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

AANo bAo pioohoi y AbuNAh0 s'"S ''''No
suggestive of a desire on the part OF
the state TO make him better,
"Would II not be a finer order OF
justice 10 place our penltentlary on a
paying basis, turn labor to profit, COM
pensate the prisoner for work per-
formed. subtract the cost Of his keep,
and send the remaining part to the
families deprived Of support by the
tragedy
"The prisoners also should pe work
ed on the highways, as part OF a merit
system. Experiments already made
In outdoor employment in this state
are pronounced successful. They have
been eminently so elsewhere. North
Carolina rehabilitated her material re-
sources by building good roads on this
plan. No state institution in the fu-
ture should be established without
ample land provision. In too many
instances in Ohio, fertility Of soil was
obviously not considered in determin-
ing a location. There is no reason,
with the arrangement suggested. why
these state farms could not become
agricultural experiment stations. to
insure intensive and profitable tillage
OF the state soil. and at the same time
be Of great benefit TO farmers in the
respective communities.
Properly Regulated Saloons.
with a courage that deserves pop
ular commendation, our platform took
a positive stand on the liquor ques-
tion, and the Democracy in so doing
was the first of the great political par
ties in many years in Ohio to mani
fest a conviction on a subject that
has been perplexing in itself, to say
nothing Of the influence it has had on
purely economic questions before the
legislature. We endorsed the license
amendment to the constitution. which
was subsequently adopted by the peo-
pie by an overwhelming vote.
THE legislature should, as one
of its very first acts, pass the
legislation so directed, and in
strict harmony with the wish and
will Of the people as expressed. Ohio
now has the opportunity to take front
rank in the solving of this question,
and taking it out of politics.
Reference should be made to an
other phase of the changes in our con-
stitution. The amendments are in
three classes. First, those that be-
come operative automatically; sec
ond. those that direct the legislature
by the mandate shall, to pass certain
described laws, and third, those pro-
vlding that the legislature may enact
certain legislation. The second named
must be accepted as a command from
the people. and any attempt to embar-
rass or unnecessarily delay legislative
action can not be justified by govern
mental ethics. The word may in the
third class is taken to mean that
when conditions arise to warrant the
remedial action prescribed it shall be
taken.
Strengthen Compensation Law.
at is my judgment that at least
one amendment which is not manda-
tory should receive early legislative
attention. | refer to the proposal in
behalf of workmen's compensation.
Either ignorance or mendacity has
through misrepresentation lodged
some misgivings in the minds of some
perfectly well-meaning people as to
the underlying principle and opera
tion Of this law. One would think that
it was some sort Of fantastic project,
unknown save in our state. 1t was
inaugurated in Germany over one hun
dred years ago and has been maintain
ed without interruption. 1t was adopt
ed by every great civilized power on
discussed in our country. 1t is so
fundamentally just that society will
accept it as long-delayed act of sim
pie humanity. In our social organiza-
tion the most striking characteristic
is the interdependence as between
human units. The carpenter can not
get along without the farmer nor can
the farmer progress without the mer-
chant, the tradesman and the me-
chanic. Each performs his function,
but is dependent upon the other.
Many occupations are more hazardous
than others, and yet they can not be
eliminated because they form a link
in the social and industrial chain.
The men who face these hazards are
as large, and often a
larger share to society than those in
safe pursuits, and it seems hardly fair
that the unprotected risk should be
borne entirely by them.
Society the Beneficiary.
"A finer justice would suggest that
society as the direct beneficiary of
these dangerous pursuits, bear the
financial burdens entailed by accident
and accidental death.
1.-THE enlightened thought of today
does not endorse the common law
principle applicable to the defenses
known as the fellow servant rule the
assumption of risk and 'contrlbutory
negligence Instead our common in
stncts of justice and fairness dictate
that this inevitable situation of trag-
edy and sadness be lifted from the
courts by compelling the payment Of
certain specified sums for death or
accidents in stated occupations FOR
The creation Of protective insurance
fund.
MANY states have now adopted it
as a compulsory measure. In Ohio
cur liability board has faced the dis
advantageous situation created by the
lack of legislative au-
.hority to pass a compulsory act. That
imitation has now been removed by
amendment.
"In Illinois the mine operators. af-
,er the passage Of compulsory act,
Orn1ed 81 mutual ingurancp cOmnanV |