Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1850-12-19


those rules which every government
must adopt for the security Of itself and
its citizens against the kwless violence
of the liceniious and prohigate. The
penal code Of this State inficts no cruel
nor unusual punishments. II is, in
the main, as mild in its penalties for
guilt, as the law of any civilized coun-
try, and our modes Of trial are as well
calculated to secure and protect inno-
cence as could well be devised, with
any regard to public justice.
Ithas always appeared to me, there
fore, before the law should be interrupt
ed in its course, the Governor should be
vel satisfied of the illegality or injus-
tice of the sentence which it had pro-
nounced; that the example which had
been set, and the reformation Of the
offender, and fully satisfied the claims
of pubic justice; or that extraordinary
circumstances had arisen, subsequent
to the conviction, which rendered it in.
human and unchristian that punishment
should be longer consigned.
am Of the opinion. that the par
doning power was designed TO reach
very few, if any other cases, than
those enumerated. That it should
be but sparingiy used, and that the
Executive should not forget, while
he sees and hears Of the sorrows Of
Others, that the safety and security
| Of society depend, very essentially,
on a rigid, impartial and energetic
administration Of penal laws.
The 7lh section Of the same arli-
Gle enacts, that the Governor "may
require information in writing from
the officers in the executive depart
ment, upon any subject relating 10
the duties OF their respective offices,
and shall take care that the laws be
faithfully executed"
This provision was designed, con-
clude, 10 authorize the Governor to
examine and advise in relation to the
transaction of business, in the other
executive departments of the govern
ment; power which may be essen
tial TO the knowledge required TO
enable the Executive, in his annual
message, at the commencement oil
the General Assembly, or from time
TO time, to give that body information
of the state of the government, and
that a supervisory influence may be
exerted, calculated to effect the pune
tual and faithful discharge Of official
obligations.
In the performance Of this imper-
ative duty, l shall invite the most
frank and friendly communication
with the Subordinate executive de-
partments, and shall doubtless, more
frequently, be under the necessity oI
asking advice in nv own department
than imparting it in theirs; and shall
strive to maintain the most friendly
and confidential relations, so essen
tial 10 the public interest, in the dis
charge Of duties connected by off,
cial intercourse.
There is one subject Of general
legislation, in addition TO those be-
fore enumerated, however, to which
| would invite your particular at
tention. | do so, with great respect
for the opinions OF those with whom ]
may differ, and not without doubts
whether it should not be left until
the result Of the deliberations Of the
Convention is known, as that body,
in my opinion, possesses supreme
power over it, in all things, not in
consistent with the constitution oI
the United States.
/ allude to the great banking sys,
tenn Of the State. A system, by no
means, without its evils and imper-
fections, as all must concede.
The question is not now, however,
whether the General Assembly has
/ the constitutional power to repeal
the charters Of private monied cor
porations, and annul their usual and
ordinary franchises. As TO the exer'
else Of this power, there is a diversi-
ty Of sentiment. The right has been
denied by the repeated decisions oI
the highest judicial tribunals Of. the
country, while the affirmative has
been ably and zealously maintained,
by political writers Of great merit,
and statesmen Of distinguished abili-
ty.
think il may be safely asserted,
however, that all special legislation
for the benefit of capital, at the ex-
pense of labor, that is in the charac-
ter Of a monopoly and conlers upon
the few exclusive privileges which
the many are prohibited TO enjoy, are
utterly inconsistent with the nature
and spirit of our democratic institu-
tions.
They should be very seldom, ifev-
or granted, and when found to be in
furious to the best interests of the
community, there ought,some where,
TO exist the unquestioned authority
TO remedy every evil they infict.