The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1911-08-19
TERRITORIES SHUT OUT.
PRESIDENT TAFT vETOFs THE
STATEHOOD BILL.
Message To Congress Accompanying
Veto states His Objection to Ari-
roma Constitution-veto Based En-
tircly Upon Recall az Judges-Says
THIS Feature of Arizona Constitu-
ton subvcrslvc Of Popular Govern
ment.

AAt. in Speclai meSSsge 10 the
house OF representatives today. ve-
toed the Joint resolution providing
for the admission OF New Mexico and
Arizona TO Statehood. His reason for
exercising the executive power Of
veto was based on his thorough dis
approval Of the recall of judges
! claue In the Arizona constitution.
The fact that New Mexico's State
hood was bound up with that Of Ari-
sona meant the same fate for II, and
neither territory can come into the
Union at this time unless friends Of
the resolution In congress can mus
|" ter the two-thirds vote necessary to
pass the resolution over the presi-
dents veto. This may be attempt
ed.
The president did not spare words
In condemning the recall feature cf
the Arizona constitution. which he
said would compel judges to make
their decisions under legaiized ter
rorism." The recall petition would
operate against all effective Offices of
Arizona. including both county and
state judges. When 20 per cent OF
the voters OF the previous election
petitioned for special election 10
remove an official. such an election
would be compulsory.
This provision OF Arizona con-
rtitution." the president says. "in Its
application to county and State
judges. seems to be SO pernicious In
It's effect. so destructive OF independ-
ence In the judiciary. so likely TO
subject the rights OF the individual
10 The possible tyranny Of a popular
rpajority and therefore to be so In
tsrious to the cause OF free govern
ment. 7 must disapprove a constitu-
ton containing It,"
= The message was received with
great interest by the house. iarrely
because OF the presidents long asso-
ciation with the judiciary.
The president devotes his whole
message TO discussion OF recall Of
, judges. Himself n Judge for many
years. ne speaks with eviden, feeling
OF a proposal which he regards with
unconceaied disapprobation.
"K sign this Joint resolution" Z"
ne said. IT do not see how i can es-
cape responsibility for the judiciary
recall of the Arizona constitution.
This provision OF Arizona's consti-
tuition in It's Application to county
and State judges seems to me SO per-
nicious In Its effect. so destructive
Of independence In the judiciary so
likely to subject the rights OF the In
dividual to the possible tyranny OF a
popular majority and therefore. to
be 90 injurious to the cause OF free
government. that 1 must disapprove
n constitution containing It,"
Explaining the recall. as written in
the Arizona constittIon, the presi-
dent declares that six months after
election any judge. county or State.
may he forced TO go before the people
at a new election. when n petition
asking for his recall. has been signed
by electors equal to 25 per cent Of
the total number OF votes cast FOR
all candidates for the Office at the pre-
vlous general election. Within FIVE
days after the fling OF the petition
the official may resign. Whether he
does or does not resign an election
In which his name figures Is to be
held. The petitioners may print on
the ballots 200 words showing why
they disapprove OF the ofiicial and he
may also defend himself. within the
same limits. III ne receives the high
est number Of votes he IL retained In
ONCE. IL not he Is removed and ne
who aid receive the highest number
Is put In his place.
In making his veto the president
says that he Ia discharging his con-
stltutional function In respect to the
enactment Of laws and declares that
his discretion "Is equal to that of the
houses OF congress-"
"Of course" ne continued. "a mere
difference OF opinion as to the wis
dom Of details In a state constitution
ought not TO lead me TO set up my
opinion against that Of the people :
the territory. IL Is 20 be their gov
ernment and while the power OF con-
Rress TO withhold or grant Statehood
r. absolute. the people about TO con-
stltute a state should generally know
better tho kind OF government and
constitution suited TO their needs than
rrrgroaa or tho evccufivc Rut vvhcp