The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1917-07-29

, ernor who, by reason of his eXper-
fence, would naturally be more er-
ficent during his second than his hrat
term.
The constitution also provides that
the governor shall not be eligible Cor
the office of United States senator
until after the expiration of~one year
from the close of his term of office.
The United States Senate is the sole
Judge of the qualifications of it's own
members and this provision could not
bind the Senate of the United States
The reasons why this singular provi-
sion was incorporated into the con-
stitution was an open secret among
its trainers, and 1t is sufficient to
say that it was not suggested by any
desire to subserve the public good, but
was inspired by certain gentlemen
with senatorial aspirations whose am
billions might be defeated by a GER
tail popular governor. 1t is one of the
anomalies Of fate that the gentleman
against whom this provision was lev
eled at the next term was elected oy
popular vote to the Senate and that
those who expected to profit by his
disqualification never realized thelr
ambition.
BY section 1853 of the constitution
the governors power of appointment
was limited. The appointees. If JUS
tees of the supreme court or judges
who hold office by election or chan
cellors, could only hold office until
the next general election. if held at
least six months after the vacancy
occurred. Why should such appointees
not hold office for the unexpired term
as provided in the constitution OF
1852 Some of the most distinguished
names on the rolls of our judiciary
owed their entry into public life to
70 a. y,rt,, $500 Al.
tainly since the introduction of the
primary system. the standard of ex-
ecutive appointments have been Of 4
higher character than those selected
by popular elections.
How should the executive depai t.
ment be reorganized so as to increase
its efficiency and capacity to best pro
mote the public interest? We should
adopt the policy of concentrating
power and responsibility IL the chief
executive. He should be elected for d
term of four years as at present and
the restriction as to his eligibility u
succeed hismelf removed. The veto
power should be made more effective
by requiring a two-thirds vote to
overcome the governors signature. IL
should be given the power to appoint
all his executive agents. as the Pres-
dent appoints his cabinet and all fed
eral officials. All the heads of the diff
ferent executive departm ents, the at
torney general, the auditor. secretary
of state and treasurer. superintendent
of education and commissioner of agr-
culture should be appointed by the
governor and should constitute his eS-
ecutive courcfl.
POWER OF REMOVAL
Charged with the duty of seeing 10
1t that the laws are faithfully exc
cuted, he should have the power to re-
move from office any sheriff who from
cowardice. gross negligence or incom
potency permits any prisoner in hE
custody to be put to death by mob
violence or fails to enforce the laws
by any fragrant neglect of duty
He should have the power to suspend
any tax collector for failure to perform
his duty and to make such suspension
permanent for good cause after hear
ing.
All vacancies in office should be filed