New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-01-08
GOVERNOR FOSTERS LAST MESSAGE.
a FAVORABLE REPORT IN STATE AFFAIRs-NEED
OF A CHANGE IN TIE SCOTT LAW.

FAVORABLE REPORT IN STATE AFFAIRs-NEED
OF A CHANGE IN TIE SCOTT LAW.
COLUMBUS, Jan. 7-GOvcrnOr Fosters fourth
and last annual message read to the Legislature
which assembled to-day. The message that " all
departments of the State Government wisely
and economically administered, and in most
excellent condition in all respects About $2,OOO,
coo of the public debt" Governor Foster also says
has been paid in the past four years, and by
full Tcfndng of portion OF the funded debt the annual
charge for interest has been reduced by the Of about
Sl500OO, The deficiencies that you will be called upon
to provide for will not exceed $4,000, and the
financial condition Of the State is such that
you reduce the State levy for general revenue pur
poses by twO-tcnhs OF MILL unless extraordinary
demand upon the Treasury IS made, by providing for
change in the PenentiaTy further provision is made
for dependent populations OF the State both of which
worthy objects of your attention. The total public funded
State debt $4490715 the annual interest charge
being 1925 sS3. The total iTcducble State debt drlst
funds is 81 435 sS9 81. The total local debts amount to
Sf339S095 80 increase Of S7329l17 OF encc 1870,
and Of 50 000340 80 since 1880 Since 1892 however,
the net decrease in the local debts has amounted to So
255 To- the decrease in the cities being3 6ls29O j5
and the increase in the counties, villages, townships and
school districts bring 24OO34 SO. "The responsibility
for this increase Of local Indebtedness" Governor Foster
says, els largely with the General Assembly. cannot
TOO strongly urge you put every possible restraint upon
the alarming tendency toward an increase Of local in
GeDtedness, which will be- II permitted unchecked
utterly runous to the communities that too frequently
permit H."
"Thc Public Institutions" Governor Foster says, "are
In all respects In most excellent condition. Their
agemeut in the MAN, has been free fIO partisan
influence. An experience Of four years in dealing with
applications for pardOns leads me TO the conclusion that
more than Onchalf of the COnvcts do OF naturally he
long to the criminal classes He then that the pres
cnt treatment OF cOnyicts results In forcing into
the criminal classes annually more than 100, who
honor and usefulness by proper and judi
clous reform OF prison management Referring 10 the
liquor question, Governor Foster SAYS: The receipts
om the sale az retail In ohio Of wine beer and toxicat
lng liquors probably amounts to the u
S|oOOOOOO a revenue Of nearly ~ 100000 has been
sed from the operation of the law passcd by the last
Legsiatuieb and paid into the various county,
10y anu vi age treasures OF the state Tho law should
pC inenued 20 as 10 include sprurous luOrs, the sale
vi Mc as Wen as wine and beer, nay be prohibited by
OIHdhCt ana inc provisions OF local option shoud be
e1ttLdcd To townships There an overwhelming pub-
nc sci nent opposed to the demand of the GuoT deal
efs aHa IN layOl OF giving the Scott law mi and fair
ina before any serious interference with its provisions ia
attempted" " '- "
Governor Foster suggests that the Legislature make
lorna protest TO Congress against further reduction
OF tdln duties aud that the COngre-smen and Senators
iron" ONO be Instructed to all honorable means
the injustice done to The wOOgrOwlng interests and other
Industries Temedied. He also favOTs amendment 10
Tue United states Constitution which will give Congress
me power 10 pass flaws Of kind that will afford ml
protection III the enjoyment Of cyil rights by all the cti
2ens OF the United States without exception" He also
recommends the passage Of a state law.