Pocahontas star herald., 1916-09-08

ton the wisdom OF the law. some
prominent Democrats have even
gone so Tar as TO announce they Ia
yor the repeal of the act, and the re-
turn to the old system Of holding
the state election in September. The
success Of the first election, and
the absence of trouble Of any kind
will 60 far IN populariziug the new
order Of things. The sentiment
for consolidation of elections had
been growing in the state for some
years, and the principal opposition
came from those who considered il
unwise to bring federal control into
charge Of state elections.
The automobile is bringing about
radical changes IN macy old insti
tutions. For ages the stately slow
moving procession of hacks and car.
rlSces was considered the only pro-
per thing for a funeral. But even
the funeral is feeling the effect Of
the automobile. II was announced
10 Little Rock last week that the
price Of hacks for funerals had been
reduced from 90 to $3.50 each.
Thus is a concession due to the gas.
oline competition, and the growing
vogue Of the automobile funeral.
With the approaching re-organi.
zition of the state departments, aud
the installation OF number Of new
officials, the question Of patronage
Is one that attracts much attention.
The identy Of men to occupy tn,
various positions becomes a matter
Of speculation. In the office Of
governor, secretary Of state, auditor
Of state, superintendent of public
instruction, aud elsewhere there will
be not less than twenty three clerks,
deputies, stenographers aud other
minor positions to fill.
Up to the present time, only one
selection has been officially announ
ced. Tom w. Campbell of Poca
hontas, erst member of the legisla-
ture, and perennial candidate for
congress, will be assistant attorney
general, under John d. Arbuckle
II Is rumored in capitol circles that
c. II. Moses, the present holder OF
the deputy law portfolio, vii. be
come private secretary to Gov
Brough.
II current reports be true, the
state officials will IN some instance
be confronted with the necessity of
making choice among large num-
ber Of friends and political sup
porters who have been offered APP
pointmeuts, tentatively or positive
ly, several times more than there
are places TO ill. An offer Of off,
clal preferment is easily made in
the heat of a campaign, but unless
the pledges are card indexed and
carefully scheduled, it sometimes
proves rather more difficult TO dc
liver the goods in every instance,
which brings about a revision of
the beatitudes, to read,
"Blessed Is the politician who
does not promise more Offices than
he has, for he shall not be execrated
by the many who receiveth not that
for which they had labored."
The advocates Of a new consti
tutlon are actively spreading their
propaganda, with the belief that
the l9l7'legislature will yield to
the growing demand for a new or
game law.
For several years the sentiment
has been growing, as evidenced by
the fact that the house of the last
general assembly went ON record in
favor Of a new constitution, and II
was defeated by the senate.
A hill for a constitutional con.
vention will be one Of the first
measures introduced and it will be
fought for vigorously. 1t Is hoped
that the convention can be held
sometime next summer.
In the meantime, the campaign,