The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1916-04-18
PROMISES
GREAT Things.
After Playing Havoc With
States Affairs
And Doing InCalCulable Dam
aQe To Public Institutions
Gov. Willis Has Come Around
To Cox Plans
But The Budget Is Fixed For
Balance Of Term
Promises Meaningless, As His
Promises Meaningless, As His
Pledges Are Never Kept

Columbus, W., April l0-WlIulu Iue
week an authorized statement has
been given newspapers by Governor
Willis telling what he plans to do for
the $4,000 unfortunate wards Of the
state of Ohio. In view of this state
ment ii is only fair to consider what
he has already done to them.
Tn first effort of Governor Willis on
assuming office was to attempt the
decentralization" of the board of ad-
ministration for the reward of politi-
clans. The non-partisan organization
having the care of the lame, the halt,
the blind and the unfortunate of socie-
ty, projected and perfected by Gov
ernor Harmon and protected and ex-
tended in scope by Governor Cox, was
assaulted, that personal satellites
might be rewarded by Governor Willis.
The effort was made, on the board di-
rect to gain control, and in the legis-
lature to rip asunder the organization.
In making up appropriations for the
board Of administration, the great pro-
ject of the Madison county peniten-
tiary farm, at the direction of Governor
Willis, was robbed of all but mere
pittance, because the plan was that of
a Democratic governor. Three years
ago the Cox administration bought and
paid for the farm. 1t is now in the
same condition it was then, and 1900
prisoners chafe in the idle house of
the penitentiary, while the boyish, giz-
zard-loving governor prates of pie and
poetry.
The plan to starve the institutions
in which the unfortunate are kept,
first favored by the administration,
was overthrown because such infiu-
ence was exerted by the people that
the appropriation committee was
forced to act Then by free use of his
veto power Governor Willis in single
day robbed the wards of the state of
$503,000, by eliminating needed inn
provements from the legislative appro-
priations for his term of office. And
why? Because of the state treasury
condition." he said. And that state
treasury had then in the general reven-
ue fund, which is not raised by state
tax on the people, in excess of $8,000,-
900, and today, with consideration for
the vastly increased expenditures of
Willis for political purposes, that fund
has not been so decreased that any
necessary state activity need be
curbed.
But now Willis after eighteen
months has come around to the Cox
plans and he promises great things.
But the budget is fixed for the rest of
his term of office. His promises, cost
ing nothing and meaning nothing, are
the act of drowning man grabbing at
a straw. And in view of his record
to date he cannot make successful
defense to this charge of further false
pretense to gain office.
Two Democratic governors reform
ed the conduct of state institutions
The last one had under way still
greater plans. Willis to date has not
only done nothing, but he has used ev
cry means in his power to restore the
old political conditions which were a
blot on the states good name. His
promises mean nothing, for he has
never kept pledge. He not only
does not mean what he says, but he
does not know what he is talking
about
%
One of the shuffling excuses for the
failure OF the fiscal policy of the pres
ent state administration is found IL
this paragraph sent out by the public
supported press bureau in the capitol
THE Finley-Cox organization seems t,
think that the farmer hasn't enougl
brains to realize when his taxes ar