The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1917-01-09
GOVERNOR COX


The Inauguration of James NJ. Cox as
governor of Ohio marks an unusual ep-
asode in the history of Ohio.
Four years ago Cox was elected gov
SeTnor on a progressive PLATFORM
platform in keeping with the spirit OF
the times.
II became his duty to put the pro-
nouncements of that platform into
concrete form in the way Of legisla-
'tion-to make good the promises made
TO the people of the state who had hon
eOred him with their votes and who had
sreposed confidence In him to execute
his party pledges.
Practically a new constitution had
been written by the people of Ohio In
the form OF various amendments to the
organic law submitted to them for
their approval or rejection.
II also became the duty of Cox to
put into effect, by proper legislation,
the amendments to the constitution
which the people had endorsed.
Altogether it was a prodigious job
that confronted James M. Cox when
ago.
Fie went about the work TO be per
formed with conscientious inspira-
tion to do the bidding of the people.
In promulgating the mandate of the
] people, as voiced in the amendments
tso the constitution and in the platform
of the Democratic party, Gov. Cox full
ly and completely delivered the
goods"
Every constitutional direction and
platform pledge was redeemed
Nomther governor Of Ohio had been
charged with such large program of
constructive legislation.
Selfish interests that had been ad-
veTsely affected by the legislation at
once set about to destroy the man who
had Kept the faith, and became allies
of the Republican organization TO &C
GOmplish that end.
During the campaign of two years
ago, Cox was wantonly ana malicious
nv aalsrepresented and the prejudices
OF the people were worked upon, with
the result that he was defeated for re-
election
.1tdhI not take long. after Wills he
caihe governor two years ago. Tor Ihe
ooo1a IN discover how they had been
Imposed upon, and the great mistake
tFbsv mad made in defeating Cox. IL
carly became evident that willis fell
.vay short of measuring up to the job
OF governor. His constant mistakes
and the character Of many or his ap
pointments demonstrated he had not
tho mental grasp OF the situation aho
pwvap woefully lacking In executive
abnity.
Public sentiment soon began t'
change and thoughts reverted to Cox'
able and business-like administrator
The more that was seen and heard o
YWn1is' performances. the lower III
Hank In public estimation and tho NOR
nrpninent became the fact that Brea
mistake had been made and grea
harm wroughtN to the state when tn
peopie we're deceived into defeatin
Cox and electing Willis
g was Lincoln who said. You ca
s,,ol acme of the people all the tim'
a mart Of the people part OF the TINT
lint YOU can't fool all the people all IN
Time" This has "A peculiarly sishl'
cant application to what has transpl
I'd in Ohio during the past two year
md fttingly attaches TO the WIN
campaign OF two years ago ana mis- ~
mInlstratIon which has just como 10
not too soon close
The people, having become fully co
.xrIous OF the mistake they had mat
swo years ago, gave Cox a proper VI
,.Eicat on at the election in Novembe
II was q complete Yeering around
public sentiment, and Ia an Illustrate
OF that part OF Lincoln's utteran'
-sYou can't fool all the people all {
time"
James NJ. Cox enters the goVerno
once today as he did four years ago
TuIiy Imbued with the Importance
The duties that confront him. and wi
a conscientious determination to CO
duct faithfully the Affairs OF the st'
sor the best interests OF the people
Gov. Cox will make good"