The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1900-01-04

to the Ohio Legislature is yoluminous
document, covering every important qnes-
ton of State interest. The Governor
recommends among other things an ap-
preparation of 100000 in aid of the To-
ledO centennial, the establishment of hve
State normal schools, a State library
building, a Governors residence, an ar-
cade or peristyle to connect the capitol
with the new addition and the cleaning
of tte outer walls of the old building,
the merit system at State institutions,
uniform code for the government OF the
cities of the State encouragement for
manufacturing concerns by the passage
of laws to protect them and not DRIVE
capital out of the State. Extracts from
the important parts of the message are
given:
Finances of Ohio.
At the close of business on Nov. 10,
1899, the end of the fiscal year, there
was balance in the general revenue
fund of 81 ,033, ,63235 This was the re-
suit after two years in which every debt
had been discharged when due, in which
there were no advance drafts upon conn-
ty treasurers. in which there had occur
red war, which necessitated the state
government making large expenditures to
cover the cost of the mobilization OF
troops answering to the call of the Presl-
dent of the United States for volunteers,
in which extensive building operations
connected with the State capitol and with
many OF the institutions were inaugural
ed. and in some instances completed, and
in which there were many extraordinary
expenses of various characters. Allow
me the privilege of counseling for the
future such careful consideration as to
appropriations as will continue the pru-
dent policy of keeping within our in
come. Ohio has now the prospect of
enough revenue, but the promise is not
such rs to warrant any extravaganza. If
there is to be radical departure of any
kind, let it be in the way of reducing
the State levy, thus giving benefit to all
the people and affording satisfactory
object lesson for municipalities of the
State.
Emergency Board and Biennial Ses-
siOns.
again express the opinion that
through the emergency board there is
satisfactory way of attending to such
business during the interim of legisla-
tive sessions. According to my view,
there is every reason for continuing the
wise and prudent policy of biennial ses-
sions of the General Assembly. The bi-
ennial session plan is heartily approved
by the great majority of the people and
experience has yet to demonstrate that
there is necessity for the return to the
old policy of annual sessions. BY .he
meeting of the General Assembly once
every two years large amount of money
is saved to the State, and through the
emergency board the interests Of the
States institutions and departments, |
which require extraordinary expenditures
at certain times. do not suffer. 1t is
true that the people at |
large will cordially indorse the continu-
ance of the biennial session plan; and on |
the other hand there are but a few who |
will advance any argument in favor Of |
the old system Of annual sessions.
Taxation and State Board of EquaIiza-
tion.
1t has been contended by many that the |
UTRdulZdtlOi VI Tie |
State Board of Equalization should be
abandoned in favor of smaller board,
probably, of State officers.
The argument has been that such small
board can accomplish as good result,
and perhaps better, in a much shorter
space of time and with infinitely less cost
10 the State. This was the consensus of
opinion i'll the last State Board Of Equal
zatiOn. In view of the large sum re-
luired to pay the expenses under the pres
nnt system and the probability that the
work would be as well performed by a
smaller body, l commend to you most
heartily the wisdom Of considering q
change of process. l am inclined to be
ieve that such action will be expedient
and beneficial in all ways. Permit me to
anjoin upon you the necessity of giving
The gravest thought to the taxation Ques-
ion. The levy for State purposes is suf-
icient and the people should not be call
ID upon for more money, when local tax
ltion is already SO much Of burden in
many places. 1t is always the part of
sound judgment and common sense to
encourage the growth of industry in the
State, and, therefore, 1t is certainly per-
nssible to counsel such considerate pol
cy as will inure TO the general benefit
md keep capital at home. Ohio has suf-
'ered much from the loss of capital,
which has found home in States offer
ng special inducements. Our present
avs relating TO the taxation of certain
are good and there does not
eem to be further need Of measures
which may be considered as in any way
Ia tt. fnr t1,e. h,,c; |
If the organizations of capital which are
and sincerely Obeying the
statutes.
Merit System in State Institutions.
Consideration for the best welfare of
he benevolent and educational institu-
ions of the State would seem to dictate
merit system of service for the EN-
'loyes. GrievOus harm and demoraliza-
ion can be done by placing partisan in
erests above those of the institutions.
t is my firm belief that the less politics
nters into the daily and yearly life of
hese institutions, the greater will be the
eneht accruing to the people and to those
Who are the objects of the States benev
lence. \ condition approaching the de-
ired status has now obtained for several
ears. 1t should be amplined and extend
d, if possible, in order that Ohio, re-
ardless of the outcome of political CON
ests, may always have an efficient re-
ime in the institutions which are her
pecial pride.
Ohio In the Spanish War.
l wish here to pay the most earnest
rbute to these latter-day volunteer sol
iers, and in the same connection to rec
gnize the patriotism of the people of
)hio generally. When it was known
hat the nation desired volunteer soldiers ,
0 aid in war against foreign power,
here appeared to be a universal desire
o serve in some capacity. The whole
xperience of the war furnished grand
of the loyalty, patriotism and
trength of our people. 1t showed that
t any time Ohioans are ready to do their |
art rs strong and faithful sons Of the S
epublic. The record is altogether a
right one, with no blots or stains to
mr. the fair pages of Ohio's history.
The Ohio Centennial.
J,xn b.. t,,,,,