The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1890-01-15

chinery controlling elections among one-fourth
of the population is in the absolute power of one
official. The manner in which this violation of
democratic government grew up is instructive,
as showing how rapidly power increases when
concentrated. 1t arose i'd legislation designed for
the prevention of fraund similar to those commit
ted in the election of 1884 and 1885 in the city of
Cincinnati Empowering the governor to appoint
an election board was a temporary expedient to
tide over the emergency in that city. 1t was not
intended bI the trainers of the law that such ex'
traordinary powers should be permanently vest
ed in the government. They intended subse-
quently to frame an election code which should
provide for state county and city boards, of which
the state board alone might be appointed by the
Governor. Undoubtedly some such system might
be adopted whereby boards, which are actually
non partisan. should be created for state, county
and city purposes but the Governor should ap-
point the State Board only; and the members Of
that board might if deemed proper. be selected
by him in equal numbers through list furnished
by leading political parties. Such board would
be non-partisan in fact as well as in name. 1t is
believed by some good lawyers that plan may
be devised for cities whereby the people elect
one-half the members of the boards. and the
Mayor be compelled to select the other half in
such manner that the membership would be
equally divided between political parties. In
deed such a system. if not in conflict with the
constitution. might advantageously be applied to
the creation of state and county boards. permit
ting the Governor to appoint one-halt the mem
| bers of the state board, and some suitable au
thority to appoint half the members of the county
| boards. Whatever plan you adopt, let it be your
aim. while giving the people actual non partisan
boards. also to permit them to have direct part
in choosing election officials.
| THE ORPHANS HOME.
The Soldiers and sailors orphans home has re
Gently suffered severe visitation of diseases re
sulting from defective sanitary conditions
Searching investigation should be made for th
cause thereof. special committee of expert
ought to visit the Home at an early day. The ap
pointment fsuch committee does not q ecessari
ly reflect upon the trustees or officers of the HON
for the trouble may arise from causes beyonC
their control. The matter is too serious to excus
the slightest neglect or delay. The state has n
trust more sacred than the care of these orphan
and nothing should be left undone to cherish an
rear them in health and comfort.
SOLDIERS HoME.
The Soldiers and Sailors home is unable t
take proper care of inmates who become insane
no provision having been made for the nursin
| anu management VI Sucu cdSes. Ii dutAolAIJ "ci
granted by law to remove insane patients of tha
institution to the Toledo asylum. one half of tn
expense would be reimbursed to the state by tn
federal government. No provision is made fc
employing the minds of inmates. and an apprc
priation as liberal as the financial condition {
the state will bear, should be made 70 chape
an amusement hall and library.
INTERMEDIATE PENITINTIARY.
Owing to inadequate appropriations part
caused by indifference of the last general assen
bly,. little progress has been made upon the inte
mediate penitentiary. Speedy completion
at least a portion of that institution SO that
might be used to limited extent would inaug'
rate needed reforms in administering our pen
laws. One wing of the institution should be fiji
ished and occupied at once. so that the labor
the convicts could be utilized in completing Il
. whole.