Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1884-01-17
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.
The Last Epistie OF Foster 70 the
akhf ~ Legislature. ~

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The following are some Of the princi-
pal points OF interest in Gov. Fosters
fhrewell message:
The Governor Il happy that all de-
pertments Of the State are In superb
condition. y
Two millions of public debt paid in
f1ur years. and reminding policy sue
oessfdlly carried out.
Tht State.levy for general revenue,
may be reduced two-tenths Of mill
'sunless some extraordinary demand is
made on the treasury, by providing for
O change In the management OF the
penitentiarv, ETC."
On the 18th day Of November, 1882,
the State funded debt was 81, ,90l 1856.
Since that date redemptions have been
made to the amount Of 1878, $50. No
vember Is, 1888, the public funded debt
was S4,522, ,5l5.
The details of further reductions are
Owen. and the conclusion reached that
the State debt can be wiped out by the
year 1891 without increasing the bur-
dens of Taxpayers. u a1BGs
Statistics are given showing a large
decrease of municipal and village in
dehtedness from 1879 to 1888. The net
decrease is S23, ,725,E72. A considerable
increase In village and county indebt-
edness is noted, and the Legislature is
cautioned against granting privileges
for an increase of local Indebtedness,
for which there Is an alarming ten
dency.
The charges for issuing certificates of
incorporation should be increased as
recommended by the Secretary of
State.
The penitentiary has been managed
In superior manner. Nearly $500
cash profits were turned over to the
State Treasury in 'S3. Think $50, 900 to
$4,000 should be netted this year.
Prisoners are well treated.
The o. Y. G. consists of SO companies
Of infantry and batteries of light ar
tiIery, all told, 5,475 men. Discipline
and solCliery hearing of officers and men
highly gratifying. The Adjutant Cen
erals Recommendations should be care
fully considered.
Claims against the general Govern
ment amounting to $40, ,043.9 80 were col
lected during the year. State agent
Talford states that further allowance
OF ISO,UVU VIII De uiatuc Ihc s0UeteS Wy
Congress.
The copying of the records of Ohio
soldiers engaged in the rebellion Is
nearly completed, and arrangements
for publishing the same may be- made
at once.
The public institutions are delared to
be in excellent condition, and their
MANAGEMENT comparatively free from
partisan influence. The boards, with
two exceptions, are composed of three
Republicans and two Democrats, all OF
excellent character.
About $500 insane paOple are cared
for, nearly half Of whom are tanlnn"-
ariiy in county infirmaries and private
institutions.
The new asylum to be located at To-
ledo will accommodate 900, instead OF
600 inmates; will be the best institu-
tlon Of the kind in the country.
The purchase of LOngview Asylum,
Cincinnati, is recommended, for further
accommodations for deaf, dumb and
blind.
An agent should be employed to Sc
cure homes for inmates of refOrmatory
institutions.
The Girls Industrial Home and the
Children,s Home are highly commend
ed for their moral influence in divert
ing wayward children and waits from
avenues of crime.
The Governor urges plans Of prison
reform with the view of preventing
cOnvicts from becoming confirmed
criminals. He declares II majority are
not of that class.
The Governor suggests that all senten-
ces be of an undeterminate character
life sentences excepted, the term OF
confinement to be determined by the
prison managers; that eight hours
constitute a days work; that two hours
each day be devoted to the education
Of the convict.
A system of promotion for good con-
duct should be adopted, the wearing Of
citizens clothes being one the induce
ments. Pardon should be granted fol
certain high development. The Gov
ernor discusses his prison reform ideas
at great length. He thinks the reason
prison labor is, injurious to honest la
bor ia because it fixes the price of the
latter.
Better facilities for the education o.
IDIOTS is recommended.
The Board OF State Charitfes Is patIeC
On the back and the General Assembly
urged to give them more generous sup
port.
improvements in the construction o
county jails are recommended, with the
view of keeping the prisoners isolated
from each other. Counties should no
be allowed to adopt their own specifica
tiOns.
Reforms in county infirmaries ar
recommended. The In0rmary Direct
or is declared to be worse than use
less.
An advisory board of pardons is rec
commended.
A liberal policy is urged in support o
the Ohio State University.
The inspection of oils has been thor
ough, and no lives lost by reason OF an.
oversight of the Inspector. :,
The Legislature is urged to make tn
judicial constitutional amendment
adopted, operative. e
d drv statamnnt "f fa"ts "nd fi"'rn