ation as
much political power, man for man, as the same number of white
citizens of Ohio, and be allowed in addition thereto thirty members
of Congress and of the electoral colleges, for colored people
deprived of every political privilege.

In conclusion, I am happy to be able to adopt as my own the
sentiments so fitly expressed by the speaker of the House of
Representatives of the present General Assembly. I sincerely hope
that the legislation of the General Assembly and the administration
of the State government in all its branches may be characterized by
economy, wisdom, and prudence; that statesmanship, patriotism, and
philanthropy may be manifest in every act, and that all may be done
under the guidance of that Providence which has hitherto so
signally preserved and blessed our State and Nation.

Certain principles are laid down in this address. One is that every
citizen ought to be taxed in proportion to the actual value of his
property. Another is that too much legislation is an evil to be avoided.
A third is that equality of civil rights justly belongs to all citizens,
notwithstanding the vote at the recent election to the contrary; and a
fourth, that representation according to voting population is a sound
principle, and the people of Ohio must stand by the Fourteenth Amendment
to the National Constitution. The Democratic legislature were
endeavoring to withdraw Ohio's previous ratification. This admirable
address needs no further comment.

Governor Hayes took an active part in the State canvass of 1868, being
assisted by Hon. James G. Blaine, who spoke with marked effect in
Columbus, October 9th.

At the session of the legislature in November, 1868, the governor
delivered his first annual message.

_Fellow-citizens of the General Assembly:_

Upon your assembling to enter again upon the duty of legislating
for the welfare of the people of Ohio, the Governor is required by
the constitution to communicate to you the condition of the State,
and to recommend such measures as he shall deem expedient. The
reports of the executive officers of the State, and of the heads of
the State institutions, are required by law to be made to the
Governor on or before the 20th day of November of each year. Since
that date, sufficient time has not elapsed for the publication of
the reports, and I shall therefor