an be
substantially accomplished at any one of the places which have been
prominently named as the site of the college. I therefore trust
that the friends of education will not allow differences upon a
question of comparatively small importance to the people at large
longer to postpone the establishment of the institution, in
compliance with the obligation of the State.

A large part of the work required to complete the "Soldiers'
Record," in pursuance of an act passed March 17, 1864, has already
been done, at an expense of about $8,000, and the propriety of
making an appropriation sufficient to enable the adjutant-general
to complete it is respectfully suggested for your consideration.

During the war for the Union, the people of this State acknowledged
their obligation to support the families of their absent soldiers,
and undertook to meet it, not as charity, but as a partial
compensation justly due for services rendered. The Nation is saved,
and the obligation to care for the orphans of the men who died to
save it still remains to be fulfilled. It is officially estimated
that three hundred soldiers' orphans, during the past year, have
been inmates of the county infirmaries of the State. It is the
uniform testimony of the directors of county infirmaries that those
institutions are wholly unfit for children; that in a majority of
cases they are sadly neglected; and that even in the best
infirmaries the children are subject to the worst moral influences.
Left by the death of their patriotic fathers in this deplorable
condition, it is the duty of the State to assume their
guardianship, and to provide support, education, and homes to all
who need them. The people of Ohio regret that this duty has been so
long neglected. I do not doubt that it will afford you great
gratification to give to this subject early and favorable
attention.

All agree that a republican government will fail, unless the purity
of elections is preserved. Convinced that great abuses of the
elective franchise can not be prevented under existing legislation,
I have heretofore recommended the enactment of a registry law, and
also of some appropriate measure to secure to the minority, as far
as practicable, a representation upon all boards of elections.
There is much opp