Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1872-01-17
INAUGURAL ADDRESS OFEDWARD
F. N0FES,
Governor Of Ohio, delivered at COlum-
bus, Monday, January s, 1879.

Gentlemen Of the Senate aud House of
Representatives.:
In accordance with the expressed
will Of the people, appear before you
to-day, to take the oath Of Office, and
to assume the duties OF Governor of
Ohio. do not fail to appreciate the
importanttrust conflded TO my charge,
or the honor, too little merited, OF
being selected as Chief Magistrate OF
a State, numbering nearly three mil
lion inhabitants, and holding high
rank in the Nation, on account of the
intelligence, virtue, and material
prosperity of its citizens. It is fortu-
nate that the emergency Of our civil
war, and the heavily burdened years
which followed it, have passed away,
so that there is less need than for
merly, Of those high administrative
abilities, and that experience In
| political affairs, which made the State
of Ohio pre-eminent, when exercised
by my predecessors. While I may
not expect to rival them in successful
administration, / shall hope not to be
outdone, Ia zeal for the public good,
and in honest effort to promote the
best interests of all, over whom am
called 70 preside. To this end, I
invoke the support and cooperation
OF the law-making branch Of the State
government.
Propriety and prevailing custom
make it the duty of the Fetiring
Governor to communicate to the
Legislature such recommendation as
in his judgment may be necessary.
! This service has been so well per-
formed by Governor Hayes, that I do
not feel called upon TO repeat or
modify any Of his suggestions. 1t
may not be improper, however, to
add the remark, that some amend
ment to existing legislation seems TO
be desirable with reference to the
manner Of selecting juries in our
courts. The habit of filling the panel
largely from bystanders, who are
present in the courtroom, for the ex-
press purpose of serving as jurors,
opens the door for corrupt and dis
honest practices, at variance with
public morals, and subversive Of JUS
tice. 1t is feared this evil Is too
common, especially in large cities,
and your attention is respectfully
invited to the subject.
There does not seem to be, at this
time, any pressing demand for exten.-
sive legislation; and therefore con-
I gratulate the Senate and House Of
Representatives upon the prospect Of
a short and harmonious session. In
asmuch as the Constitutional Conven-
tion will assemble during the present
year, and will, undoubtedly, make
many changes with regard to the
powers and duties Of the Legislature,
enactments, which otherwise might
seem to be desirable, may well be
deferred for the present.
! 1t Is a great satisfaction TO know
that the internal improvement and
development OF the State are being
carried on successfully, by individual
enterprise and private capital. Rail
roads and telegraph lines are being
rapidly extended into parts Of the
State heretofore more or less inacces-
sible, whereby districts rich in coal,
iron and agricultural resources, are
brought near to ready markets. Our
multiplied industries are inviting
labor from other States, and furnish
ing employment and homes to emf
grants from other lands. Towns and
cities are being built with unexampled
rapidity. The finances OF the State
are in prosperous condition, since the
public debt grows smaller and the
burdens Of taxation lighter. Educa-
tional advantages are brought to the
doors of the poorest and humblest
citizens, and the common schools Of
Ohio are perhaps second in excellence
to those of no other State. It Is our
great privilege to guard them with
Jealous care, as nurseries Of the brain
and heart Of our youth.
While neighbering cities and States
have, within the past year, suffered
almost unprecedented Affections, and
have been subject to appalling disas-
tiers, a kind Providence has dealt
gently with US, and has crowned our
lives with prosperity.
Gratefully remembering ali our
manifold blessings, 1 am now ready
to enter upon the discharge Of new
duties, in the position assigned me.
II, at the end of my official term shall
be permitted to return to private life,
bearing with me the respect and good
will of the men of all parties and con-
ditions, in the measure enjoyed by
the distinguished gentleman who to-
day bids you officially farewell, shall
be fortunate indeed.