The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1858-01-21

FELLow-CIrIzENs or THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES,: The will of the people, exp xpressed
III the mode prescribed in the Constitution has sum
moned me Tor the second time to the duties and re-
sponsbilities OF the Chief Magistracy of Ohio and
have now IN your presence and in the presence of the
people here assembled taken upon myself the solemn
Obligations of an oath to perform them faithfully
During the two years since was first honored with
this trust 1t has been my constant endeavor to aquit
myself OF 1t as became citizen devoted to the instu-
ions OF the State. and bound by every obligation of
honor and gratitude the faithful service of the peo-
pie. may not say that have committed no errors
Doubtless some things have been omitted which might
have been done, aud some things done which might
have been better done. But may say, aud it seems
not unfit that should say here in this presence fear
ing no contradictions from any truthful man who knows
the TRUTH that all my acts have been designed pro-
mote the highest interests of the State, and that my
best faculties and most earnest endeavors have been
actively and unremiitingly engaged to her service.
Assuming now, once more, in obedience to the pop-
uar voice this responsible trust enables to accom-
plish something more for the public good than has
hitherto been etfected but my aims, my purposes and
my principles otacton mast renal unchanged.
You will not expect of me, gentlemen this occa-
Sion, any discussion of civil political questions
have already, within few days made fully known tc
you my views in relation to public affairs That those
views VIII meet your hearty concurrence in all respects
it would be presumption in anticipate but there
Is one point, at least, where all our judgments all
our purposes aud all our eNertions may well Join. The
common good should be, and trust will be- our COM
moa aim. Under fortunate polity, no king, no
aritocracy, arbitrary power, no priyilegedcla
IL,
the Advancement OF all things good AMI noble of tho
State. is nothing than the welfare, the honor, the
advancement OF the people and the whols people. To
these great objects, gentlemen, however we may diff
the best M oil promoting than, may we'll
join in addressing the most strenuous eNcrtions of
highest powers. .t- H-' l' H
Iii our part, happih, to lay the foundations of
institutions, That work is DONE and we'll DONE
hands. II is our singular felicity to be citizens of the
iirst State OF our Union oranzed through the wise
providence OF our Republic, upon hose" -" fundamental
NJ niy a
oared to be the basis OF all American law and all
American Constitutions. In the organization of other
States roward crcumstansesha have permitted only the
partial application of these principles, In the organi-
zaton o tns such circumstances interposed their
evil influence. The institutions of Ohio were formed
in perfect harmony with the ideal of State it exs-
tea in the minds of the great aster-bulders OF the
Confederacy OF the Union. This ideal demanded first
OF all the absolute freedom OF every individual guar
autced and secured by impartial laws next nyioabil-
ty ef conscience, and Just protection OF all forms o
worship and ali religious organizations; them the
cred observance OF compacts then, the promotion o
religion, morality and knowledge by universal eduea
ton There nothing narrow, nothing illiberal
nothing unjust in this ideal 1t welcomed the immi
grant to the reest participation with the home-boru
IN the inestimabo blessings OF popular Institutions
ltpedged Ia States, be formed under i, TO per
petnal Tnon with their sister states 1t established
the Sovereignty of the people nponhe indstruetabe-
and the ouly Observation-Disclosures OF the right
OF man.
Organized under these auspices and in aceordanc
with TINS ideal, Ohio may ;usty be styled the mode
State of the American Uuion 1t is an honorable AM
gratifying distinction, Let it be care, gentlemen
that It's lustre be suliod by no act or omission Q
ours. Upon the soil thus consecrated TO Liberty am
Union, upon the foundations thus wisely laid of Equal
ity and Justice, let US go ON, in humble dependenc
upon Divine favor TO build Yet broader and higher til
! noble ediee of truly Democratic and truly Reput
lcan State never forgetting that is more than in
suutons, and right the sole vital principle OF law.
We shall repair now. gentlemen, TO our respeetly
dIties. In the great work to which have referred
YOU will ever hud me- trust prompt, aud digei
leo-worker; and it is my earnest wish that YOU ma
| perform faithfully your part in it that Ohio ma
: long remember with pride and gratitude the Gener'
. AsseIi bly, YOU have the honor to constitute. -..