The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1888-01-05
Foraker's Message.

Governor Foraker's message to this
years Legislature recommends a due
observance of the Centennials of the
State and of particular localities and
the hearty reception Of the G. A. R.
National Encampment at Columbus
next September. Local self-govern-
ment in municipafaffairs is insisted up
on, and the improvement of the condit-
ion of Cincinnati is instanced as illus
tratlve of the benefit of such legislation
The acceptance by the United States
Government of the Muskingum inn
provement and the payment by the
State Of $7,233.20, pursuant to act of
Legislature, is noted. In its ncighbor-
hood the Six Mile, or Panldipg County
Canal, Reservoir is considered a nui-
sance, dangerous to health, and calcu-
latedsto retard and prevent the develop.
ment of that section, and a recommen.
dation is made that the renewed appeal
os the people thereabouts be entertain
ed. Canals are in on improved and
encouraging condition. Trespassers on
State lands appropriated for canal pur-
poses will soon be confirmed in occu.
pancy by the disappearance of all evil
deRce as to the States ownership, and
the Legislature is requested 10 make
immediate provision for taking of all
evidence and making of all requisite
surveys, to define the boundaries of all
canals. basins, reservoirs, lands, lots,
etc., and to reclaim all the property of
the State. The act passed by the last
General Assembly for the publication
of Volume vi of the Geological Survey
was not signed by the presiding officer
Of either House. but the inadvertence
was not discovered until considerable
expenditure of money had been made
and the statute should bo re-enacted
with retroactive provisions, Official in
vesugation into fhe origin of all fires is
recommended as a check to incendiar-
ism.
The General Revenue Fund for 1888
will be S2,S00, 900, OF which about $500,
600 will have been anticipated, leaving
81, 300, 900 avoilable for next years ex-
penses The falling behind of the
State financially, has been due to the
iact that expenses have beea increas-
ing and revenue remaining stationary :;
the S60G,G debt maturing next July
cannot be paid in full. and it is recon-
mended that one half be paid aud the
other refunded. The present rate of
6ve-tenths of mill taxation for Sink
ing Fund purposes may safely be re-
duced. Each county in the State
should pay the total expenses Of the
prosecution and transportation of its
prisoners.
Gross inequalities exist in the valu-
alton of property for taxation, and
personal property to the extent of hun
dreds Of millions of dollars escape tax
alton altogether, Adjustment regard
ing real estate may be left ill after the
ensuing decennial appraisement, but
foreign corporations should be imme-
diately looked after and taxation lev
led on their gross receipts in the State.
The Western Union and Adams Express
Companies have brought numerous
suits to enjoin counties from collecting
the tax leYies, and in cnse of their be
ing successful, the Legislature should
consider means Tor sure collection of
taxes. Local Indebtedness in the
State has reached the enormous amount
of S54 ,843 ,696, and it is recommended
that no county. township or municipal
corporation should bs allowed to create
a general debt exceeding 10 per cen: of
the tax valuation.
The Dow law is commended.
The Governor dIsagrees with
the President upon the question
of Tariff Reform. but gives no
or strong arguments sus
tanning his views.