Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1850-12-19
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Called by the voice Of the people
to the Chief Magistracy of this State.
/ now appear before you, in obe-
dience to long established USAGE TO
take the oath Of Office required by the
Constitution, and to declare the
course of policy by which | design 10
be controlled in my official relations.
In ,he first place, however, will
avail myself Of this occasion to ex-
press TO You as the representatives OF
our common constituents. my hum
BILE gratitude for the high and homo
rable distinction conferred, and the
confidence reposed in me. properly
TO discharge the duties OF the Office.
Occupying this high place, which,
from the nature of our insitutions,
can be enjoyed by but few, am, |
trust, fully sensible that it has not
been conferred to crafty any selfish
vanity, nor TO enable me 10 indulge
in any personal ambition, but in or
der that its duties may be SO dis
charged so as TO promote the public
welfare, and that any influence
arising from it may be directed for
the benefit Of the entire people.
As have ever considered the con-
6dence and appreciation of the peo-
pie, when they voluntarily spring
from the acts of public servant, and
are unsought by servility, to be the
most acceptable reward public SER
want can attain, | shall endeavor to
discharge the duties OF this new posi-
ton with frankness, and with a strict
regard TO justice, in my official re-
lations with all; and cannot but hope
that the many imperfections of my
administration, and the unintentional
errors into which ! may be led, from
want Of judgement or experience.
will be viewed with the same for
bearance, treated with the same can
dor, and excused by the same friend
ship, have so often received in 9th
er responsible relations to the COM
munity, from the people OF this State.
By the Constitution Of Ohio, the
Governor is for wise purposes no
doubt, limited as TO any extensive
patronage.
His powers are clearly defined by
that instrument, and they are but
few. He is, nevertheless, the repre-
sentative Of more than two millions
Of people, whose foundations Of gov
ernment are deeply laid in their
patriotism and affections. Having
advanced with rapid strides, our
, State is now flourishing in agricul-
tural, commercial and mechanical
prosperity; her common schools, and
other institutions of learning-her
asyIums for the unfortunate-her ex-
tensive public improvements, both
by State and private enterprise, are
favorites with a large majority of her
people. The latter have opened new
channels OF REORGANIZATION be-
tween distant sections, affording an
easy cheap and speedy transit for our
surplus products TO an eastern and
southern market; and all these OBJ
jects should receive the fostering care
of the government, and never be af-
iected by illiberal or hostile legisla-
ton.
Under the surrounding circum-
stances Of prosperity, / feel more
than an ordinary diffidence, that even
the limited functions of the. Office will
, not be exercised with that wisdom
l which may be best calculated to pro-
moe the farther advancement and
elevation Of the State, in that which
may contribute TO her best interests
and most permanent welfare. Ishall,
however, with an honest, but with a
fearless independence. strive not to
fall behind, but to keep pace with the
spirit OF progress of this enlightened
age in which we live, according TO
the best lights | am able to obtain.
Nor should any public functionary,
nor the people themselves, in the
performance Of their various obliga.
tions, become insensible 10 a high
constitutional duty, which they owe
to the government Of the Union, and
the other members Of the confedera-
cy, where there are, also, institutions
! to maintain and interests to protect.
By strict regard TO this duty, all
are safe without the most fearful anti
cipations OF evil arise.
The fourth section OF the second
article of the constitution OF Ohio
provides, that the Governor "shall,
from time TO time, give to the Gene
raj assembly information Of the state
OF the government, and recommend
to their consideration such measures
as he shall deem expedient."
}, My predecessor. in his annual
message, has performed these duties.
His position has afforded him the op-
portunity Of knowing the political
and financial condition of the govern