The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1913-02-04
FEE
Abolishing Bill of the Admin
istration lis Ready for
Introduction.

introduction.
CHARLESTON, Feb. 4-The ad-
ministratlon bill abolishing the fee
system among the various county Of
iicers throughout the state. and
placing all such officers, Including
sheriffs, county clerks, circuit clerks.
intermediate court clerks and prose
cutting attorneys. on straight sal
airy basis will be introduced in the
House of Delegates this week by
Delegate A. c. swiger, Of Tyler
county. The bill is meeting with
considerable opposition ON the part OF
the Sherlffs' Association and among
many of the officers who would be
effected by its passage. but its adop-
ton in both branches is expected.
Under the provision of the present
bill it would be effective on July :
of the present year. 1t is to this
clause that the greatest objection ia
made, and a hard fight is being
waged to have an amendment at
;tached that would postpone the time
for the, measure to take effect untl
after the terms of the present Off
GERS have expired. Favorable rec
Concentration in the original form is
probable, however, fe57she judiciary
committee. Is
Under the provisions of section
six, poor person may be allowed
by the court to sue or defend 3
suit without paying fees or costs, and
may have the serviceiof any counsel
the court may assign him, and from
ali officers all needful services and
process as we'll as the assistance Of
witnesses, without any fees to them
therefor, except what may be in
cluded in the costs recoverable from
the opposite party. A poor person
within the meaning of the section
shall be one who shall make and file
in the court with the officer whose
services may be demanded or re-
CURED, an affidavit stating that is is
pecuniarily unable to pay fees or
costs or counsel fees. False swear
ing in such an affidavit is made pun
Iishable by a jail sentence of not
more than one year and a fine Of not
more than $500 and shall make the
defendant ineligible for any position
of honor or trust OF public service.
The officers are empowered to APP
point and employ such deputies, as
sistants and other employees in the
manner provided by law, as may be
necessary and shall fix their COM
peasation. Statements showing such
action and giving the names of all
assistants and employees must be
filed in writing with the county
court. The compensation for all
deputies, assistants and employees is
restricted within the amount fixed
for each office by the county court.
In section eleven blow is taken
at the petty game of graft which
might be carried on whereby APP
pointees would be forced to pay trib-
ute for their appointment or in order
to retain their positions. 1t pro-
.vides that no officer shall receive or
be paid, directly or indirectly, any
part Of the compensation of ANY dep
uty, assistant or other employee, or
any fee or reward for appointing
rim to sucr position. 1t further pro-
yides that no member OF any county
court shall receive any part of the
compensation OF any county officer,
or his assistants or employees. VI
olatlon will be punished with the as
sessing of fine of not more than
$500 or imprisonment for not more
than che year, or both, and forfeit
ure of Office. /.
The aportfonment of the salaries
to be paid in the different counties
is also provided for. Work on this
important proceeding is being per-
fromed by n subcommittee of the
House judiciary composed of Messrs.
wiger, chairman; Robinson anu Tai
bolt. The apportionment will be-
made according TO the population of
the various counties and the proper
tomato amount of work devolving
upon the various officers.