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

The Inauguration ceremonies Of
Gov. HAYES, for his second term, took
place at Columbus, on the afternoon of
the 10th. The Governor spoke as fol-
lows:
Gentlemen Of the Senate and House of Rep
resentatIves:
In the annual message transmitted
to the General Assembly, few days
ago, brief exposition Of the condition
of the State government was given, and
such measures were recommended as
the public good seemed TO me to re-
quire. 1t will, therefore, not be ex-
pected that on this occasion, should
again discuss subjects pertaining TO the
usual routine of legislation.
The most important questions con-
cerning State affairs which in the or
dinary course of events will engage
the attention Of the people of Ohio,
during the term of Office upon which l
now enter, are those which relate to
the action of Constitutional Couven-
ton authorized TO be called by vote
of the people at the October election in
1871. The present organic law pro-
yides for submitting to the electors of
the State oncein twenty years the ques-
ton of holding "a Convention to re-
wise, alter or amend the Constitution"
1t is no disparagement of the work of
the last Constitutional Convention to
say that experience has already de-
monstrated the wisdom OF this provi-
sion. 1t would be strange, indeed, if
the last eighteen years had developed
no defects in the Constitution of 85l.
1t is perhaps not improper to call at
tention to some of the amendments of
the existing fundamental law which the
next Constitutional Convention will
probably be required to consider.
The provision of the present Consti-
tuition which prohibits the General As
sembly from authorizing "any county,
city, town or township by vote of its
citizens or otherwise" from giving aid
to any company, corporation or asso-
citation" was designed to remedy an
evil of the gravest magnitude. Unlim-
tied power to authorize counties, cities
and towns, to subscribe to the stock of
Railroad companies. had burdened the
people of the State with indebtedness
and taxation to an extent which threat
ened bankruptcy. Experience has
shown, however, that the clauses Of
the Constitution on this subject, are 50
sweeping that they are almost equiya
lent to prohibition Of the construc-
ton of railroads, except where those
who control the existing railroad lines
furnish the means. In many localities
the people are thus deprived of the only
artificial instrumentality for intercourse
with other parts of the State and coun-
try which is now regarded as valuable.
By reason of it important sources of
wealth in large sections Of the State
remain undeveloped. II is believed
that amendments can be framed under
which effective local aid can be fur
nished for the building of railroads, |
and which at the same time, shall be
80 guarded and limited as to prevent
dangerous abuse of the power.
For many years political influence
and political services have been essen
tial qualifications for employment in
the civil service. whether State or Ma
tional. As a general rule such en-
ployments are regarded as terminating
with the defeat of the political party |
under which they began. All politi- |
cal parties have adopted this rule. In
many Offices the highest qualifca tons
are only obtained by experience. Such
are the positions of the Warden of the
Penitentiary and his subordinates, and
the Superintendents Of asylums, and
and their assistants. But
the rule is applied to these as well as
10 other offices and employments. a
change in the political character ef the
executive and legislative branches of
The government is followed BY change
IF the officers and employees in all of
he departments and institutions of the d
State. Efficiency and fidelity to duty, I
10 not prolong the employment; unfit
less and neglect of duty do not always
horten it. The evils Of this system IN !
state affairs are perhaps of small mo-
nent compared with those which pre- I
all under the same system in the {
of the business of the Ma Z,