Sec 1071

Nor do the engagements made by state or municipality with public officers constitute a contract within the purview of the limitation before us. The salaries of such officers may be reduced or their terms of office closed by action of legislature, of municipality, or of constitutional convention.2 On the other hand, a contract between a state and a party, whereby he is to perform certain duties for a specific period, at a stipulated compensation, is so far within the protection of the limitation that he cannot be deprived of such compensation by the repeal of the statute under which the contract was made.3

And so as to torts.

Tenure of public office may be modified by law but not specific contracts.

1 State V. New Orleans, 32 La. An. 709.

2 Butler V. Pennsylvania, 10 How. 402; Warner V. People, 2 Denio, 272; Conner V. N. Y. 2 Sandf. 355; 1 Seld. 285; Com. V. Bacon, 6 S. & R. 322;.

Com. V. Mann, 5 W. & S. 418; Barker V. Pittsburgh, 4 Barr, 49; Wbittington V. Polk, 1 Har. & J. 236; McBlair V. Bond, 41 Md. 137; Toledo Bank V. Bond, 1 Oh. St. 622.3 Hall 17. Wisconsin, 103 U. S. 5.