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

CoLUMBUs, January 13.-Ohio never wit
aessed an Inauguration Of its chief magis-
rate that was attended with such an i'm
nense outpouring Of the people or was eel
.brated with such eclat and imposing dem
,nstrations as marked to-day the introduc-
ion into the gubernatorial chair of Jan.
Edwin Campbell, the fortieth governor OF
he state and territory. After the grand
procession had reached the capitol and the
chief justice of the supreme court had ad-
ninistered the oath of Office, Governor
Campbell delivered his Inauguration ad
iross in the following words:
To the General Assemb,y:
It is assumed that the outgoing governor,
h his annual message accurately informed
and, in other respects, fully discharged his
constitutional obligations. The duty de-
volving on the incoming governor, there
lore, is to supplement- the annual message
oy such suggestions as may, to him, seem
pertinent
HOME RIrLE.
In compliance with this duty your atten-
lion is directed to various laws, passed In
recent years, enlarging the authority of the
chief executive. He has been empowered
thereby to eppoint boards which control,
to large extent, the government and ex-
oenditures of certain cities. This was
ieemed SO clear violation of the right of
self government that one of the political
parties embodied in its last platform the
following declarations: 1--WE demand the
enactment of laws that will enable our
cities to choose their own servants, and
>ontrol their own affairs" Tho people Of
Ohio, at the subsequent election, approved
that sentiment. It is the duty of the gen.
sral assembly to obey their mandate, and
to restore home rule to all cities as speedily
is may be done without hasty or incon-
siderate legislation. 1t is not necessary to
recite the many cogent reasons which
prompted the people to this action. 1t is
sufficient to know that they have so de-
creed
THE CITY OF CINCINNATI.
The perplexing problem confronting you
IS to decide what form of government to
substitute in the city of Cincinnati for that
now enforced, which has proven faulty in
many respects other than those arising from
subernatorial interference. In that city
exist endless divisions of authority, and
consequent lack of responsibility, resulting,
naturally, in extravagant and incompetent
rule. Apparently no attempt has been
made to construct homogeneous form of
government Offices and boards have been
created by patchwork, from year to year,
until they aggregate more than a score of
independent departments. They are 'ap-
pointed at hap-hazard by the mayor, the
governor, the various courts, or by council.
This lack of system has unavoidably led to
confusion and mismanagement. In justice
to the people Of that city, as well as in fur.
.herance of sound political principles, you
should carefully consider, mature and for
mulate a charter which will give them an
opportunity to manage their affairs through
officers chosen solely by themselves.
It may not be convenient, or even posi-
ble, to operate an entirely new form
IF government there until the April cleo
ton of 1891; but in event of such delay,
prompt action should be taken to correct
the grosser defects of the existing govern
nent. Some immediate changes are i'm
peratively needed and the following are
cited as instances. The Board Of Equaliza-
tion, bods liable to scandal and corrup-
ton, should be abolished, and re-created in
such manner as to invite and deserve pub
tic confidence. The board of work house
directors, heretofore accused Of releasing
prisoners for improper motives, can be
spared without injury, and Its duties added
to the police commission. The discharge fo
work house prisoners before the tcyrnina-
ton of their sentences, should be prohibited
unless such release bs approved by the
judge and prosecuting attorney Of the po-
lice court.
The Board Of Public Affairs, now an ap-
pointive board, should be SO constituted
that, hereafter, one member can be elected
by the people every year. The member
ship of the Board Of Revision should be
radically changed. aud non-p partisan
board of high character substituted. With
the foregoing improvements, aud such
Others as your wisdom may suggest for
present action, the city of Cincinnati might
get along passably well until comprehen-
sive revision of the laws can be adopted
Two plans of reorganization are proposed
and meet with more or less favor among
the people of that city and both should be
thoroughly studied and digested before you
take the final action.
There is but little doubt that, under the
quickened public spirit aroused by existing
conditions, the people of Cincinnati would
rise to the occasion, and govern themselves
in a better end more honest manner than
can possibly be attained by the interference
of any outside authority, however con-
scientiousiy exercised. 1t is worth a trial
to give them control of their municipal af-
fairs. Not to do SO is to confess that local
self government is a failure.
OTHER CITIES.
While considering what ought to be done
for that CITY, YOU should inyestipnte the
whole subject of municipal reform, with
view of conferring upon other cities of the
state such changes as may be salutary. 1t
is your duty to afford speedy relief to those
which are subject. in any respect, to guber-
material control.
ELECTION LAWS,