Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-12-16
Inaugural Address Of Gov Wood.
DELIVERED THURSDAY, DEC. IL.
Gentlemen Of the Senate
and House of Representatives.:


Gentlemen Of the Senate
and House Of Representatives.:
Called by the voice of the people to the
Chief ,Magis,racy Of this State. now ap-
pear before you, in obedience 10 long es-
tablished usage, TO take the oath Of office
required by the Constitution, and TO declare
the course Of policy by which design to
be controlled in my Official relations.
In the FIRST place, however, | will avail
myself Of this occasion TO express to sou,
as the representatives Of our common con-
s,i,uen,s, my humble gratitude for the high
and honorable distinction conferred, and
the c,hfdence reposed in me. properly 10
discharge the duties Of the office.
Occupying this high place. which, from
the nature of our institutions, can be en-
joyed but by few, am, / trust, fully sensi'
BILE that j. has not been conferred TO CRAFTY
any selfish vanity. nor 10 enable me 10 in
dulge in any personal ambition, but in or
der that Its duties may be so discharged, as
to promote the public welfare. aid that
any influence arising from il, may be d.
TeCteU TIC OCuCAt VI khO Ohs"S PSStsS'
AsI have ever considered the confidence
and appreciation Of the people. when they,
Voluntarily. spring from the acts Of pub
lic servant. and are unsought by servilily.
to be the most acceptable reward public
servant can sttain. shall endeavor 10 dis.
charge the duties Of this new position with
t frankness. and with strict regard to JUS
- -olasSanc! xnifh oil and
canno, but hope that the many imperfec-
tions Of my administration, and the unln.
tentioaal errors into which may be led,
from a. want Of judgment or experience,
will be received with the same forbearunce,
treated with the same candor. and excused
by the same friendship ! have so often re-
ceived, in other responsible relations to the
community, from the people Of this State.
By the Constitution Of Ohio, the Gov
ernor is. for wise purposes no doubt, limit
ed as to any exclusive patronage.
His powers are clearly defined by that
instrument. and they are but few. He is,
nevertheless. the representative OF more
than two millions Of people. whose found
alions Of government, are laid in their pa.
,riotism and affections.
Having advanced. with rapid strides, our
State ID now fourishing in agricultural,
commercial, and mechanical prosperity;
her common schools and other institutions
of learning-her asylums for the unfor:u.
hatcher extensive public improvements,
both by State and private enterprise. are
fayorites with large majority Of the peo-
pie. The latter have opened new chan
jnsls of inlercommunication between dis.
tant misunderstanding nm easy. cheap.
and speedy transit, Tor our surplus pro-
ducts. 10 an eastern and southern market.
and all these obj cts should receive the
fostering care Of the government. and new
er be affected BY illiberal OF hostile leglsla-
iioH. ....
Under these surrounding circumstances
of prosperity. ieel more than ordinary
difidence, that, even the limited functions
Of the office will not be exercised with the
wisdom which may be best calculated TO
promote the further advancement and ele.
yalion Of The State, in that which: may
contribute 10 her best interests and most
permanent welfare. .-
shall, however, with. an honest, but
with fearless Independence, strive not TO
faIl behind; but to keep pace with the spir.
1t of progress Of this enlightened age in
which we live, according to the best ligbs
am able 10 obtnin. fs
Nor should any public functionary. nor
The people themselves. in the performance
OF their various obligations, become inseD.
sible to high constitutional duty, which
they owe 10 the Government Of the Union,
and TO other members Of the Confederacy,
where there are. also. institutions TO main-
tain and interests TO project t-s8r-t
. BY strict regard 10 this duty, all are
safe; without it, the most fearful anticipa-
lions of evil arise. liz. -..-.
. The 4th Section of the I'd Article Of
the Constitution Of Ohio provides that the
Governor ''shall from time 10 time give
to the General Assembly information Of
the state Of the government, and recon-
mend to their consideration such measures
as he shall oeem expedlenl." r..
My predecessor, in his annual message,
has performed these duties. His position
has afforded him the opportunity Of know
ing the political and financial condition Of
the government. the moral condition, the
necessities and wants Of the people.
| shall add but little TO his suggestions
on this occasion. and should any thing i'm
porlant hereafter occur 10 me during your
session, it will be made the subject. Of a
special communication. -..--.. -
1t has been the remark Of age, wisdom
and experience. more extensive than mine.
that the assembling Of the representatives
Of the people, in their legislative capacity,
to consult for the welfare, and devise the
means necessary to advance the security.
the happiness and prosperity Of those whom
they represent, is, al all times, interesting
and important in The political history Of ey-
cry State. .--.e las. ...... =.
The Office Of representative is one Of
dignity and responsibility. 1t is upon the
wisdom and integrity with " hich its obliga-
tons are performed that the quiet and Sc
curi,y, the happiness and prosperity Of an
active community very essentially depend.
Nor is ii merely as legislator. in his off
cial capacity. that The representative OF the
neoolo NAV ho heo ri and felt for oood or