The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1912-09-27

THOMAS RILEY MARSHALL,
ly state matters are concerned, is
whether Democratic rule is to con-
tinue or whether the machinery Of
government shall be turned back to
the political party in power when
Governor Harmon was chosen four
years ago,
Now let us analyze this matter
calmly in the face of undisputed facts
of history:
"First-Was the Republican admin.
istration honest or efficient, and has
the present Democratic regime shown
the characteristics named?
"The scandalous handling of public
moneys, their placement in the banks
Of favored political friends, and the
personal profits acquired in the form
of interest on the funds of the people,
are transactions so we'll known that
they need scarcely be recalled. The
state was so Mortified that remedial
legislation was passed under Demo
cratic supervision, and the interest
profit belonging by right always to
tie state, is now legally so provided
For years the Irregularities of the
canal ring amounted to a public dis
grace. Through Governor Harmon's
vigilance they were exposed and the
people have by constitutional change
provided for the abandonment of the
state board of public works, and
Dlaced this machinery of government
with the governor through appoint
ment Of superintendent for a term
CT but one year. Legislative commit
tees of investigation until halted in
their work by a decision of the su-
lreme court, were uncovering situa.
tions, created by official dishonesty,
that shocked the sensibilities of the
people.
Why Democrats Won.
"The plain truth is that prac.
tcalIy every important piece of
legislation passed within the last
two years, was for the vigorous
purpose Of tearing out the veins
and arteries of political system,
built up by Republican leaders
with such finesse that it reached
and demoraIized government in
most every community and made
the conduct and existence of our
institutions mere travesty on
intelligence and morality.
In the campaign of 1908 this situa- |
Jon was charged by the Democratic |
candidate for governor. In his first |
term, which followed, the accusations |
were proven. In the election of 1908 |
the people through suspicion that |
was wrong, elected Mr..
Harmon governor by something over
10000 plurality. In 1910 when well |
-ased suspicion became a conviction
with the people, the plurality of two
years before was multiplied by five,
md publ& resentment was registered
Il an e4edion result almost without
precedent in its size and significance.
The further observation should be
made that the adoption of so many
amendments to our constitution was
'ue in considerable degree, at least,
o a public desire to have the neces-
AIRY means to correct conditions re-
'ealed by recent disclosures in our
tate. Let it be recorded now, as
omething more than a mere coinci-
ence that no Republican speaker il
he present state campaign will refs
With pride 70 the administration
lffairs supplanted by public protest. iH
.9OS.
A Newer and Better Order.
In contrast to the conditions Just
ecited, we submit newer and better
rider of things. During their incum-
'ency there has been neither hint nor
accusation against the Democratic
governor and state officials. On the
ther hand both their official integrity |
nd efficiency are admitted Further
more the legislation enacted under
his control is the most important and
obstructive In the last so years Of
)hio's history.
Seconds the Republican party
such shape as to justify public
onfidence in any administration it,
hight by popular cons sent establish in
Dhio?
1T is split by seemingly irreconcil-
BILE differences. The feeling mani
ested by the two branches toward
ach other exceeds in bitterness and
ancof the partisan controversies
ommon to other days Two tickets
arrying candidates for every state
flee have been placed in the field
he two platforms of principles have
cen proclaimed. showing that therotl