal. Its abuse has con-
tinued ever since and grown. It. there
fore. should be abandoned and prop
eriy grade: salary system substituted"
a candidate for the House says
II am in favor OF abolish!ng the en-
tire fee system and placing all oIii-
GERS on proper salary basis If a fair
and reasonable plan can he arrived at
without increasing taxation. which can
he done in part, by abolishinS Il few
state Offices that are almost entirely
useless and in some other instances
requiring officers VINO only 40 u Few
hours work in day to do days
work and drop part OF the force. Most
OF the State officers get 10 their work
at y. II and leave at 3 P N and
take one hour Of this time for dinner
would consider conducting his business
on such a plan for moment? Why
should not State have progressive
and business like methods as well 5
individuals"
Another House candidate said that
he could not at the time give an in
tel!igent answer. but would try to
vote for the best interests of the
people
a third says:
Il think that our present fee system |
should be changed, giving the officer
the fees up to a certain amount and
then the fees 10 go TO the State or
county. or give the officers a stated
salary
fourth adds: Abolish the fee sys-
tenn and all officers have salaries" An
oIAtt says. he zee system? as u now I
stands needs much Improvement
= sixth declares:
II am in doubt concerning this
question In some cases ! can see
wherein the fee system would De bet
ter and in others stated salary would
be better. I cannot in briet answer /
20 into a discussion OF the matter. /
But / Will say this much, ! believe |
that every country neighborhood /
should have a Well paid justice OF the
peace, and II his fees are NOT sufficient
TO make the Office pas him, I would
he glad 10 see q salary attached TO
il. so that II would pay him ana ma 4
1t worth his time The presence OF q
justice OF the peace at public gather
ings in the country is Very helpful! in
preserving the peace and dignity OF
the Co lmonwealth.' II the cities hey
have policemen Here we depend on
our justices AS 10 circuiJ clerks I I
do not know what they receive. but II
all th.ouglf-the STATE they are a faith-
full and competent as the clerks of
King and Queen and Essex. I feel safe
In saying that they are not oveFpG.d.'
1t is a fact worth noting that 1n
every case where candidates have an
swered up as TO their positions on
the fee system. none has favored the
system Too many OF the candidates
have been silent. but that there will
be effective legislation concerning the
fee system at the next session of the
General Assembly is an assured fact