The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-01-14
Governor Hoadiy,s Message.

separation In the bullion
values Of the metals which are the
basis of our currency.
All industries are reviving.
The deaths of Grant and Hendricks
were properly cemmemorated by Ohio.
Recent Ohio elections have been at
tended by disorders and criminations.
There should be careful revision of the
election laws. An effective rsgistra-
ton law is essential to free and honest
suffrage in Cincinnati. The same is
true of Cleveland. I recommend the
passage of registration law that will
obviate the objections made by the
supreme court.
Change of date of October elections
to November is cause for congratula-
ton.
1 recommend repeal of all laws dis
eliminating between citizens on ac-
count of color. Separate schools should
be abolished.
No temperance progress has been
made the past year. Growth of pro-
hibition vote indicates q growing sem
timent in favor of eradication of the
manufacture and sale of intoxicating
liquors. Prohibition is an unwar-
rantable invasion of natural rights,
and Is as harmful as effective in
causing secresy and increased drink
ing. Manufacture and sale when
properly restrained, Is not evil, and is
entitled to protection. They are sus-
ceptible OF abuse, however, and should
be severely restrained. irresponsible
parties should not deal in intoxicants;
number Of saloons should be limited ;
dangerous adulterations should be cut
off by rigid inspections. Because these
cannot be under the present constitu.
ton. recommend the submission OF
license amendment, with taxation
and regulation. The Scott was Ii
censs law. Taxation protects and en-
courages, but does not restrain or reg
ulate. Decisions of supreme court
have left the law uncertain. The leg
islature ought to clear up the matter.
Gratifying progress has been made
in enforcing protection against avoid
able disasters. There are ,734 miners
in Ohio. Prohibition Of scrip pay
ments should be effsctually enforced.
1t is to be hoped that arbitration here
after will be the successful resort in
differences between capital and labor.
National guard is in effective condi-
ton. General encampments would
continue beneficial. I have ordered a
Gatling gun for each of the ten regi-
ments.
None of the three state universities
is sufficiently endowed. They are di-
vided and run on parallel lines, caus-
ing foolish waste. and they should be
consolidated or controlled by common
board of trustees,
The state benevolent institutions are
in admirable condition, and no chang
es are necessary. Eastern Ohio needs
an insane asylum. The Assembly
should eradicate the application of the
"spoils system to our benevolent
and penal institutions. I have work.
ed for this. For the l6s boys confined
in the Toledo refuge the State has paid
$40, ,5647l. 1t is probable that these
boys could be kept at less expense, and
they certainly would be trained as
well in the boys industrial school al
Lancaster.
There are outstanding contracts fol
work of 457 State convicts: The last
expires Feb. 1st, 1887, and with this
convict contract labor" will end
For q while convicts must be worked
GU the piece-price plan. Ultimately
there should be system of work up
on State account, the State owning al
buildings, machinery and tools. Ths
penitentiary has become non-self-sup
porting because of withdrawal of la
Dor under the recent legislation as te
contract work. Executions at ths
penitentiary have resulted in public
benefit. The cost is much less thar
under the old system. Nov. l, 1884
there were 257 boys in the penitentia
ry. 1 have had 81 of these transferred
to the Lancaster reform. I granted
only 10 pardons the past year. In al
jails separate provisions should bs
made for prisoners awaiting trial
Some Ohio jails are disgrace to civ
ilization, notably those Of Perry anc
Highland counties.
The whole fabric of technicality sur
rounding our criminal procedure shoe
be swept away, that the guilty may
be punished and the innocent deliver
ed.
Insanity as defense of crime shoulc
40 longer operate by way Of absolute
scquittal.
If State officers were paid for theil
more responsible and valuable laborl
the same sums as the salaries which
the sheriff, treasurer, auditor, ane
probate judge of Cuyahoga Co. receive
annually as fees, public clamor woul(
compel a change the first week Of thu
Assembl's session. To enrich an off
Ger by the fees of single term of of
flee is scandal. not lessensd by th'
suggestion that he may share his spoil
with "the boys" and thus aid to. de
bauch his party and the purity of tn
franchise.
Expenses of the Governors offic
have decreased Sl3, ,s5s.74 thep past year
being $5s. .e5441.
Deficiency of $144. .7s1.70 in finance
Of canal management is due to repair
necessitatsd by floods of 1924.
Annual interest was reduced Sic, ,95
during 1886. The irreducible Stat,
debt has increased 1851 .O3, and i
$4, ,47O, ,Os7.09. Local indebtedness o
cities, counties, etc, increased $14, OLA,
225 5S. Decrease in general fund
$4ss, ,5I6.11.