INTRODUCTORY. O the Executive Department of the State is committed the active administration of public affairs. Called into existence by the legislative department, it is subject to the limitations fixed by law, and to the interpretations of the law by the judiciary of the state. Beginning with the appointment of Governor Arthur St. Clair, by the Congress in October, 1787, this department (of that territory which is now the state of Ohio) has been graced and dignified by the services of some of the most honored names in the history of the American Republic. G THE GOVERNOR. SKETCH OF THE GOVERNOR. EORGE K. NASH, the present Governor of Ohio, (see part I facing page 7) was born in Medina County, August 14, 1842. His early life was spent on the farm where his parents settled after emigrating from Massachusetts. His early education was obtained at the district schools of his township, where he prepared for college, entering Oberlin at the age of twenty. During his sophomore year at this institution the great struggle between the North and South had reached a crisis, and like many of the patriotic youth of his time, he felt it his duty to respond to the call to arms. Accordingly he enlisted as a private in the 150th O. N. G., serving with his characteristic integrity and thoroughness until discharged. Immediately after the close of the war, he began the study of law, and in 1867 was admitted to the Bar. Since that time his career as a lawyer has been one of steady advancement and increasing renown. In 1870 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Franklin County and at the end of the term was chosen to succeed himself. In 1877 he was the Republican candidate for Attorney General, and though defeated with his party, he made a gallant fight. In 1879 he again ran for the same office and was elected. Four years later he was re-elected, thus holding the important and honorable position of Attorney General for a period of four years. Further and higher honors awaited him. In 1883, Governor Foster, who while Chief Executive during Attorney General Nash's two terms had been his warm friend. and supporter, appointed him a member of the Supreme Court Commission, which body was created to aid the Supreme Court in completing unfinished work. This commission sat for two years and when its work was finished, Judge Nash, as he then became known, returned to the practice of the law. Although taking a great interest in politics and doing much work. for his party in various capacities, the duties of his profession consumed by far the greater portion of his time. In the campaign of 1899 he became a candidate for nomination for Governor, and at the convention held in Columbus in the following June was successful, being nominated on the second ballot by 461 votes out of a total of 820 cast. The following November, after a spirited and interesting campaign, he was elected Governor by a plurality of 49,000 votes. THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR. The Constitution of Ohio provides that "The supreme executive power of the state shall be vested in the Governor." |