The free press. (Poplarville, Miss.) 1890-19??, 1923-03-29

current issue, The Woman Voter,
official organ of the League of Wo-
men Voters in this state, boldly
charges Governor Russell with de-
Iavinp the appointment Of a super
intendent of the penitentlary In OF
der that he may use the penltentl-
ary employees as political tools dur
ing the approaching state cam
palgn. eo
some time, and the editorial utter
ance of The Woman Voter Is GER
tain to attract statewide attention.
It also gives credence to the ru-
NOR that trade was made between
Governor Russell and Ex-Governor
Bilbo whereby the former would re-
appoint Superintendent James. WI,
hanson providing Bilbo withheld
certain documentar- evidence in his
possession which would have been
verv valuable in the trial OF the
Russell -Birkhead 100000 seduc-
ton suit at Oxfold; chat Governor
Russell dares not appoint anybody
except Superintendent Williamson,
and at the same time he dafes not
appoint Williamson for four-year
term because some of Russell's own
friends would make it hot Tor MN.
The editorial in question, when
is proving the veritable bombsheli
in political circles, is as follows:
Section 1923 of the Constitution OF
the State of Mississippi states thaC
the governor shall see, that the laws
are faithfully executed.
Section 268 provides that the
oath of office of the governor is;
tI do solemnly swear that VIII
faithfully support the Constitution
of the United States and the Con-
stitution of the State Of Mlsslsslp-
nj and obey the laws thereof. That
{ will faithfully discharge the du-
ties of office upon which am about
to enter so help me God.
Section 1896 of the code of 1906
creates the office of SuNerlnendent
of the State Penitentiary.
Section 1896 fixes his term OF OIL.
fee at four wears a'd TTovides that
the Superintendent shall be ap-
pointed by the governor.
The present incumbent's Office ex-
pired some months ago and no one
has been appointed by the governor
ia succeed him. He simply remains
in office without bond and without
takino the oath Of office as renulf-
ed by the Constitution.
The Governor Of MISSISSIPPI 5f
seems to think he is bigger Jl1an :
the Constitution or the laws OIL ms
sissippi and that he can therefore
SUSPEND the Constitution ana laws
at will. The Woman Voter beiieYes
that even the governor OF state
should obey his oath of office ana
uphold and support the Coiistl'u
ton. or,o,,
w;tbholds the appointment OF Su-
nerintendent of the State fehiten
tiary because he made a M tTade w. Mn
former Governor Bilbo. Inc aiieg
cd agreement was that Bilbo woulu
withhold certain documentary eva,
dence from Russell's personal Irial o.
;n The federal court at .Oxford. ~
;s onenly asserted by Bilbo's frlenas
that Russell is tied out on this mat-
tar and cannot make the appoi;l.
,oant for if he keeps his promlse
to Bilbo and makes tne sis app own
ment he promised then ms ""n
fr;ends will make it hot LOT hiit1 4ho+
II is asserted by other pecple+ +Lase NC.
-Rnssell is PLAYING politics with eileSs
;,a,,ortant affairs Of state. roi -
i.p ha continues to withhold the ap-
,o;ntment ny from the present lhcuiii,
bont & will not only serve as "
,osaans @ Of coercing the supeflnteiu-
l M hut all of his minor EMPLOYEES
III ,nh;cb are numerous, and IN ti1s
way the governor VIII Ito, atc
for his personal benefit, tLiai, ,no,;t, oGa.'
as we'll as serving him IN MS p
ical plans and schemes. ,o.s +bar
r is also asserted by others ellat
Russell promised this appoll.,,.sm, Pc 1,arson
ss,ona;sed ~ mis-, actually or implied, mas
laroe number of minor employees
avnect;np to be employed, and Il
pnsseIl Should succeed in holoihg
nusI .Sa .nno;ntment until after the
p;r,ar;es ~ in August, all OF tnese
n,nnnId- he" superintendent, VIII
their minor employees, families, es,.,, aap .
norters and friends, would 1e,.hans lolna
Source of great power ana peinSG:r O.
would enable the governor 70 shon,d &
80 who should and VINO siloulu
rot ras he elected to office in the pri-
ma Any Of the above sugges!;lOms gg;onss
,,o,l3 he reprehensible and serious.
wv % reflect upon the honor OF 'ne