The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-01-14

arts. in the various branches OF industry,
in the application of electricity and steam
power 10 the control OF the useful purposes
and wants of man, and, by no means the
least. the inventive American genius which
has been displayed in producing labor
saving machinery, both for the mechanic,
the manufacturer and the agriculturist,
have already astonished the civilized world
and it is yet entirely uncertain but still
; greater developments may be made and
more beneficial results attained.
While these things have been going on
around us, and have caused this to be do
nominated the "Progressiue Age,"a spirit
of reform and improvement in civil and
political affairs has been excited and wide
ly spread. that the sciences of government
should not alone be permitted to stand
still.
Acting under these influences, the peo-
pie of the State, the legitimate sources OF
civil and political authority through their
representatives, have crealed a new Or
ganic Law 1t has been adopted by a
) large majority. llmakes many encroach-
ments on anliquated notions. Under it.
useless legal forms and absurdities in the
proceedings Of courts of justice will be
abolished, and their modes Of doing bu-
sness brought home TO the comprehen-
' sion and understanding of all.
1t makes officers responsible to the poo
pie by frequent elections, by themselves,
and not by the General Assembly. 1t pro-
I. vides against future corporate monopolies
and improper moned influences. and for
all equal distribution of the benefits and
} bur.hens Of government. These are some
Of the distinguishing features Of the New
; Constitution, which is now in force. 1t is
: Radical, Progressiy- and Democratic
Very many Of lis provisions were called
for by the spirit of the age. twas brought
: into existence by no one party, but by all.
1t is for no one, but for all. All have an
equal interest in it, AS the supreme law
of our State. in connection with the Con.
sntution of the Union, treaties and laws
Of Congress,
Such being the case, the people have
the right to expect that this General As.
srmbly. which has been honored with their
conflence, will ieel deeply the response
bility with which its members have been
clothed, in their legislative capacity; that,
without distinction as to party, they will
keep steadily in view the public interest,
and, unitin. their counseIs, that with har.
mony and commendsbe zeal the first
General Assembly under the Nv Con-
stitution will carefully revise the Existing
or frame new statutes to meet ils rednis-
lions and, with fidelity, endsFy1g ~ pro.
vide such legislation as in th,.5 opinion
will be the most likely 70 sacurs las gsns.
fits the people have anticipated they are
10 derive from thar New Olg0uic Law.
For myself, frost that every Senator sud
Representative is iuily conscious Of the
importance Of his position, and feels the
necessity OF making tlis thorough, har-
monous business session OF the LegiSla.
ture--one to which reference may be made
hereafter with pride and satisfaction that
each member has honorsd himself and
done essential service to the common
wealth.
The Governor is required by the Con.
stu,ion TO recommend to the General
Assembly. at every session. such meas
ures as he shall deem expedient. Under
this injunction, brevlty and clearness will
be his object. 1t is deemed entirely un-
necessary 10 even touch but few Of the
, subjects Of Legislation which will demand
your action at the present session, to pro-
vide system for the new organization OF
the different departments Of the State gov
. ernment, as complete MS human frailty will
permit. and to secure other objects OF vital
Importance to the interests and welfare OF
the people OF Ohio. Those subjects to
which no particular reference is made in
this communication, are believed 10 be
sufficiently apparent to commend them
selves 10 the good sense and better udg-
ment Of the legislative authority. Should
other matters hereafter occur to me, as
they doubtless WILL with that frankness and
confidence which should ever exist be.
tween coordinate branches of the gov
ernment they will be made the ubjsct OF
special communications,
OF all the duties which the Executive is
called upon TO discharge, there is no ono
more difficult to be rightfully performed,
more delicate, or better calculated to Gre
ate dissatisfaction, however honestly exc
cuted, than that which arises under the
| lth section of the Sd article Of the con.
stitution, THAT the Governor shall have
power, after conviction, to grant reprieves,
combinations and pardons," &c. There
is reason to believe, that petitions for par
don have, sometimes, been presented to
the Governor. where many OF the names
of the subscribers had been obtained by
false representations, and, perhaps, by
those who had pecuniary interest in the
result of the applications thus made, which
was concealed. They have doubtless been
accompanied with assurances favorable to
tine success Of the applications, not always
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