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

THE BOARD OF STATE CHARITIES
complains that it has been badly crippled by
want of sufficient appropriations for the full and
efficient discharge of duties imposed upon it by
law. and adds very naturally. that " if the board
is to be continued it should be properly support
| ed" Attention could proftaby be given to that
portion of their report which relates to certain
classes of insane. Especial provision were made
| at the Central asylum for the accommodation OF
insane criminals it would relieve the penitentiary
of a duty which. from necessity. is imp erfectly
discharged. Such criminals. together with insane
persons whose mania tends to crime. should be
| confined to a building separated from any other
| and erected for that purpose, The board also
| strenuously insists upon the custodial care OF
| idiots
| ELEcTRIoITy.
The application of electricity is rapidly opening
| new fields of legislation. Unless something is
done to prevent the sacrifice of life daily result
ing from defective electric wires, the companies
which put up and control them will have grown
so rich and powerful that the passage and en-
| forcement of proper laws will be difficult. Mu-
inequalities have attempted to enforce regulations
for protection from such dangers. but without
satisfactory result, The duty of investigating
the generation and distribution of electrical cur
rents is one which presses npon you. The inves-
tigation should be prompt and thorough. and
such action should be taken may, in your Jndg-
ment. throttle this evil in its infancy.
pEcENN1AL APPRAIsEMENT,
| The deeennial appraisement of real estate Will
take place during this year. Your attention is
called to the necessity for procuring better and
more uniform valuation upon both real and per-
sonal property. The financial condition eff the
state and common fairness combine in demand
ing careful revision and equalization ofassess-
ments and it is hoped you may devise some leg
islation to effect this laudable result.
| CHEAPER SCHOOL BOOKS.
| Popular education is the foundation of freedom
and prosperity. knowledge should be furnished
at the lowest possible cost. 1t seems to be an as
sured fact that school books can be furnished.
either by direct publication of the state or by
contract on behalf of the state at less than pres
ent prices 1t is not necessary to inveigh against
capital for monopolizing this form Equalization
1t is sufficient to ascertain whether books can be
furnished more eheaply by the state without in
volving it in material expense or liability. If
this can be proven then it becomes your duty to
cheaper school books.
| RAILRoAD COMMISSION.
The Office of commissioner of railroads and tel
egraps seems to be more ornamental than useful,
and it is difficult to say wherein it has benefited
the community. Unless the place be made one
of more efficiency and power it might we'll be
abolished.
| AGRICULTURE,
The state board of Agriculture is carrying a
total debt of $4,000 at per cent interest, The
Governor recommends that this burden be light
ened. either by the payment of part or refund
ing the whole amount at lower rate of interest
| FORESTRY.
The state forestry bureau. established in 1885.
has done valuable work. but its mission is prac-
tically ended. 1t is thought the amount appro-
priated for the forestry bureau might be more
judiciOusly expended in endowing chair of for
estry and mining at Athens university.
| STATE LIBRARY AND MUSEUM.
| The governor recommends the passage ofa bill
similar to the one introduced in the 6Sth general
assembly. providing for the consolidation of the
state library and the Ohio archaeological and
| historical society.
| MILITIA.
The National Guard is required to go into camp
not to exceed eight days each year. The cost of
maintaining. transporting and preserving tents
and other camp equipage is large. The general
assembly might advantageously provide for buy
ing or leasing grounds at accessible point near
the center of the state, and erecting thereon a
permanent cncampment with all suitable con-
veniences for a post of instruction The Nation
| al Guard could be required to camp there either
by regiments or brigades. or as entire body.
The saving of expense would in few years pay
for the land and bul ldings.
UNIFORM COMMERCIAL LAW.
Merchants. manufacturers bankers and busi-
ness men generally are deeply interested in pro-
curing uniform legislation throughout the coun-
try on the subject of commercial law. The Amer
lean bar association has given much time and
thought to this question. The National board of
trade has also deiberated upon it. These bodies
have united in an effort to secure two more Of
fcial representatives from each state to meet a
committee of the national board of trade for the
purpose of discussing and advising legislation
upon this subject There is no doubt that uni
form code of mercantile law would be of advan-
tage to the business interests of the country. and
it seems proper. therefore. to authorize the ap-
pointment of such representatives.
APPROPRIATIONS.
Having recommended for your consideration
sundry propositions involving increased expend-
itures. it is proper, before concluding to remind
you that the estimates presen ted for the coming
year exceed. in the aggregate. the prospective
income of the state. Many of these estimates
should be carefully scrutinized and must. of me-
cessity, be reduced when you make the appro-
priations. 1t is for yuur wisdom and experience
to decide what items CAL oe wholly spared or
safely lessened. While public opinion does not
commend aniggardly policy, yet it unsparingly
condemns wastefulness and extravaRance. You
may proceed with official functions in the certaia
assurance that wholesome economy where needed
and prudent liberality where the honor and
welfare of the state concerned will find ready
appreciation from the people.
JAMES E. CAMPBELL.
January 18th, 1890.
Miss Anna Morgan, of Ravenna, spent Sun
/ day with Miss Eliza Haley.-[AkIon Republi-