The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1912-09-24

should. as one n 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 II 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 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 II shall be
taken.
Strengthen compensation Law.
"Tt Is my judgment that at least
one amendment which is not manda-
tory should receive early legislative
attention. I 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. It was
inaugurated In Germany over one hum
dred years ago and has been maintain.
ed without interruption. It was adopt
ed by every great civilized power on
earth before 1t was even extensively
discussed In our country. It Is so
fundamentally just that society will
accept 1t 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 link
In the social and industrial chain.
The men who face these hazards are
contributing as large, and often
larger share to society than those In
cafe pursuits, and 1t 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 az the fellow servant rule tho
assumption Of risk and 'contributory
negligence Instead our common Ia.
stincts Of justice and fairness dictate
that this inevitable situation Of tras
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 a protective insurance
fund.
MANY states have now adopted 1t
as q compulsory measure. In Ohio
our liability board, efficient in per-
formance and personnel, has faced
the disadvantageous situation created
by the constitutional lack of legisla.
tive authority to pass a compulsory
act. That limitation has now been re-
moved by amendment. The plans
adopted in the several states have
been of three classes, q state insur-