The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1857-01-14

or 25,576.960 acres. A little more than
half century ago not an acre of this
area had been cleared for cultivation or
even reduced to private ownership.
The Federal Government asserted an
exclusive proprietary title in the whole,
except that portion included in the Con
necticut Reservation. The hardy plo-
neers, who pushed forward into the will
derness, were compelled to buy Of the
Government or its grantees the very soil
which they subdued. The whole burden
of contributions for tke support Of the
State and its institutions, was cast upon
the land thus purchased. The land Of the
Government was wholly exempt; and the
contributions Of the Government by grants
of land in aid of public Improvements
were insignificant in comparison with the
enhanced value of the ungranIed lands.
Notwithstanding these serious diSad-
vantages the process Of purchase and set
tement has gone steadily forward until
more than twelve millions of acres, occu
pied for agricultural purposes, and nearly
thirteen millions more, classed as uncuisi
vatcd, have become private property, and
contribute TO the public revenue.
When, in 1902, Uhio became 4 State
in the American Union, every other of
the seventeen members Of the confcdera-
cy was more populous and better cultiva
ted, and six had larger areas. Now, al
though the number Of the States has in
creased to thirty-onc, of which nineteen
are larger than Ohio, not one surpaSses
her in the extent and variety Of her agri-
cultural products.
A general outline Of the gradual con-
version of public into private ownership,
W Il reward attention.
Prior to 1908, the returns of lands
held by individual proprietors are meagre
ard unSat isfactorv. In 1910, the num-
Der Of acres thus owned was 9,G53,l0l.
In lS2N, this quantity had increased to
l3,3l9,043 acres; in 1880, estimating the
quantity for two counties from which there
were 10 returns, to l6,l99.G82 acres; iii
1870 estimating fer one county, TO 49,
740,23l acres; in 1850, to %, 9Si,350
acres; and in 1855, to 25 220,0S3 acres.
These quantities are exclusive of Town
and City lots, Nearly all the land in tie
State, it will be observed, has Thus become
private property, and subject to taxation.
The facts disclosed by these returns,
suggest u question Of the correctness Of
the Federal estimate Of the area of the
State. The difference between the re-
turns Of lands for 1885, and the entire
area as computed at Washington, is ONLY
256,SII acres. Ii can hardly he donbtcd
that larger quantity than this is Included
within the limits Of the fifteen hundred
cities and towns enumerated in the Equa!-
iza;ion Report for 1858, and in the cx-
emptions from taxation allowed hv law.
There remained, moreover on the 3Oth Of
June last, according to the statement Of
the Commissioner Of the General Land
Office, which / herewith transmit, and to
which I shall hereafter have occasion TO
refer, 1858 acres Of public land undis-
posed OF, within the State. These facts
render it highly probable that the trrc
area fihe States exceed the estimate hi!i-
erto received as correct.
However this may be. the gratifying
fact is certain that federal ownership in
OHIO approaches its termination, and that
the drafts upon her resources for the rur
chase of the soil have nearly ceased.
Hencelorth the unembarrased energies of
her people may be directed to the fullest
possible development Of all her resources.
The General Assembly will chetrrullv
recognize the duty of extending to the
great agricultural Interest Of the State all
proper securities and encoura ncmcnts.
To this end the State Board of Agricul-
tire was organizod in 1916, and rrevi-
sion was at the same time made for the
better organization and greater useful
ness of County Agricultural Societies.
The wisdom of this legislation has been
amply vindcated hy its results. Throngh
the laborS of the State Board and Of the
County Societies, agricultural improve
ment has been benelicially stimulated
Their annual Reports emho1y valuable
contributions to agricultural knowledge.
the effect of which is becoming more and
more visible in the increased skill. intel
lgence and energy with which the lahors
Of the farm are executed and in the in
creased production with which thew are
rewarded.
respectfully submit to your consider
alton the proprety of increasing the funds
set apart for approximation by the State
Board and County Societies to premiums
for excellence in production and in man
agement, and Of making such other pro-
vision for the increase and diffusion OF
agricultural knowledge as your own ex-
perience and observation suggest.
The proportion OF our population and
of our means engaged in Mining, Mechan-
ical and Manufacturing Industry, is stead
lily, and largely increasing. These pur-
suits of Industry supply q great market
constantly Becoming greater, for the pro-
ductiens of agriculture. Care should be
taken that the financial burdens OF the
State be not permitted 10 press in diSpro-
! portiOned measure. upon them.