Perth Amboy evening news. [volume] (Perth Amboy, N.J.) 1903-1959, 1920-07-06
Life OF Governor J. N. Cox,
The Democratic Nominee


James NJ. Cox was born at jack
sonburg, Butler County, Ohio,
March 81. 1870. He had a public
school and high school education.
His early life was spent working on
a farm and attending school. His
parents were not even comfortably
supplied with money and young Cox
had to work for all he got"
While still a boy he became
printers devil on a Cincinnati news
paper, and then after a short season
teaching school, because a reporter
on the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Bought Dayton Paper
His shrewd appraisal of men and
things won him favor in the sight
of Paul Sorg. millionaire tobacco
man, and, when Sorg was elected to
congress in the SOS. Cox became his
private secretary. That was the
Ohio governors real entry into pol
itics. His acuteness as a secretary
caused Sorg to back him financially
in buying the Dayton News in 1898
Within two years the News, from
a liability, became one of Dayton's
best paying enterprises. 1t was
Cox's uncanny perception of public
opinion that made him a successful
editor. At that time he showed no
signs of becoming a reformer.
AS the paper grew and earned
more money Cox bought the spring,
field Press Republic, in 1903 and
formed the News League of Ohio
with himself as owner and editorial
director.
Elected Governor
II was in 1909 that Cox, who had
had his "eye on" Ohio politics since
his season in Washington. made
formal entry into state politics. He
served the Third Ohio district in
congress from that year until 1913.
Then he was elected governor. Re
publicans said that his election as
Democrat was an accident.
He was defeated for reelection by
Frank B. Willis. Republican. but in
1917 Cox came back" defeating
willis with a big plurality. He was
elected for a two-year term in 1918,
and had hardly assumed office be-
fore the great floods swept Dayton
and the Miami and Scioto valleys.
Cox wen nationwide recognition
by his quick realization of flood
conditions and his prompt and en-
ergetic action. For three days and
nights he did not leave his office
He became the supreme authority
in the devastated region. Martial
law was Established. he Olrecteu
life-saving expeditions. food and
clothing was gathered and shipped
by his direction. He brought some
sembiance of order out of chaos
within a short time.
Ruled In Riots
Hardly had people ceased to talk
Of his action during the disaster
when the steel mill strikes in Ohio
brought him again into prominence
as a man OF decisive action. Riots
broke out in many parts of the
state. Cox issued a proclamation
calling on all officials to enforce the
laws against strikers and operatorsl
alike. Riots continued at Canton.
Cox decided the Democratic
mayor was at fault. removed him.
established a Republican mayor and
held troops in readiness to support
the new mayors order. They were
never called for service.
Cox's terms as governor were
marked by progressive legislation
in fact, ii was this that caused his
defeat when he ran for the second
time. In the first session he spon-
sored and compelled the legislature
to pass before its adjournment ffty-
six progressive measures.
interests Fought Him
Many Of these laws squeexed