The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-12-20
GOVERNOR BARTLE Y'S
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
Geatlsmen Of The Sendfe s,
~ ~ ~ onJ H,,se of Re1rpSent t1iipes .


The present is to me an hour of Sc
rious thought and feeling. In assuming
the office to which the State has called
me, cannot forbear to- express the
gratitude | feel for the confidence she
reposes in ME; and whichit shall be my
study never to betray. Next to the ap-
probation of God lprize the confidence
Of my fellow men.
regret that ! cannot bring TO the
discharge Of the high duties devolving
upon me, better qualifications and RI
per experience. am aware that the
excellent Constitution of Ohio does not
accord to her Chief Magistrate that
power and patronage with which it is
usual for even republican governments
to clothe the highest Executive office;
but it is nevertheless apparent that the
office Of Governor of Ohio is one of
great responsibility. That ark which
bears the interests and character of
two millions of freemen is one on which
no considerate man would rudcly lay
even thoughtless hand. My sense of
responsibility, however, is much light
ened by the high estimate entertain
of the wisdom of the Legislature.
You will pardon me if | give vent at
this moment to feeling of patriotic
pride. Ohio has been my home for the
greater part of a long life, now draw
ing TO oaclose. lthas been my privilege
to see the wilderness blossom as tie
rose, and the solitude of the savage fill
up with population of glad, industri-
Gus and civilized men. Other states
have their advantages, but in any of
them | feel stranger; within our own
beautiful borders lies the region of my
choice, and which | would exchange
for no State on the continent, no island
of the sea. With a soil which yields
rich harvest to the reaper's hand;a eli
mate wei! adapted to call forth the high
est natural and mental energies of man;
a wise and virtuous population; Con-
stitution formed on just ideas of human
rights and wants, commercial facilities
OF extraordinary Importance, and unde-
veloped resources beyond computation,
Ohio is destined under the smiles OF
Providence to see no superior in this
great confederacy.
In no period of our history have we
had greater cause for gratitude to the
Almighty than the present. Our bas-
ket and store overflow with fruits.
Our hands are nerved with might. Our
feet find rest and our hearts rappse in
quiet habitations. Cur credit is res
pected at home and abroad, political as
perities are softening, and the whole
population is choeriully pursuing the
career of prosperity, education, and
virtue. In ackno wledging the hand
whence all our blessings flow, trust
that my voice is in harmony with the
hearts Of my countrymen. The great
inquiry is, how can we retain our rich
inheritancel
The first and most important of all
the political measures of republican
government, is to quicken, strengthen,
and educate the youthful public mind.
Where the elective franchise is almost
universal, it is indispensable that the
mass ofthe people be instructed III NOR
al and political science. ...
On this point argument is unnecessa-
ry, since it is universally admitted that
perpetuity of our political institutions
depends, under God, upon the diffusion
of sound education. An uniniormed
people with the best constitution are
as unstable as the sea, and utterly inca
pable Of fixing any safe and settled
policy; bat are destined to be the dupes
of the reckless and designing, and after
unsuccessful efforts at self government,
to surrender their liberties.
The wise trainers of our excellent
constitution were ca eful to lay, in that
instrument, the basis ola system OF pub
lie instruction; and ever since the Or
ganization off the State government. the
legislature has given more or less at
tentIon to the subject.
Although | would propose no radical
change in the present school law, yet
] humbly conceive that experience has
shewn that it is not incapable of i'm
provement, and Isubmit to the consid
Grafton of the legislature whether it
ought not, at this time, TO undergo re-
vision; whether alterations are not de-
to elevate the character of the
school teacher; to secure such uni
formity Of school books as is not i'll
with the progress of i'm
in the art of instruction; to
widen the sphere of common school ed
lcation, SO that it may embrace, not
only the elements of that knowledge
which is essential to the ordinary inter-
course and business of the humblest
walks of civilized life, but also the ru-
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