Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1853-07-13
Democratic state Convention.


Alta meeting ofthe Democratic State Cen.ral
Committee, held in Columbus on "Wednesday. the
22d day of June. 1853, It was
Resolred, That the Chairman and Sesnetarv
give notice that Convention of the DELEGATES
from the various counties of Ohio, will be held
in the city of Colambus on Wednesday, the Ssh
day of August next, for the purpose of ofnomfnatinC
candidate to be supported by the Democracy Of
Ohio for the office of State Commissioners Of Com.
mon Schools.
In pursuance of the shove resolutions. the m,
dersgned respectfully invite the attention Of the
Democracy of the several counties of tha Etate
to the necessity oftaking the requisite steps for
insuring full and faithful representation of their
wishes at the Convention of the oath of August.
The object the assemblage Is one Of high I'M
pertance, and the responsibility of dischsrging
the duty which will devolve upon the Convention,
should not be left to Delegates from portion Of
the counties of the State, but should be shared
alike by all. 1t is hoped, therefore, that No sec.
ton of Ohio will be left unrepresented.
Whilst no Office in the State gives to its occu.
pant more widespread authority and power than
hat of State Commissioner Of Common Schools
none demands a greater degree of enlightened
patriotism, and purity of action and purpose. To
be skilled in the arduous duties ofthe school room,
is not sufficient qualification for the intelligent
discharge of the duties of an office which takes
within its scope the whole territory of the State.
and demands comprehensive acquaintance with
its entire domestic and financial policy. That
the Democratic party contains many gentlemen
fully qualified to fill the position with eminent
ability, and put the law into successful and salts
factory operation, is a fact which requires no ar
gument to demonstrate. Let the Democracy Of
Ohio, therefore, assemble in convention, and by
nominating an individual to whom the duty of ad-
mnistering the scho ol law may be safely confded,
carry forward the great State educational enter
prise for which they have long contended. Let
them not forget that educational reform is work
of their own. i-
/ The call of a constitutional convention to re-
model the fundamental law of the State and en-.
graft upon it more enlarged system Of common
schools was long and persistingiy advocated by
;, the Democracy; and after many years o. success.
full Wing resistance, was finally submitted to the
test of the ballot-box. The call of the conyen-
ton was approved by direct vote of the people,
in defiance of labored Wing opposition. The
majority of Democratic members provided that ga
thorough and efficient system of common schools" T"
throughout Ohio, should henceforth be part Of
: the established policy of the State. The new
constitution, embodying this wise provision, was
submitted for ratification, and again called up the
, fercest Whig opposition, but was triumphantly
! sustained by the people. Legislature, with q
majority of Democratic members, was subso-
quently chosen to carry the constitutional provi
sions into effect, and the result of their labors lie
to be found in the benefcent system ofState Com
mon Schools now presented to the people, which
J. from time to time can receive such amendment as
shall be suggested by experience and observation.
f Having thus succeeded in engraftng upon the
Coustjtution ssa thorough and efficient system OF
, Common Schools" part of the fixed policy
j Of the State, and having subsequently, placed on
: the statute book comprehensive plan for carry
, ing that system into speedy effect it is not to be
presumed that the Democracy of Ohio are willing
!, now to stand aside and leave the selection of a
State Commissioner to their opponents. On the
contrary, every consideration of sound policy re-
qures them to stand watchfully over the great in-
terest they have thus far successfully nourished,
and view with jealousy every attempt, whether
: covert or open, by which the common school in-
terest of the State may be placed under the inu-
e ence or control of the nominee of party ever
ready to neglect the welfare the masses in their
) desire to aggrandze the few. 1t is earnestly
hoped therefore, that the Convention of the Oath
of August will be fully attended, and that no coun-
S ty will suffer itself to be uHrepresented.
w. D. MORGAN, Chairman.
JAS. H. SMITH, Secretary.
Here follows the apportionment of deleefes
e among the counties, which we omit, from which
it appears that Portage county will be entitled to
e delegates.