Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1870-01-20

tional Government But at DO distant
day they are likely to become serious
even In the administration of State az
fairs. The number of persons sem
ployed in The various Offices and insti-
tutions Of the State, must increase uu-
der the most economical management
in equal ratio with the growth of our
population and business.
A radical reform-in the civil service
of the General Government has been
proposed. The plan is to make quail
fcations and not political services aud
influence the chief tess'in Determining
appointments, and TO give subordi-
mates in the civil service the same per
maneney of place which is enjoyed by
officers of the army and navy. The in
PRODUCTION of this reform viii be at
tended with some difficulties. But in
revising our State Constitution, II this
object is kept constantly in view, there
is little reason to doubt that il can be
successfully accomplished.
Our judicial system is plainly inado-
quate to the wants ofthe people OF the
State. Extensive alterations of exist
ing provisions must be made. The
suggestions l desire to present in this
connection are as to the manner OF Sc
lecting judges, their terms OF Office,
and their salaries. 1t is fortunately
true that the judges of our courts have
heretofore been, for the most part, law
yers of learning. ability and integrity.
But it must be remembered that the
tremendous events, and the wonderful
progress of the last few years are
working great changes in the condition
of society. Hitherto population has
been sparse, property not unequally
distributed, and the bad elements
which so frequently control large
cities, have been almost unknown in
our State But, with dense popula-
ton erowding into towns and cities,
with vast wealth eccumulating in the
hands of few persons, or corporations,
it is to be apprehended that the time is
coming when judges elected by popu-
lar vote, for short official terms, and
poorly paid, will not possess the inde-
pendence required to protect individ-
ual rights. Under the National Con
stitution Judges are nominated oy the
Executive and confrmedby the Senate,
and hold Office during good behavior.
1t it worthy of consideration whether a
return to the system established by the
fathers is not the dictate of the highest
prudence. / believe that system un-
der which Judges are so appointed, for
long terms, aud with adequate salaries,
will afford to the citizens the amplest
possible security that impartial justice
will be administered by an independent
Judiciary.
l forbear to consider further at this
time the interesting questions which
will arise in the revision and amend
ment of the Constitution. Convinced
of the soundness of the maxim that
"that government is best which gov
erns least" | would resist the tenden
cy common to all systems TO enlarge
the functions of government. The law
should touch the rights, the business
and the feelings Of the citizen at as few
points as is consistent with the preser-
vation of order, and the maintainance
of justice. Ii every department of
government is kept within its own
sphere, and every officer performs
faithfully his own duty without magni-
flying his Office, harmony, efficiency and
economy will prevail.
Under the providence of God, the
people of this State have greatly pros
pered. But in their prosperity they
cannot forget him who has borne the
battle, nor his widow, nor his orphan,
nor the thousands of other sufferers in
our midst who are entitled to synlpa-
thy and relief. They are to be found in
our hospitals, our infirmaries, our asy-
ums, our prisons, and in the abodes
Of the unfortunate and the erring. The
Founder of our Religion, whose spirit
should pervade our laws, and animate
hose who enact, and those who en-
force them, by His teaching and His
example, has admonished us to deal
with all these victims of adversely, as
the children of our common Father.
With this duty performed, We may
hope that for long ages 10
come our country will continue to be
The home of freedom and the refuge of
she oppressed.
Grateful to the people of Ohio for
he honors they have conferred, l ap-
1roach a second term in the Executive
'fice, deeply solicitous to discharge as
ar as in me lies, the obligations and
iuties which their partial judgment
mas imposed.