The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1911-06-06
HARMON'S RECORD
Governor Succeeded In Getting
Good Laws For People.
UTILITY BILL MOST IMPORTANT
Lieutenant Governor Nichols Declares
Harmon's Achievements Entlt.e Him
to Credit For Work Accomplished.

to Credit For Work Accomplished.
Columbus, o.-(Special)-Ef ever
an administration was entitled to
credit for legislative accomplishments
that one is the Harmon administra-
ton of Ohio.
In the face of the greatest possi-
BILE obstacles Governor Harmon led
the general assembly to enact more
laws in the interest of all the people
than any chief executive who has oc-
cupied the Ohio gubernatorial chair.
Without doubt the most important
legislation enacted is the Winters
public utility bill. After fight run
ming through his whole tenure Of Of
fee the governor has succeeded In
giving to the people Of Ohio real
regulatory measure.
Under the provisions of the Win
| ters bill every public utility corpora
ton in Ohio is absolutely subject to
regulation by the state utility COM
mission, which has been known as
the state railroad commission. Every
possible precaution was taken in
whipping the bill into shape during
the last few days of the session. Up
to the time of its passage the meas
ure was opposed by the powerful
Standard Oil interests in Ohio and
by the interurban railroad people.
They were almost successful in en-
comprising its defeat, and had 1t not
been for the help of friends of the
state administration the general as
sembly would have adjourned without
enacting this important law.
There is no doubt but that Cover
nor Harmon will sign the bill. Re.
publican and Democratic leaders
alike declare 1t to be the best utility
control bill ever written into the stat
utes Of any state.
In a statement to the public just
issued by Lieutenant Governor Hugh
Nichols, in discussing laws enacted
by this legislature he refers to the
passage of the Winters bill in this
language:
"This particular act Is placed on
| tHt bIdIult DDOhS Win u lCCliIb Va
pride, it being asserted by its spon-
sors that in fairness to the public no
law of similar nature in any state
of the Union, especially New Jersey
Wisconsin, New York or Massachu
sets, Is It's equal"
And Lieutenant Governor Nichols
adds In tne next paragraph.
"The enactment of these several
laws Is the work of accomplishment
of Governor Judson Harmon, secured
by persistent and tireless effort with
out anything Of the spectacular ol
theatrical. Obstacles Of seemingl,
insurmountable nature were encoun
tered-only to be finally overcome
' and the fruits of victory can not b.
! withheld from Goveror Harmoh."
Under the guidance of Governor
b Harmon the general assembly enact
}, ed 10 other important bills that thu
3 enlightened citizens had been plead
:. ing for in vain for several decades
These are:
The Oregon plan OF nominating an,
electing United States senators b.
direct vote Of the people; placing th
Ohio judiciary beyond the clutche
of party bosses by electing judges ol
nonpartisan ballots; law to max
provision for all injured workme
from fund made up by employer
n md employees; corrupt practice &C
that will make vote-buying In pr
maries and elections dangerou
undertaking.; limited initiative an
referendum for Ohio cities; u cer
raj board OF control for ninetee
b Itate institutions to take the plac
& OF nineteen separate boards OF tru'
l. tees with their corps OF employees
y this bill places subordinate employe
4 In the institution under civil servic
h and, as predicted by those most IL
miliar with It's provisions, will saw
tc the taxpayers annually not les
, than one million dollars; abolishin
% boards OF inflrmary directors {
:. three members each In every count
IL of the state and turning their dutie
u over to the county commissioners
o thus making large saving; a r.
ID form OF Ohio election laws to pr,
vent corruption and fraud; to hay
delegates to the 1912 Ohio constitl
honal convention nominated by pet
tion only and elected on nonpartlsa
!, ballots a nine-hour worlSday for en-
ployed women; to stimulate the agr
~ cultural industry by requiring agr
o. culture to be taught In all Ohio Vi
In lsge and country schools; rattle
8, tlon OF the proposed income ia
o. amendment to the federal constit
tion; memoriallaing congress to ca
a convention to provide for the dire
election OF United States senators
20 insurlng honest handling OF all sta
money by depositlng In banks und'
no tho competitive bidding plan; col
IL plete reformation of tax laws th
NJ will put tax dodgers out Of busine
ks and will compel corporations al
IN. owners OF intangible property tn
N. have been lodging taxes to pla
N. their holdings on the duplicate q
IN. same as small property owners q
a., cluded In this Is l per cent tax le'