The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 184?-1851, 1845-12-17

superficial observer must admit that II is defiei-
ont, and, for want of energy and efficiency, has
utterly failed 10 meet the expectations Of IFS
friends. The example Of other states has taught
us, that il is within The power of the Legislature
TO adopt measures which will bring the system
of common schools TO a high degree OF pertec-
ton.
respectfully commend TO your consideration
the expediency of establishing State Board OF
Education, and the appointment of competent
and suitable person as a State Superintendent OF
Common Schools; and, also, the adoption OF
measures that will give more energy ana eihcl-
ency TO the county and school district supervision,
and management Of the system Among the IL
beral and enlightened persons in Ohio, who en-
terrain enlarged views, and are eminent Tor their
benevoence and their regard for the cause of
education, can be easily found persons who will
faithfully discharge all the duties which can APP
propriaiely be enjoined upon State Board, with
out any charge for their services. In matter,
however, Of such magnitude and enduring public
interest," as thai OF improving the means of com
mon school education, neither pecunary consld-
erations, nor party feelings, nor local or sectional
views, should be permitted to Interfere. While
thousands and millions are annually expending
kind, the appropriation of the comparatively small
sum requisite for improving and perfecting the
means of cultivating the intellect, and training
the virtues Of the youth ofthe Stae can certainly
be no obstacle in The way. Bv the means sug
gested, humbly conceive that great public in
serest can be awakened among the people of the
State on the subject of education, the necessary
discipline adopted and put into practice, informa-
ton on the subject of the best and most improved
methods of instruction procured and furnished
to every school district, The competency of in
Sstructors greatly improved, and the system bro't
to high degree of perfection.
The Miami University, at Oxford, and the
Ohio University, at Athens, are institutions which
have been in a manner placed under the guar
danshIp of the State, and richly endowed by
extensive donations of land from the general
government. The former is in prosperous
condition, and is accomplishing the useful pur-
poses of its institution But the Ohio University,
on account of pecuniary cmbarrassments, and
other causes, not perhaps very we'll understood,
has partially suspended operations. The diff
cuties in the management of said nstltutlon,aIe
of standing, and for some years it has been fail
ing TO accomplish the high object OF It's creation.
1t is not improbable that the difficulties which
have blghted its prosperity, have had their origin
in the fact, that the interests OF the lessees OF
of the college lands in, the midst of which the
University is located, have ccnflicted with the
prosperity of the institution, earnestly com
mend the condition Of this institution 10 your
consideration. in order that you may inquire into
the causes of it's failure, and devise remedy fol
the evil.
The Medical College, at Cincinnati, under the
control Of the Legislature, is in prosperous con
dtion and managed with eminent skill and abil
ty. 1t is said that an enlargement The college
edifce is greatly needed. A REIMBURSEMENT o
the property of the State in the institution, to the
Trustees Of the College, and their successors
would, as am informed, enable them to make
the necessary additions to the buildings. AS i
is inexpcdent TO increase the debt of the State
and as pecunIary connection of the State will
any company or local institution, is founded or
an erroneous principle, and proves prejudicial tC
the interests of the State, submit to your con
sideration the propriety ofmaking the Ielinquish
ment mentioned
In a government like ours, which originate;
from and is controlled by the popular will, al
must acknowledge the necessity of guarding The
free and unbiased exercise of the elective fran
chse and the purity of the ballot box. In The
heat of party excitement, and the severe con
flicts of popular sentiment which occur at ou
general elections, it is not surprising that prac
tees should occasionally be resoltcd TO, calCuIa
ted to defeat a proper and free expression of tht
popular voice through the medium of the ballo
box So far as laws can correct this evil, it is thu
duty of the Legislature 10 provide effectual re
medies. Much has doubtless been accomplished
by the election law of lS4l, to preserve the puri
ty Of elections; bat there still remain avenue
uRclosed, through which, at a time OF high pop
ular excitement, illegal votes are conveyed init
the ballot box. The registry law passed at th
last session, which operates only in some of ou
cities and large towns, has been salutary in it
operations. respectfully submit TO your con
sideration the eXpedency Of extending the pro
visions of this law, in some form to all the cleo
ton districts in the State. There is nothing con
nected with the political institutions OF the coun
try which should be guarded with more sanctit
than the proper exercise Of the elective franchise
Legislation on this subject should never be gov
erGed by party feelings, nor directed by part
views. Should one party adopt measures, whc
in power, to change the local and fixed nslitu
tions of the people for party advantages, it ma
be made precedent for the excesses of aanc
ther patty in power, perhaps less scrapuous an
conscientious.
1t is an undeniable fact that the practice c
bettingo elections has become an evil of no il
considerable magnitude. This practice is dc
morazing in lis tendency, and corrupIing in il
influence. 1t brings the consideration of pioperL
directly TO bear in its influence on the electlv
franchise. Ii is true that one of the great purpC
ses of government is to protect the rights ofprc
perty, but property under our institutions is NJ
made an element of political power. The pra'
tice Of betting upon elections not only brings tn
influence Of property to operate upon the consit
&C L.. :.