New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-01-07
cor. FORAKER ON CITY GOVERNMENT
HIS ANNUAL MESSAGE TO THE OHIO LEGIsLAT
URF.

Columbus, Ohio, Jan. e.-The Legislature met TO-
day. The caucus nominees were selected Officers,
the members sworn in. and in the afternoon the
message Of Governor Foraker was read. In regard
TO balotreform and municipal government, he said ::
so far laws concerned they will be
improved by making the provisions Of the act Of April 15
1889 TO provide for distributors OF ballots the printing
OF ballots and the distribution thereof at polling places"
applicable to only the city OF Cleveland applicable to
all cities Of the State having Boards OF Elections The
tlckehOders that stand about the polling places
In election days annoy the voters should be
abolished With this improvement the system we already
will prove better, because simpler more economical
and American than other that has been or Is
likely be proposed. Tho plain truth Is that with one
exception you best subeye the public good By leaving
practically untouched al the legislation Of the Sxyseventh
and Sixty-elghth General Assemblies whereby these
changes have been wrought.
The laws creating the several boards that have beer
provided FOR the various cities require appointment OF
the members and the clerk for each By the Governor
deemed necessary by the Legislature at the time
but contrary to my JUDGMENT then and experience
but strengthened this conviction IL true the poo
pie Of the whole State interested IN having fair and
honest elections each city and have right therefore
demand wher5 that may appear necessary that the
executive head and Of the whole people shall
appoint those who conduct the voting and make the
returns and those who to control the consabulary
force upon which election officers must depend for
protection in a fearless discharge Of their duties
but, as general rule the better policy
lodge this power Of appointment with the Immediate
head Of the munica atty to be Affected The newspapers
have recently discussing this subject % some extent
and among other propositions advanced i . confer
the exercise Of this authority for Cincinnati on the Pouce
Judge u that city. So far personal fitness may be
concerned that official doubtless well qualified for the
scharce o. such trust. Nevertheless, 10 should not be
mlo.G upon him. II Is duty that Is essentially eAccu
tive On It's There Is nothing In II Of judicial
nature Judge IS always out Of place. and feels So
exercising such powers. He recognizes, as ali others
must that duties have tendency TO involve MS
Office in politics. and thereby interfere with It's usefulness
and that universal respect TO which II Is entitled
Moreover II may well be doubted whether such duties
can be legally required Of judicial officer 1t clearly
an executive duty that rightly belongs 70 the Mayor
This view IS not expressed by for the first time
Neither is IL expressed because my successor differs
from ne n politics while the Mayor OF Cincinnati agrees
with he n that respect. such Considerations are in
sufficient and unworthy influence any one honorod with
the privilege addressing You IN this manner What =
wanted find the true principle that should govern IN
such matters, and then adhere 20 IT,"
There was no business ot consequence transacted
further than the presentation Of resolution in respect
10 the memory Of Minister Pendeton.