TERMS OF OFFICERS.
The joint resolution [S. 6] proposing an amendment to the Constitution making the term of office of Secretary, Treasurer and Auditor of State four years instead of two, and disqualifying either from serving two consecutive terms, was read third time and passed by yeas 38; nays, 5.
The joint resolution [S. 7] proposing an amendment to the Constitution, making the term of office of County officers four years--ineligible to two consecutive terms, was read the third time.
Mr. TRAYLOR--This resolution will establish one term and only one for County officers should it become a part of the Constitution. All know that in many cases County officers during their first term electioneer for a second term. Many Treasurers say to tax-payers: You need not pay your taxes yet, wait, I will let it pass; and in one County in 1878, out of a $64,000 tax duplicate, the delinquencies run to $34,000--the Treasurer doing nothing but electioneer for a second term. And it sometimes happens that an Auditor electioneers with men who owe interest to the school fund, so they get behind as much as five years. The one term system will have a tendency to improve the civil service of the State.
The joint resolution [S. 7] passed--yeas 40; nays, 4.
