The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1860-01-26

wise purpose of protecting the property right OF
The citizen against whatever invasion to his pc
cu1iary damage.
The pledge of the ordinance on the subject Of
education has been faithfully redeemed. 1t was
made part ol the Constitution in 1892 and is re-
peated in the Constitution in 1850.
In 1928, the corner stone OF our free school
system was laid Que thirty sixth part of the
soil OF the State had been consecrated by Con-
gress forever TO its support. Although this
muniGcent fund may not have been altogether
judiclously managed it has yet been nobly in
strumcntal in the diffusion OF learning not mere,
ly primary but comparatively liberal, among The
youth of the State, and aided by the. pledge in
our Constitution, which cannot doubt will I've
faithfully observed, requiring the General As.
semby TO make such provisions by taxation or
otherwise. as with the income arising from the
school trust fund will secure a thorough and el.
fcent system of common schools throughout
the State the future history of our State viii be
aborned by even greater achievements than the
past gratifying and h bic as they have been
for the promotion OF popular education, and
through it the public welfare.
But however efficient have been these sauses
in advancing the material, intellectual aud moral
growth OF our State. we cunnot aud ought not
to conceal from ourselves that, uuaided by that
other noble provision of the orlnonce which
forever barred the territories against slaves they
would have been impotent 'or the accomplish.
mcut OF the stupendous T, suits to which | have
50 impcrlectly rererred.
Tnis was the permanently distinguishing fca.
tnre OF that Incompatible instrument. 1t was
the first solemn dedication OF national territory
TO the rights of universal human freedom. 1t
was the first national declaration, in practical
form, condemnatory of slavery us social insti.
| tuition. twas tue Inauguration OF the policy
To- ,icaly resulting from the principles OF the
Declaration oE ln> >ependeuce, and approved by
ali the States of the conttderdcy, to forever ex-
clude slavery from the national domain, aud to
discourage its existence everywhere within the
jurisdiction OF the United States. not IN conflict
with the rights OF the slave holding States II
was in effect, moral pledge to the world, that u,
its farmers aud their compatrio,s, lad by long
arduous and heroic struggle, emuncipated thrm-
selves ami their country from the political sla.
very prepared for them by an oppressive govern
ment, So unher our federal system, such laws
aud constitutions should be established in our
national territories as would fully recognize and
Sacredy guard the right of human nature.
Aud surely it will not be denied, that to this
original and persistent exclusion of slavery we
| are chiefly indebted for our rapid growth as Il
State; for our individual aud social wealth and
comforts. our varied and extensive agriculture
and manufactures, our profitable commerce our
achievements in all the useful arts, our humane
civilza ton, and the love of freedom so uuiver
shl among u e people.
Had slavery been established here, our popu.
alton and resources would not be one.half wha,
they are. In ,hat case, could not boast OF
our almost unrivaIled triumphs in every bran eli
OF material deve opment, ,.of our extensive sys
TEN Of Internal improvements; of our colleges
|
asylums and other public charities which crown
our S,ale with such distinguished honor, aud il.
ustrate, IN such attractive forms, the superior
ty OF fee over forced labor, for I'll the Just pul
poses of social and governmental organization
Upon you, Senators and representatives, aud
your successors, will devOlve, in large part the
grateful task of providing suitable legislation
for the future growth Of the Statr. aud to pre-.
serve in their ull vigor. rs vital elements of our
political and social system the just and humane
primci plies to which have referred.
To you belong the sovereign functions Of leg.
sla,on. Upon you devolve the responsibilities
of enactng laws regulating the rights OF proper
"; Of prescribing and enforcing all duties ars.
ing ont OF the domestic and social reloiions OF
regulating elections and preserving the purity
OF the elective franchise; of stahlishng laws
for the encouragement OF agriculture, aud all
useful arts for The organization and discipline
of the milalia; for The education of the youth.
the support oi the poor. and the relief of the
afllcted Of providing tor the payment of the
Safe deOt, aud tor sacredly preserving he pub
liz ftith, aud Of enacting all other laws for Sc
curing civil Iighis, and defending the honor OF
the Stale.
For The exercise Of these supreme powers Of
the State, the people ever extend generou,
confidence to their chosen representa- ives
EYpputIVp ttIrt no rt nf tla la,,i. Ia
tive authority. He exercises no control over
legislation, His duties are To zee that the laws
are faithfully executed, and to recOmmeni To
the consideration of the General Assembly snch
measures as he may think adapted to promote
the public Welfare.
1t will not be expected Of me. at this time to
call your attention 10 many matters Of egisld-
II n, Let me briefly reIer to few:
The existing legislation on the subjac; of the
fiscal relations Of our State and local Cover
mepIs, without requiring ralical change. needs
better adjustment Of details. Oar taxes for
State and local purposes are very burdensome,
and made more onerous on account of the Ia rgp
amount of taxable property that escapes the Wig
lance of the assessor. The laws shOuld be
more Sc rching. SD as to subject all the non ex.
empt property, Of whatever description, TO lis
just proportion Of the burdens OF taxation.
respectfully suggest The expeIiencv Of tho.
rouga revision of he laws rrlatng TO this entire
subject. and particularly of thoae more directly
aft citing our local governm-ns. 70 the end, not
only OF limiting the amount. but Of better defn.
ing the scope and purpcs- for which taxes may
be levied, to which may he added, III. requiring
more specific publication of the public expen-
ditures in our cities.
Laws cannot be too explicit in defining and
enioroing proper accountability of all persons
acting in public capacity. ! respectfully rue,
ommend that ms part of any law you may en-
act on his subject provision be made regna.
ting publicts, Il apply as well to local as 10
State administration.
The aprropriating public money hv public
officer To his private use. sho aid be visited with
the most exemplary punishment. 1t should a..
vail nothing In what form il may be done .wheth-
tr by means OF leaning deposiring. or oherwis,,
The etst OF the offence. should be the expec a.
ton or hope 0f the officer. or receiving private