The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1890-01-16


advise the making OF mare TNeral appro-
priations for the encouragement of agri-
culture
FORESTRY.
The subject of forestry is one Of great in
terest. The State Forestry Bureau, estab-
lished in 5S5, has done valuable work, but
its mission is practically ended. While
commencing it for what has been done in
the past, a different method is demanded
for the future. 1t is thought by those best
versed in the matter that the sum hereto
fore appropriated for the Forestry Bureau
might be more judiciously expended in en-
dowing chair of forestry, or joint chair
Of forestry and mining, at the Athens Uni
versity, which is located in section where
forests are needed, and mining extensively
carried OH. 1t is hardly necessary to say
that the forests of Ohio have been destroy
ed, during the last few years, at rate ex-
ceeding the destruction of forests anywhere
in the world, save in purely lumber-pro-
ducing regions; and there is, in many couu-
ties, a smaller percentage of forestry lands
than in the most crowded parts of Europe.
For this reason the cultivation and preser-
vation of trees is a matter of Importance,
and is well worthy your attention.
STATE LIBRARY AND MUSEUM.
During the Sixty eight general assembly
q bill was introduced to provide for tie con-
solidation of the state library with the
property of the Ohio Archaeological and
Historical Society. If passed it would have
transferred to the State of Ohio the valu-
able records, papers, library, paintings,
relics and other property of the society, to
De consolidated with the state library under
the name of Ohio Library and Museum
The trustees were to be empowered to elect
secretary and assistant, who should oc-
cupy the positions now held by the state Ii
brarian and assistant librarian. 1t is evil
dent that the state library would become
much more valuable by the acquisition oi
this collection, and that its management
would be much better than at present. Some
thing like this ought to he done in the near
future, providing, however, that the state
librarian and assistant librarian In office at
the time the act is passed, may remain as
secretary and assistant secretary of the
new library and museum until their terms
of office may expire.
MILITIA
The National Guard is requir cd to go into
camp not to exceed eight days Of each year.
No uniform system has heretofore been OBJ
served. Sometimes they have gone by
companies at other times regiments, and at
others by brigades. Last year the entire
guard campcd together. The time occupied
in transportation OF troops, and in prepara-
ton for forming and breaking camp, to-
gether with the reviews and paradcs, de-
r,,.i of Ia
portunity for instruction, and practically
makes their encampment holiday show
instead Of a military school. The cost of
maintaining, transporting and preserving
tents and other camp equipage is large.
The general assembly might advantageous
ly provide for buying or leasing grounds at
IN accessible point near the center Of tie
state, and erecting thereon permanent en-
campment with all suitable convcniences
for post Of instruction. The National
Guard could be required to camp there,
either by regiments or brigades, or as an
entire body. The saving of expense would
in a few years, pay for tho land and build
ings. It is likely that, if the permanent
camp were located near Columbus, or any
other city, the whole cost would be raised
by private subscription.
UNIFORM cos&Enc1AL LAW.
Merchants, manufacturers, bankers and
business men generally are deeply interest
ed in procuring uniform legislation through
out the country upon the subject of CON-
mercial law. Scarcely dealer in credits
is competent to decide upon the merits of a
purchaser outside of the state in which Re
himself resides The American bar associa-
ton has given much time and thought to
this question. The national board of trade
has also deliberated upon it. These bodies
havo united in an effort to secure two or
more official representatives from each state
to meet q committee of the national board
of trade, for the purpose of discussing and
advising legislation upon this subject There
is no doubt that uniform code Of mer-
camille law would be of advantage to the
business interests of the country, and it
seems proper, therefore, to authorize the
appointment of such representatives.
CONCLUSION.
Having recommended for your considera-
ton sundry propositions involving increased
expenditures, it is proper, before conclusion,
to remind you that the estimates presented
for the coming year exceed, in the aggre-
gate, the prospective income of the state.
Many of those estimates should be carefully
scrutinized, and must, of necessity, be re-
duced when you make the appropriations.
It is for your wisdom aud experience to de-
eide what items can be wholly spared or
safely lessened. While public opinion does
not commend niggardly policy, yet it un-
sparingly condemns wastefulness and ex-
travagance. You may proceed with official
functions in the certain assurance that
wholesome economy where needed, and
prudent hberality where the honor and
welfare of the state are concerned, will find
ready appreciation from the people.
JAMES E. CAMPBELL.
Januarv IL 1904