People's Pilot, Volume 3, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 March 1894 — RICH IS UPHELD. [ARTICLE]

RICH IS UPHELD.

Michigan’s Supreme Court Satisfied with the Governor's Official Acts. Lansing, Mich., March 22.—The supreme court has rendered a decision sustaining Gov. Rich in removing Sec* retary of State Jochim, State Treasurer Hambitzer and Land Comm issioner Berry for gross negligence in failing to personally canvass the returns of the amendment election of 1893. It is held that it was within the power of the governor to remove such officials under the constitution, and that he has power to determine as to the facts. A judgment of ouster was entered. The court denies that there is any property right in an office and that consequently the provision of the Michigan constitution giving the governor power to remove for gross neglect of duty does not conflict with the fourteenth amendment to the federal constitution providing that no state shall deprive a person of life, liberty or property without due process of law. Lansing, Mich., March 22.—Michigan has three new state officers. These changes follow the filing by the supreme court of a unanimous opinion written by Justice Hooker sustaining the action of Gov. Rich in removing Secretary of State Jochim, State Treasurer Hambitzer and Land Commissioner Berry for gross neglect of duty. New appointments were made at once and are as follows: Secretary of State—Rev. Washington Gardner, of Albion. State Treasurer—James M. Wilkinson, of Marquette. Land Commissioner—William A French, of Belle.