Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 4.djvu/248

 230 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

The message of Governor William O. Bradley to the general assembly in 1898 compliments the condition of all the state institu- tions. A general reduction of their expenses took place in i8g6, as compared with 1895. He states that they "are well officered, and are moving along harmoniously and successfully, the management com- paring favorably with any period in the past" (for the first time the Republican party, that of the governor, is in control of the state). Further on in his message, however, the governor implies that under no management as yet have the administrations of these institutions been as efficient as they should be. He says :

The charitable and penal institutions of the state should be placed on a thoroughly non-partisan basis, and officers appointed on account of their especial fitness and experience. Such a system prevails in many states of the union, and in every instance has proven most beneficial. Charities should not be used to promote political ends.

No particular party is responsible for the prevalence of the rule in Ken- tucky, but each and all are to blame for it. By reason of this system, at the end of every four years, the successful candidates, desirous to reward their friends, turn out of office those who have acquired experience and substitute others to whom the duties are entirely novel

For years there has been no complaint in this state concerning the man- agement of charitable and penal institutions. How could it be expected that these great interests should thrive as they deserve when inexperienced men are so frequently in control ? If a change is to be effected, someone must inaugurate the movement ; and, with the interest of the state far above party ties, I earnestly call your attention to this great wrong, and recommend its discontinuance.

He then suggests the appointment of three non partisan commis- sioners on the Board of Charities and Corrections — experienced men, to be selected, if necessary, from any state in the union — whose busi- ness it should be to look after the selection of officials and to care for the financial and other interests of the institutions.

Commenting further on the present ex officio political commis- sions directing the institutions, he says that their other duties are onerous —

and their proper discharge demands their whole time and attention. The consequence is that, in attempting to discharge the duties of the two positions, they will necessarily neglect the duties of one of them. Besides, they have so many friends to reward that, in the exuberance of their gratitude. Infirmities of applicants are overlooked at the expense of the state.