The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1864-01-13


of the people of Ohio.
The financial affairs of the State were
never in better condition. Although We
have advanced, during the past year, for
the General Government. in the care OF
sick and wounded soldiers, and in the
payment of troops called ont to aid in the
capture of Morgan and his band, the sum
OF Sl33, 436 03, aud have reduced our
public debt, by payment from the Treas
ury, tue sum of S676,752 GS, there still
remained in the Treasury, to the credit
of General Revenue Fund, on the 18th
of November last, The sum of 1923
7S6 81
All taxes have been promptly and
choerfully paid, exhibiting really small
er delinquent list than ever before in the
history of the State. The Reports of
4 the Auditor and Treasurer of State, which
will be laid upon your tables, exhibit in
full, aud in detail, our financial condition.
Under the provisions of the statute,
caused thorough special examination of
the Treasury to be made by the Hon. S,
S. Osborn, of Lake county, highly com
petent and suitable man for this duty
His report, bearing date the 10th day of
June, A. ID. 1868, which was duly pub
lished according to law, was highly COM
/ plimentary to the Treasurer and his as
sistants.
The Reports of the Directors of the
several Benevolent institutions of the
States are herewith submitted. These
! institutions are all in a most prosperous
condition the same care and libcrality
heretofore extended are recommended
Your attention is particularly invited to
the buildings for the accommodation OF
the Deaf and Dumb. fear that entire
new structures will be found to be neces-
sary. The present mair building is lily
adapted to the purpose, is in dila apida-
ted condition, and entirely too small to
accommodate this unfortunate class Of the
children of our State. Workshops should
also be provided, so that the boys may
have facilities for learning trades.
The Report Of the Directors Of the
Ohio Penitentiary herewith, presents that
Institution in highly favorable condi-
ton. The report Of Private Secretary
Hoffman herewith, shows that the NUM-
ber OF applications for pardons during the
=; year ending November 18th, were ninety
seven, of which forty-one were granted
thirtv-ninc refused, and seventeen con
. tinued. This report also shows, in brief,
the reasons or grounds upon which the
several pardons were granted.
}. Upon the application of the military
authorities of the National Government
, / requested the Directors and Warden OF
f, the Penitcntiary to receive for safe keep
, ing certain rebel officers, taken in arm,
, against the Government within our State
fhcy were received on the 9th day o
July, A. ID. 1863, and the greater portion
OF them are yet there confined. regre
t to be compelled to announce, however
: that for the want of proper vigilance OF
the part Of those entrusted with the Gus
: tody of these prisoners, the leader of tn,
Fl band, the notorious John Morgan, ant
e six others, made their escape. Itis prop
! CT to add that this negligence arose en-
II tirely from misunderstanding between
0 the United States military authorities a
this post and the officers in charge OF tn
c institution Full particulars as to tn
. confinement and escape of these prison
: ers will be found IN Document No. here
: with.
r. l had the satisfaction of visiting, dur
e lug the fall, the State Reform Farm, nea
g Lancaster, and take great pleasure i
bearing testimony to the fidelity and econ
It omy of it's management. The institutio
t, has proved profound success, and shoul
v receive the fostering care of the Lcgisl;
i ture. The Report of the Acting Com
e missioner and his associates herewith pre-
o sented, cannot fail to prove highly inter
II esting to you. Their several recommen
e dations are approved.
> Your attention is invited to the Repo1
IS of the State Commissioner of Commo
q Schools. Brief as his term Of scrvio
E has been. the Commissioner has submit
= ted a report full Of information upon tn
" important interests committed to his car
IF l invite your attention to- the Report
, the Superintendent of the State Hou.
d herewith He has, in addition to con
t plying with the duties imposed upen hil
IS by law, given full history of the col
n struetion of our magnificent State Hous
" the perusal Of which history cannot ia
:. to prove highly interesting. The recon
ia mendations Of this faithful officer are full
lg approved
The organization Of the State Board
o. should continue to receive your fosterin
,e care. In this connection, allow me to r.
v fer yeu to that portion of my message
,e last year, relating to the Act of Congre
,e passed April 2, 1862, entitled can a
rv donating public lands to the several STATE
,e and Territories which may provide Co
ID leges for the benefit of Agriculture al
or the Mechanic Arts" l have seen I
MT reason to change my views as then e.
j. pressed, and | therefore respectfully r.
new the recommendation then made
so The severel Canals Of the State, no
ms under the control of Lesees, are, [ bt
r. iieve, kept in reasonable state Of repai
en- have no means Of knowing wheth,
r. they prove remunerative to the Lesees
r. not.
n The several Railroads within the Stat
he are kept and maintained in good runnir
oftordcr. The managers of the sever
J" roads have evinced disposition. durir
nv the past year, to facilitate the movemel
bt of troops to the full extent Of their alb
TO ity to do SO. The law recently passed fl