USA > Michigan > Kent County > Standard atlas of Kent County, Michigan : including a plat book of the cities, villages and township. . . reference business directory, 1907 > Part 28
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Government Printing Office. The head of this branch of public work is the Public Printer, who is appointed by the President, and receives a salary of $4,500 per year. His chief clerk is paid $2,400 per year, and there is a foreman of printing and a foreman of binding, each of whom receive $2,100 per annum.
Civil Service Commission. This commission consists of three com- missioners, each of whom are paid $3,500 per year. The chief examiner connected with the commission is paid $3,000 per annum, and the secretary $2,000.
Interstate Commerce Commission. This commission was created for the purpose, and charged with the duty, of seeing that the laws regu- lating interstate commerce were faithfully executed and observed, and to prevent unjust discrimination on the part of railway corporations and common carriers. The commission consists of five commissioners appointed from different sections of the United States, each of whom receives a salary of $7,500 per year. The secretary of the commission receives a salary of $3,500 per annum.
Department of Labor." The general design of this department is to collect, assort and systematize statistical details relating to the different branches of lahor in the United States. The head of this department is known > . "mmissioner of the Department of Labor, and he is paid a salary $5,000 per annum. His chief clerk receives $2,500 per year, and di. ng clerk $1,800.
JUDICIARY.
T. cial powers of the United States are vested in the following- named c. arts, viz .: The United States Supreme Court, consisting of one chief justice and eight associate justices; the United States Court of Claims, which consists of one chief justice and four judges; the United States Circuit Court of Appeals; and the United States Circuit and District Courts. All judges of United States Courts are appointed for life, or during "good behavior." The chief justice of the United States Supreme Court receives a salary of $10,500 per annum, and the associate justices $10,000 each. The circuit judges receive a salary of $6,000 each per annum, district judges $5,000, and judges of the Court of Claims $4,500 each per year.
* The jurisdiction of the United States Courts extends to all cases in law and in equity arising under the Constitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties; to all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls; to all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdic- tion; to controversies to which the United States shall be a party; to controversies between two or more States; between a State and a citizen of another State; between citizens of different States; between citizens of the same State claiming lands under grants of different States. In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, and those in which a State is a party the Supreme Court has original jurisdic- tion. In the other cases the Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction.
LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT.
The legislative powers of the United States are vested in a Con- gress, which consists of a Senate and House of Representatives, and which meets annually at Washington on the first Monday of December. The constitution gives to Congress the following general powers: To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises; pay the debts of the United States; borrow money on the credit of the United States; to reg- ulate commerce; to establish uniform laws on naturalization and bank- ruptcy; to coin money and regulate the value thereof; fix the stand-
ard of weights and measures; to declare war; to raise and support armies (but it is provided that no appropriation for this purpose can be for a longer period than for two years); to provide and maintain a navy; to grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning capt- ures on land and water; to make rules for the government and regula- tion of the land and naval forces; to establish postoffices and post-roads; to promote the progress of science and the useful arts by securing for limited times, to authors and inventors, the exclusive right to their re- spective writings and discoveries; to constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court; to define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high seas and offenses against the law of nations; to exercise exclusive legislation over the District of Columbia and places purchased for forts, magazines, arsenals, etc .; and further to make all laws neces- sary for the general welfare of the United States, and for "carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by the Con- stitution in the Government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof." The Constitution expressly forbids Congress making any law respecting the establishment of eligion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress offgrievances. Congress cannot suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus except in cases of rebellion or invasion when the public safety may require it. No bill of attainder or ex post facto law can be passed. No tax or duty can be laid on articles exported from any State. No preference can be given by any regula- tion of commerce or revenue to the ports of one State over those of another. No title of nobility can be granted. Every law passed by Congress must be submitted to the President for his approval. If he returns it with his objections, or vetoes it, the measure may be passed over his veto by a two-thirds vote of both branches of Congress.
The Senate, or the " Upper House of Congress," is composed of two Senators from each State in the Union. They are elected by the Legisla- tures of their respective States, for the term of six years, and receive a salary of $5,000 per annum. No person can be elected to the United States Senate who has not attained the age of thirty years, been nine years a citizen of the United States, and is when elected an inhabitant of the State from which he is chosen. The Senate has sole power to try all impeachments. Its consent and confirmation is necessary for all important officers appointed by the President. Its consent is also nec- essary to conclude any treaty.
The House of Representatives is the " Lower House of Congress." Each State in the Union is divided into congressional districts, of as nearly equal population as is practicable. In each district a represent- ative is elected by the people for a term of two years, and each is paid a salary of $5,000 per year. Besides these, a delegate from each organ- ized Territory is admitted to the House of Representatives, who is not entitled to vote, but has the right to debate on all subjects in which the Territory which he represents has an interest. No person can be a rep- resentative who has not attained the age of twenty-five years, been for seven years a citizen of the United States, and is at the time of his election an inhabitant of the State from which he is chosen. All bills for raising revenue must originate in the House of Representatives.
STATE GOVERNMENT.
T HE method of State government throughout the United States follows very closely the general plan of government that pre- vails in national affairs. The various functions of government in State affairs are handled in departments, with a State officer at the head of each branch, and the lines are clearly drawn between the executive, legislative and judicial powers. All the States are governed under a constitution, which outlines and defines the powers which each of these departments shall exercise and possess. All of the most important State officials are elected by the people, but in many of the States the less important offices are filled by appoint- ment of the Governor, by and with the consent of the State Senate.
GOVERNOR.
The Governor is the highest executive officer in all the States of the Union, and is elected by a direct vote of the people. The term of office varies materially in the different States, ranging from two to six years. As to the matter of salary that the Governor receives, it also differs widely throughout the different States and is subject to frequent change. At the present writing two States -New York and Pennsylvania-pay their Governors $10,000 per year; Illinois and California both pay $6,000 per annum; Minnesota, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Virginia and Wisconsin all pay $5,000 per year; Maryland pays $4,500; Michigan, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, Tennes- see and Texas pay $4,000, Florida and Arkansas pay $3,500; Alabama, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas and North Carolina all pay $3,000; West Vir- ginia, $2,700; Montana and Washington, $2,600; the Dakotas and Nebraska, $2,500; Connecticut, Delaware and Maine, $2,000; Oregon, $1,500, and New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont $1,000. About the only statement concerning the qualifications required for this office that would be common to all the States is that he must be a citizen of the State in which he is elected. In most of the States, in addition to the salary named, the Governor is furnished with a residence, which is known as the " Executive Mansion."
The powers and duties that devolve upon the Governor are about the same in all of the States. He is charged with a general supervision over the faithful execution of the laws, and is the legal custodian of all the property of the State not specifically entrusted to other officers by law, and is authorized to take summary possession of such property. He is expected to communicate by message to each session of the State legislature such information or recommendations regarding State affairs as he may deem necessary and proper, and he is empowered to call extra sessions of that body whenever the public welfare may demand. He accounts to the same body for all moneys received and paid out, and presents estimates of amounts to be raised by taxation for various pur- poses. He has a negative (or veto) upon all laws passed by the Legisla- ture, but it is provided that measures may be passed over his veto by a two-thirds vote of that body. The Governor is commander-in-chief of the State military or naval forces, and has authority to call out such forces to preserve peace and execute the laws when the local authorities are unable to accomplish this. He may require the opinion of the vari- ous State officers upon any subject relating to their respective offices, and examines and approves the bonds of State officials. În many States the Governor has power to grant reprieves and pardons, after conviction, for all offenses against the State except in cases of impeachment; but in a few of the States the pardoning power is vested in a board selected for that purpose, of which the Governor is generally ex-officio a member The Governor has the appointment of a number of State officers, and in many cases if an elective office becomes vacant he has power to fill it by appointment; has power in many States to suspend a State officer, or even a county officer, pending a legal investigation. The Governor issues requisitions upon the executives of other States for parties charged with crime who escape to other States, and he has power to issue warrants for fleeing criminals upon requisition of other Governors.
LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR.
The office of Lieutenant-Governor does not exist in all of the States in the Union, at least not under this name, as in a few of the States this officer is only known as the President of the State Senate. In some of the States the Lieutenant-Governor is paid a certain amount per day during sessions of the Legislature or General Assembly, and in others he is allowed a fixed salary, but it is provided that if the duties of Gov;
ernor should devolve upon him, he shall during the continuance of such emergency be entitled to the emoluments thereof. The principal duty of the Lieutenant-Governor is to act as the presiding officer of the State Senate or Upper House of the State Legislature. In case a vacancy should occur in the office of Governor, the Lieutenant-Governor would act as Governor until such vacancy was filled by election; and in all cases where the Lieutenant-Governor is unable to act as presiding officer of the Senate, a President pro tempore is chosen by that body. The Lieutenant-Governor has no vote in the Senate except in cases of a tie or equal division of the members.
SECRETARY OF STATE.
The office of Secretary of State is one of the most important offices within the gift of the people of a State, and the office exists under this name in every State in the Union. The Secretary of State may be said to be the official secretary of the 'Governor, and countersigns all com- missions issued by the chief executive, and he is the custodian of the Great Seal of the State. As a rule it is the duty of the Secretary of State to call the House of Representatives to order and preside until a temporary presiding officer, or Speaker, is elected. It is his duty to see that halls are prepared for the Legislature or General Assembly; he prepares the legislative manual and causes it to be printed and dis- tributed; secures the printing and distribution of the State laws; indexes and files executive documents; provides and distributes election blanks; has charge of all books, bills, papers, etc., of the Legislature, and is practically "keeper of all public acts, laws, records, bonds, etc." The Secretary of State is required to keep a register of all the official acts of the Governor, and affixes the Seal of the State to all official commissions, etc., keeps a record of them, and is obliged to give any person a copy of the same when demanded. In all of the States the Secretary of State is ex-officio member of a number of the official State boards, but no list of these could be given that would apply to all States, as they are different in the various States.
STATE AUDITOR. -
The office of Auditor of State exists under one name or another in zearly every State in the Union. The title of this office, however, is not alike in all the States, as in many of them, notably California, Connecti- cut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and a few others, it is known as State Comptroller. In a few of the States, including Michigan and Pennsyl- vania, the office is called Auditor-General, and in two of the States the public accounts are audited by a Board of Auditors. In all the States, however, the duties that devolve upon this branch of the State govern- ment are practically the same, and a general explanation of the scope of work handled by the State Auditor in one State will apply, except as regards minor details, to all of the States. It is the duty of the State Auditor to keep the accounts of the State with any other State or Terri- tory, and with the United States and all public officers, corporations and individuals having accounts with his State. He audits the accounts of all public officers who are to be paid out of the State Treasury, and all persons who are authorized to receive money out of the State Treasury. In fact, all claims against the State which are to be paid out of the State Treasury must be presented to the Auditor, who, after the same is adjusted, issues warrants therefor payable at the Treasury!" A com- plete record of each warrant is kept by the Auditor, who also keeps an account with the State Treasurer, charging him with all moneys paid into the Treasury, and giving credit for all warrants paid, and the books and vouchers of the Treasury must balance therewith, as settlements are made between these two officers at stated intervals. In a number of the States the Auditor is charged with a general supervision over certain corporations, such as insurance and banking corporations and building and loan associations, and in some States is ex-officio a member of a number of State boards. He generally has authority to make and exe- cute satisfactions of judgments and assignments thereof in behalf of. the State.
STATE TREASURER.
This is one of the most important executive offices in the gift of the people of a State. The State Treasurer handles vast sums of the peo- ple's money, and as a rule a very heavy bond, ranging from $500,000 up into the millions, is required of him; and generally the Governor is em- powered to demand additional bonds if he deems the bond insufficient to fully protect the State.
The duties of the State Treasurer are implied by the title of the office, and they are very much the same throughout all of the States of the Union. The State Treasurer is custodian of all the State funds. He deposits these funds in banks, which give bonds to secure the Treasurer or State against loss, and which pay interest on daily balances. The Treasurer pays out State funds only on warrants issued or signed by the State Auditor, or other proper official, and a full record of all warrants is kept in both the auditing office and Treasurer's office. The plan by which the Treasurer receives the revenues of the State is different in different States. In some States the Auditor issues an order for him to receive the same and charges the amount against the Treasury In others he is charged with all moneys which he is entitled to receive, and then given credit for delinquencies. In still other States the Treasurer issues duplicate receipts for all moneys paid in, which must be counter- signed by the Auditor to be valid, and one of these must be deposited with the Auditor, so he may charge the amount against the Treasurer. In this way a double system is carried on-both Auditor and Treasurer keeping a full account of all moneys received and paid out, and their books and accounts must balance, as at stated intervals the Treasurer must make settlements with the Auditor and submit books, vouchers, etc., to the Legislature. In most of the States the State Treasurer is required to publish at stated times, in the newspapers at the capital, an itemized statement of the public accounts, expenditures, funds, receipts and disbursements. He is also required to make a complete report and itemized statement to each. session of the Legislature. In nearly all of the States the law is very explicit in outlining the duties of the State Treasurer, the following being very common provisions in relation to the office, viz .: That a complete record of all moneys must be kept, showing what is received or paid out of the various "funds," which "funds" must be exhibited in separate accounts. In several of the States the Governor and one or two other State officials constitute a board, which must at certain times examine and check up the accounts, books and vouchers of the State Treasurer and ascertain the amount of funds in the Treasury.
ATTORNEY-GENERAL,
The Attorney-General, as the name implies, is the general legal counsel or lawyer for the various branches of the State government. In all of the States the powers and duties of the Attorney-Ge .. _ ral are very similar. It is his duty to appear for the State in all actions and pro- ceedings in the Supreme Court in which the State has an interest; to institute and prosecute in all courts all actions, either for or against a State officer, in which the State has an interest; to consult with and advise the various county or state's attorneys in matters relating to their official duties, and when public interest requires he assists them in criminal prosecutions. It is his duty to consult with and advise the Governor and other State officers, and give, when requested, written opinions on legal or constitutional questions relating to their official duties, and to give written opinions when requested by the Legislature or any committee thereof. It is also his duty "> prepare, when neces- sary, drafts for contracts or other writings relating to subjects in which the State is interested. He is required to enforce the proper applica- tion of funds appropriated to the variou: State institutions, and prose- cute breaches of trust in the administration of the same; and when
ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS IN THE YEAR A. D.
:005. BY GED. A. OGLE & CO., IN THE OFFICE OF THE LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS AT WASHINGTON, D. C.
SUPPLEMENT V.
DIGEST OF THE SYSTEM OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
necessary prosecute corporations for failure or refusal to comply with the laws; to prosecute official bonds of delinquent officers or corpora- tions in which the State has an interest. The Attorney-General is required to keep a record of all actions, complaints, opinions, etc.
STATE SUPERINTENDENT OR SUPERINTENDENT OF PUB- LIC INSTRUCTION.
This is an office which exists in nearly every State in the Union. In three or four of the States the management of the educational interests of the State is vested in a State Board of Education, but in these cases the secretary of the board assumes most of the detail work that in most of the States devolve upon the State Superintendent. The full title given to this office is not the same in all of the States, but it is generally called "State Superintendent of Public Instruction or Public Schools." In Ohio, Maine and Rhode Island, and a few others, the office is termed "Commissioner of Schools."
The duties of the State Superintendent are very much alike in all of the States, as he is charged with a general supervision over the edu- cational interests of the State and of the public schools. In many States h s authority is not limited to the public schools, and he is authorized by law to demand full reports from all colleges, academies or, private schools. It is his duty to secure at regular intervals reports from all ;"^; : educational institutions and file all papers, reports and docu- | me +e transmitted to him by local or county school officers. He is the general adviser and assistant of the various county superintendents or school officers, to whom he must give, when requested, his written pinion upon questions arising under the school law. It is also his duty to hear and determine controversies arising under the school laws com- ing to him by appeal from a county superintendent or school official. He prepares and distributes school registers, school blanks, etc., and is generally given the power to make such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry into efficient and uniform effect the provisions of the laws relating to schools. The State Superintendent is required to make a detailed report to each regular session of the State Legislature, show- ing an abstract of the common school reports; a statement of the condi- tion of public schools and State educational institutions; the amount of money collected and expended, and all other matters relating to the schools or school funds that have been reported to him. He is for- bidden from becoming interested in the sale of any school furniture, book or apparatus.
STATE. LIBRARIAN.
In nearly all of the States the laws provide for a State officer under the title of "State Librarian." As a rule the office is filled by appoint- ment of the Governor, although in a few States it is an elective office and is filled by direct vote of the people. The State Librarian is the custodian of all the books and property belonging to the State Library, and is required to give a bond for the proper discharge of his duties and safekeeping of the property intrusted to his care, as in many of the States the State Library is an immensely important and valuable col- lection. In some of the States the Supreme Court judges prescribe all library rules and regulations. In others they have a Library Board of Trustees, which is sometimes made up of the Governor and certain other State officials, who constitute a board of commissioners for the management of the State Library.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL.
In nearly all of the. States provision is made for an Adjutant-Gen- eral, who is either elected by the people or appointed by the Governor. The name of the office implies the branch of work which is handled by its incumbent. 'It is the duty of the Adjutant-General to issue and trans- mit all orders of the Commander-in-Chief with reference to the militia of military organizations of the State. He keeps a record of all military officers commissioned by the Governor, and of all general and special orders and regulations issued, and of all other matters relating to the men, property, ordnance, stores, camp and garrison equipage pertain- ing to the State militia or military forces.'
PUBLIC EXAMINER OR BANK EXAMINER.
This is a State office that is found in only about one-half of the States. In some States it is known as Bank Comptroller and in others the duties which devolve upon this officer are handled by a " department" in the State Auditor's office. The general duties and-plan of conduct- ing this work, in many respects, is very similar, but there is a great dif- ference between the various States in the officers who attend to it. Where this is made a separate State office, generally speaking, the requirements are that he must be a skilled accountant and expert book- keeper, and cannot be an officer of any of the public institutions, nor interested in any of the financial corporations which it may be his duty to examine. He is charged with the duty of visiting and inspecting the financial accounts and standing of certain corporations and institutions organized under the State laws. In several of the States it is also made his duty to visit certain county' officials at stated intervals, and inspect their books and accounts, and e force a uniform system of bookkeeping by State and county officers.
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