The Washington times., 1929-07-03
TEMPORARY
()NL \, He
SAYS

John daflanu OIIdFu, as
pirant for the Virginia Demo
cratic gubernatorial -nomina-
ton, who is in favor of the
'short ballot" denies it is an
issue, even though all the other
factions Republi c n and
Democratic-assert that it is
the paramount issue of the
campaign.
Pollard, who seems to have
evaded it as far as possible, in
answer to a letter has made the
following statement:
''The people at the polls on June
10, 1928. in dealing with the short
ballot, decided two distinct propo-
sitions.
Up 10 Legislature
"First-That the incoming COVER
nor should appoint, subject to the
confirmation of both branches of the
assembly, the superintendent Of pub
lie instruction, the commissioner OF
agriculture and the treasurer.
S9GCOnQ-l IldI 11 40OS anu AAASA
after the manner of the selection of
these officers should be determined
by the general assembly.
Much is being said about the first
proposition, but little has been said
concerning the second, which is far
more important, for it freed the con-
stitution of a provision which tied
the hands of the representatives OF
the people in determining from time
to time. as experience might sug-
rest, how these officers should be
selected, right which the general
assembly always exercised in the
ease of other State officers OF equal
importance.
Check ON Governor
s'The next governor, no matter
who he may be. must obey the
mandate OF the people and appoint
these officers subject, however, to
rejection by the next general as
ssnbly.
''The following general assembly
elected in 1881 may decide how
these officers shall be chosen. Those
who advocated these amendments
to the constitution stated on the
stump, and through the press over
@YR0 over again Ing GPROAAAS
Yr1erff OF these officers was mere
temporary experiment. and that II
the people SO desired they could,
through their representatives,
change the method Of selection.
IT myself, in advocating the ex-
pertinent, joined in emphasizing
this feature, and I could not now,
even If were so disposed, put any
obstacle in the way of free express
sion of the will of the voters exer-
cised through their representatives.
IL. therefore, the people elect leg
islature in 1881 favorable to the
AIection of these officer by the PEG.
ME, / shall consider it as a solemn
referendum on the question and
sign the bill.
ST could not do otherwise in
view of the position / had already
taken before was candidate for
governor, nor in view OF my con-
ception of the proper exercise of
executive discretion in such matters.
''In a matter of this kind involv-
ing the question of procedure rather
than a principle, I presume every
legislator will be governed by the
viii of his constituency. Surely j
could never ask him to be gov
erned otherwise.
ST have in mind very definite
program for the progress OF this
State and desire to confine myself
to real problems. see no reason,
therefore, why should turn aside
to Giiscuss a question which will be
solved re same way, no matter
who is Governor.
Executive Power Cut
Incidentally might mention a
significant fact, which seems to
have been overlooked by many;
that is, the amended constitution,
while giving temporarily to the
next governor the appointment Of
the three officers mentioned, took
Saway from him permanently three
appointments of equal dignity and
greater emolument, namely, the
members of the corporation com
mission, and that under the recent
reorganization of the government
the governor makes 81 less appoint
ments than formerly.
"Yet we find some good, but un.
informed Democrats insisting that
the governors appointing power
has been increased under the pres.
ent Democratic administration. The
spreading of such transformation
not only endangers party harmony,
but gives aid to the enemy"