Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-01-16

The State builds school houses, provides
teachers, and controls every detail Of edu-
cation save furnishing books. Is there any
sound reason why il should not assume this
function also2 Recent experience In the
State Of Indiana shows. ostensibly, that
school books. equal TO those in use here.
are delivered 20 the children OF the State at
30 or 30 per eentum of their former cost
Other States have tried the experiment
with apparent success.
RAILROAD COMMISSIONER.
The Office OF Commissioner Of Railroads
and Telegraphs seems to be more orna-
mental than useful, II is difficult to say
wherein IL has benefited the community.
Unless the place be made one Of more
efficiency and power it might wen be abol-
ished.
AGRIoULTURAL.
The State Board Of Agriculture is carry
ing a total debt Of $3.50. 600. at per centum
interest. This includes what is called the
Centennial debt of $5O.OOO The Board
can not pay such rate of interest nor
ought 1t to do so, inasmuch as the credit of
the State is ultimately responsible for the
payment Of both principal and interest.
Either part Of the debt must be paid and
the load which the board is carrying thereby
llghtened, or the debt refunded at a lower
rate Of interest.
\ y y
The Natioal Guard IS required to go into
camp not to exceed eight days Of each year.
No uniform system has heretofore been OBJ
served. Sometimes they have gone bycom-
panies, at other times by regiments and at
others by brigades. Last year the entire
Guard camped together The time occupied
in the transportation of troops and in prep
aration for forming and breaking camp, to-
gether with reviews and parades, deprives
dfNfta
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 As
sembly might advantageously provide for
buying or leasing grounds at an accessible
point near the center Of the State, and
erecting thereon permanent encampment
with all suitable conveniences for post of
instruction. The Nationsl Guard could be
required to camp there, either by regiments
or brigades or as an entire body. The saw
ing OF expenses would, in a few years, pay
for the land and buildings. 1t is likely that
II the permanent camp were located near
Columbus, or any other city, the whole cost
would be raised by private subscription.
UNIFORM COMMERCIAL Law.
Merchants, manufacturers, bankers and
business men generally are deeply interest
ed in procuring Uniform legislation through
out the country upon the subject OF
commercial law. Scarcely a dealer
in credits is competent to decide
upon the merits of a purchaser out
side of the State IN which he himself re-
sides. The American Bar Association has
given much time and thought to this ques-
ton. The National Board of Trade has
deliberated upon it. These bodies have
united in an effort to secure two or more
official representatives from each State to
meet a committee of the National Board Of
Trade for the purpose of discussing and
advising legislation upon the subject.
There is no doubt that uniform code Of
mercantile 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 consider
alton sundry propositions involving in
creased expenditures. it is proper, before
conclusion, to remind you that the esti-
mates presented for the coming year ex-
ceed in the aggregate, the prospective in
come of the State. Many of those estimates
should be carefully scrutinized, and must,
of necessity, be reduced when YOU make
the appropriations. 1t is for your wisdom
and experience to decide what items can
be wholly spared or safely lessened. While
public opinion does not commend Mig
gardly policy, yet it unsparingly condemns
wastefulness and extravaganza. You may
proceed with official functions in the GER
tain assurance that wholesome economy
where needed and prudent liberality where
the honor and welfare of the State are con-
cerned will find ready appreciation from the
people. JAMES E. CAMPBELL.
january 13, 1890.