objections to the present system; it is not claimed to be
reformatory. In a recent report, the directors said: "The great
mass of convicts still leave the penitentiary apparently as
hardened and as dangerous to the State as they were when they were
sentenced." The vital question is, how to remove this reproach on
our penal legislation. In considering it, I commend to you the
remarks of the board of State charities on the Irish convict
system. The distinguishing merit of that system is, that "it
enlists the co-operation of the prisoner in his own amendment,
without withholding from him the punishment due to his crime." If
the adoption of that system, with such modifications as our
condition requires, is deemed an experiment which it is inexpedient
for the State to try until its advantages are better understood, I
submit that the least that ought now to be attempted is to provide
for a classification of convicts, so as to separate beginners in
crime from hardened offenders. Whether this can best be done by
alterations and an extension of the present penitentiary or by the
erection of a new one, is for your wisdom to determine.

In several other States voluntary associations have been formed to
provide for, encourage, and furnish employment to discharged
convicts, and their efforts have been of incalculable benefit to
this unfortunate class. If a similar association should be formed
by the benevolent citizens of Ohio, they will reasonably expect to
receive proper assistance from the General Assembly, and in that
expectation I trust they will not be disappointed.

The total number of persons of school age in the State, in 1869,
was officially reported at 1,028,675--an increase of 11,108 over
the previous year. The total number enrolled in the public schools
in 1869 was 740,382--an increase of 8,610 over the year 1868. The
average daily attendance in the public schools in 1869 was
434,865--an increase over 1868 of 24,144.

The total taxes for schools, school buildings, and all other
purposes, the present fiscal year, is $6,578,196.83--an increase
over the taxation of the previous fiscal year of $616,795.68. Of
this increase of taxation, the sum of $17,833.86 is in the State
taxation for school purposes, and the sum of $598,991.82 is the
increase