Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1861-01-18

TO lessen the avenues Of trade. Even if
the support Of canals shall impose a small
tax, il is worthy of consideration whether
the incidental benefits to the counties not
upon or adjacent thereto, by reason Of lesser
rates of transportation, might not more
than compensate for the tax.
There are thirty-six counties in Ohio, on
or contiguous TO our Public Works, leaving
fifty two counties dependent mainly upon
rivers, lake, or railroads, for their avenues
to market. 1t is instructive TO note their
present position in regard to population and
wealth. By the census of 1859, the thirty
six canal counties have population Of l.
l90,137. The thirty six canal counties
have an aggregate of $46S, 1885, ,492 on the
tax list. The fifty-two other counties have
an aggregate of $42o,233,767,
As a large portion Of this value in the
canal counties has arisen from the existence
Of the canals, so their destruction would Sc
riously depreciate the same, and the basis
of taxation being correspondingly lessened,
the burdens of the public debt, and the or
dinary expenses of the government would
thus be proportionately increased upon the
remaining property of the State. Wheth-
er sale can be made on such terms as will
secure to the people the full use Of these
public works, is question which addresses
itself to the careful consideration Of the
General Assembly.
The report of the Board of Public Works,
and the Auditor of State contain many
foote oornao1oJ ,,;tL ,b;s e,,b,oot ,bot -
aid in your Investigations. So large an in
terest, involving SO important questions of
public policy, and such vast pecuniary re-
suits should not be disposed Of without the
maturest consideration. After giving the
subject my earnest attention, am con-
strained to repeat my former recommenda-
ton and suggest the passage of joint
resolution authorizing the commission of
three gentlemen of large experience and
capacity, whose special duty it shall be 10
make detailed examination of the entire
subject, and report to the Governor at the
earliest practicable period, such changes and
notifications in our canal laws, as in their
judgment may be desirable, to lessen the
expenses, or to augment the income so as at
least, to make the canals self-sustaining.
THE MILITIA SYSTEM.
/ invite your special attention to the re.
port OF the Adjutant General. The subject
of our State militia should not fill place
in an Executive Message merely because
tho CONSTITUTION eIj0iuS upon the General
Assembly the necessary legislation to rem.
der it effective. 1t demands more con.
siderate attention. The report referred TO-
presents clear and practical outline of the
system established BY law and regulations
tho burdens under which it struggles, and
the necessity oflcgislative action in its behalf
The organized militia of the State mum,
bers at present little less than twelve
hundred men. These are uniformed, armed
and equipped, and are for the most part in
commendable state of discipline. The
unorganized militia, subject to be drafted
for military duty in the event of insurrec
tion or invasion, amounted in 1850, tc
100000 men; and the entire disposable
force of the State, at the present time il
about $4,000 able-bodied men.
The Constitution requires the enrolment
of all citizens, residents Of this State, be
II ing Is years of age, and under 45 years o.
age in the militia. The law of March 27
1857, provided for such enrolment; but Sc
much of it as relates to that subject ha.
been repealed. 1 recommend the reviva
of the repealed sections.
The present militia system, lam advised
has received the favorable notice of officer,
of the army, and military men of othel
States, but no system can work successfully
unaded by the State. Tho experiment
wherever tried, has failed.
The citizen soldier is necessarily subject
ed to continual expense. By existing law;
the State shares no part of the burden il
maintaining our present militia SYSTEM
The bill which passed one branch of the
General Assembly at its last session, pro
posing sn allowance oeach wel-disciplneC
J company, of certain annual sum for tht
care and keeping of the public arms, is il
the right direction. But submit, Will
. great Difference, whether the basis of tha
bill should not be enlarged, both as it re
CARDS the sum to be appropriated to eacl
company, and the number of the uniformed
militia to be aided. Certain it is, tha
. 1000 of militia-tha estimate upon whicl
the sum in that bill is based-is numbe
greatly disproportioned to the extent anC
population of the State.
BY the theory Of our government th,
general defense is entrusted to the militia
1t is your duty to determine to what ex
tent that theory shall be practically obsery
cd in Ohio. A majority of the States hav
! made liberal provision for the support of tn
militia.
, While it would be unwise 10 burden tn
people with taxes for large military appro
priations in time of peace, it would b
equally unwise to disregard the sacrifice
and burdens of those who have undertaken
the duties and responsibilities Of the ser
vice, and the practical purposes Of a militia
ry organization. An effective militia is on
Of the most reliable pledges Of continue,
peace. The ability Of the State to tosummo
her citizens to support her peace whe
threatened, or her laws when violated, is
silent but Impressive guaranty Of their pei
petuity and supremacy.
ARMS RECEIVED FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
1t appears that tho State has receives
SS,962 muskets and rifles, and has bu
. about 5000 at her present command. o
} | ] ,632 cavalry pistols, but 1922 remain. o
272 revolvers about 40 are supposed to b
recoverable. OF As brass cannon NOR
than three-fourths were useless, or danger