Elements of Civil Government / A Text-Book for Use in Public Schools, High Schools and Normal Schools and a Manual of Reference for Teachers

by Alexander L. Peterman

The State Chemist is in charge of the laboratory in connection with the Department of Agriculture. He is appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture, and his assistants are also appointed by the Commissioner on the recommendation of the State Chemist.

A State Geologist is appointed by the Governor, who holds his office during good conduct. He is removable by the Governor for inefficiency or misconduct. It is his duty to make a geological, mineralogical, and physical survey of the State; to make records of the survey; to make a record of the general physical characteristics of the different counties; to locate the deposits of mineral ores and phosphates, collect and classify specimens and preserve them in a museum.

The State Game and Fish Commissioners appointed by the Governor for a term of two years. It is his duty to see that all laws for the protection of game animals, game birds, and fish in the State are observed and enforced. He appoints game and fish wardens and deputy wardens in each county of the State to assist him in enforcing the laws, and in issuing licenses to proper persons to hunt and fish in the open season, in accordance with certain restrictions and regulations.

The State Tax Commissioner is appointed by the Governor, with the approval of the Senate, for a term of six years. His office is at the State Capitol in connection with the Comptroller-General. He acts as assistant to the Comptroller-General. He investigates all matters relative to taxation, and makes recommendations to the General Assembly, as to any alterations or changes that may bring about a more perfect and equitable system of taxation. It is his duty to examine carefully and compare the tax digests of the several counties of the State, to the end that property located in different counties may bear its equitable burden of taxation.

The Adjutant General is appointed by the Governor for the term of the Governor's tenure. He is at the head of the Military Department of the State, subordinate only to the Governor as Commander in Chief of the military forces of the State. He is custodian of all militia records and of all State and United States Military Equipment in the State. He renders an annual report to the Governor of the condition of the militia and accounts for all moneys received and disbursed for military purposes. He issues all orders relative to carrying into execution and perfecting the military establishment under the laws of the State and the United States.

The Commissioner of Commerce and Labor is elected at the same time and in the same manner as the Governor and the State House Officers for a term of two years. He is aided by an assistant commissioner and chief clerk. His duties are to provide for the collection and dissemination of authentic statistics pertaining to the various industries and resources of the State; also to collect data relative to the condition and welfare of laboring people and such other statistics concerning the industrial welfare of the citizens of the State as he may deem of interest and benefit to the public: He is especially required to investigate the operation and enforcement of various laws relative to the employment of child labor and of women. He may act as a mediator between employers and employees in the case of strikes, and tender his good offices to the opposing parties with a view to bringing about friendly and satisfactory adjustments. He makes a full report to the Governor, with such recommendations as may be likely to promote the efficiency of his Department.

The Railroad Commission consists of five members, one or two being elected every second year, for a term of six years. It is the duty of the Commission to protect the people from excessive passenger or freight rates on the various railroads operating in the State, and to prevent unjust discrimination. The Commissioners have the power to examine the books of any railroad company, to examine its officers and agents as to their methods of conducting the business of the road, and to examine the road to see that it is not in an unsafe and dangerous condition, and when any part is found to be unsafe, to require the company to put it in such condition as will render travel safe and expeditious.

The Commission also has a similar control over street railroads, wharves, docks, gas, electric light and power, terminal, express, telephone, telegraph, and cotton compress companies. The Commission is called upon to consider, hear, and adjust multitudes of differences and complaints that arise in reference to services, rates, and practices of more than two hundred public service corporations that are within its supervisory and regulatory jurisdiction.

Each of the companies, or corporations, over which the Railroad Commission has authority, before issuing stocks, bonds, notes, or other evidence of debt payable more than twelve months after the date thereof, must secure the approval and authority of the Commission; also they must show the purpose and use for which such issues are authorized.

The Prison Commission consists of three Commissioners elected by the people for a term of six years. The Commissioners elect one of their number chairman. All convicts, all convict camps, and the State Farm are under the direct supervision of the Prison Commission, which provides rules and regulations, subject to the approval of the Governor, for their management, discipline, and sanitation. Some member of the Prison Commission makes personal visits to the various convict camps of the State every six months and makes a thorough inspection of every detail of management, plan of operation, sanitation, and treatment of the convicts. The Commission apportions the convicts to the various counties desiring to use convict labor on the public roads.