Treason against the States consists in an open or overt act of “levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort.”

To reprieve is to delay or postpone for a time the execution of the sentence of death upon a criminal.

To pardon is to annul a sentence by forgiving the offense against the law, and by releasing the offender.

The governor may also commute the sentence of an offender by exchanging the penalty for one less severe.

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR:—­The term and qualifications of the lieutenant-governor are the same as those of the governor.  The lieutenant-governor is also president or speaker of the Senate, but votes only in case of a tie.  In States having no lieutenant-governor, the Senate elects its presiding officer.

In case of the death or resignation of the governor, the lieutenant-governor becomes governor of the State.  In States having no lieutenant-governor, special laws provide for filling vacancies in the office of governor.

When the chief executive is absent from the State, or disabled, the lieutenant-governor performs the duties of the office.

SECRETARY OF STATE.—­The secretary of state is the keeper of all State papers, and usually of the great seal of the State.  In some States he is ex officio auditor.  He keeps a record of the proceedings and acts of the legislature and of the executive department of the State government.

He certifies to the correctness of State documents and commissions, indexes the laws, and attends to their printing and distribution, except in States having a superintendent of printing.  He receives and preserves the returns of elections, and in some States has charge of the State buildings at the capital.

AUDITOR, OR COMPTROLLER.—­The auditor is the financial agent of the State, and in some States acts as register of the land office, and in others as commissioner of insurance.  He is also the State’s bookkeeper, and attends to the collection of its revenue.  He examines and adjusts claims and accounts against the State, and orders the payment of such as he approves.  He receives moneys paid to the State, deposits them with the treasurer, and takes receipt therefor.  No funds can be paid out of the State treasury except upon the auditor’s warrant.  He makes an annual or biennial report, showing the financial condition of the State.  In some States having no auditor, these various duties fall to other officers, chiefly to the secretary of state.

TREASURER.—­The treasurer is custodian of the funds of the State.  He receives the State’s revenues from the auditor, and pays them out only upon the auditor’s warrant, keeping an accurate account of all sums paid.  The treasurer and the auditor (and also the secretary of state when he handles State funds) give heavy bonds for the faithful performance of their duties.