The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1913-01-16
GOVERNOR COX'S
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
To IT, People of Ohio:

will be given to a change in custom,
augural address that part which deals
entirely with recommendations to the
general assembly, and submitting my
views to that body in writing. The
growth in the activities and SCOPE of
our government entails legislative
message of such length as to en-.
croach on the prophecies of this sol
emn occasion, and work distinct in.
convenience and discomfort to the or
ganizations aud individuals, who in
patriotic fer,or, desire to participate
in the arrangements that are to fol-
low.
Every impulse of my nature re-
spends to the highest sense of obliga
ton for the honor now conferred, in
compliance with the suffrage ex-
preston of the electors, and yet, an
appreciation of the responsibilities
which go with it, reminds US of human
limitations, and inspires the hope that
our endeavors along the lines Of JUS
tice and honesty, in the vision of the
Ruler of all governments. will gain
the benediction of His favor and as
sistance.
While the executive station is one
of generally accepted distinction, to
me it does not bespeak elevation
above my fellows. The relation of
private citizenship establishes an
equal base, but when one assumes
the duties incumbent upon this office,
a proper conception of the situation
makes him the servant Of the people,
and unless he responds to full appre-
citation of the superior rights and pow
ers of those he agrees to serve. he
begins either with false vision, or
with a species of treason in his heart.
There is much in the theory OF the
ancients that nothing makes stronger
appeal to the Almighty than the con-
gregation of people under peaceful
auspices for the purpose of refining
government to the needs and advance
ment of the race. If that were spec
tacle of such omen in olden days then
this day holds every potent for good,
because every community is repre-
sented in the festivities of the occa-
sion and without regard to class or
creed they exhibit their attachment
to our institutions Of government
Ohio is a wonderful state and rich
in the traditions that inspire a proud
citizenship. Her fertile soil, pictur-
esque beauties and delightful climate,
attracted to her borders sturdy race
of people, and they have here builded
an empire in extent and treasure, Its
continued growth is dependent, in
many ways, upon government, and
every change made bears direct in
fuence upon our social and economic
life. We are entering upon a new
day. The evolutions and processes OF
time are working great advances in
every activity of man. The forces of
human intelligence have carried us TO
a point of higher moral vision, and it
would have been distinct anomaly
of history if government had not been
carried on in the progress of the time.
1t requires considerable faith in the
righteousness of a cause to turn face
from the old order of things mindful
that in the plans and policies of gov
ernment about to be adopted are in
volved the hope and aspirations, the
happiness and general welfare Of five
million human souls.
sense therefore tho sublime re-
sponsibility of this hour!
But history tells us that while we
can profit immeasurably by the expert
ence of the past, every government
that has endured, kept its face to-
ward the sunrise and not the sunset
of civilization. We must feed on the
vitality of growth; not on the decay
of decline We reverence the works
of our fathers, and seek to prove our
selves the worthy sons of worthy sires,
by making as great development in
our time as they made in theirs. Ours
is not the creed of the cynic, looking
with scorn upon the institutions of
yesterday. Civilization is simply a re-
lay race, and unless we take it uD
with the freshness of spirit with which
our IaJUeTS DSSdu IL, INC ScHtIdClOu 10
in a condition of certain decay. Mis-
takes will be made because govern
n ent is the creature OF man. But II
civilization from its beginning had fol-
lowed the course of least resistance
and not approached uncertainty with
this old world of ours
would present a far different aspect.
An advanced civilization does not
refine government from caprice, but
from necessity. The savage needs no
government, because the interdepend-
ence of Human units is not a charac-
teristic of his existence. AS a race
dependence on each other
Increases, and the meaning of exact
Justice to all is understood and the
enforcement of that principle In gov
eminent is demanded.
The genius of man has invented no
system better fitted to work greater
national destiny than the even bal
anced relation of our federal and state
government. In our commonwealth
there is now a marked tendency to-
ward a large measure of home rule
for municipalities and an increased
opportunity in their community af-
fairs. Al the same time there is ex-
acted an increased police power from
cts "a in Af