additional taxation of legitimate business. Probably no state in the union was able to meet the strains of the war with so little difficulty as Ohio, and this was due—so far as I can learn—to the state being operated on a business basis and in a business-like way.

Another simple illustration: Like other states Ohio has a state farm, upon which it has certain cattle. When Mr. Cox came into office, this state farm was being operated at a distinct loss and the cattle were more or less of a nondescript nature. The Governor immediately called for blooded stock and finally he was given a small appropriation. He got one good bull and a few good heifers, altho the people of the state criticised him severely for such “gross extravagance.” Within a few years, this herd became one of the best and most profitable in the state, and for the first time the state of Ohio’s farm adventure was on a paying basis. Today I understand that Ohio has the best state herd in America, and, if Mr. Cox’s plans are carried out, it will result in so improving all the live stock in the state that Ohio will have the best cattle of any state in the union.

In another part of this book, I refer more in detail to his success in selecting and leading men, with special reference to his handling labor troubles during the coal and steel strikes which so threatened industry in Ohio. In this chapter, however, I must refer to the work which he did in connection with rising costs of living. Mr. Cox, unlike most liberal leaders, believes in the law of supply and demand. He does not believe in interference with the law of supply and demand by the representatives of either labor or capital. On the other hand, he believes that many of our economic difficulties are due to interference with this law, especially by the big distributors. He believes in the use of cold storage plants, but he believes in their use for the benefit of the people rather than for the benefit of speculators. Those who are interested in a study of cold storage plants, in connection with the cost of living, should become acquainted with what Mr. Cox accomplished while Governor of Ohio.

A severe winter found Ohio without seed corn, and farmers were required to pay as high as $20 a bushel for seed. Governor Cox sent agents into other territories where climate and soil conditions were similar to Ohio, and secured a supply of seed corn at a cost of less than $3.00 a bushel. The toll of the war and the lure of the city were depleting farm labor. To meet this need, Governor Cox arranged for a large purchase of tractors thru private agencies, called a meeting of farmers at the state capital and conducted a tractor school under the supervision of experts. Within two weeks’ time, more than 6,000 tractors were put into use within the state. Instead of a labor shortage, decreasing acreage and crops, the production of the state, both in acreage and bushels, was actually increased.

These are some simple illustrations of Mr. Cox’s vision. He has that rare combination of the enthusiastic idealist and the hard-headed business man. Often we find one of these qualities without the other, but seldom find them both together. The great need in Washington today is not for the idealist nor for the hard-headed business man, but rather for him who can combine these two qualities. Mr. Cox has the absolute confidence of both the business interests and the wage workers. The business interests have absolute confidence in him and the working people have a genuine affection for him. He possesses that peculiar faculty of getting together those representatives of capital who furnish employment and the great mass of the employed who are necessary to keep the wheels of industry moving. That faculty he combines with integrity, initiative, and courage. This is the essence of a successful business career.

CHAPTER IV
HOME AFFILIATIONS

James M. Cox was always a great pal of his mother and of course very good to her. He also was very close to his sister Anna, and her husband, Mr. Baker, his first employer. He seems to have had but little to do with young ladies, his entire time being devoted to work and study. The newspaper hours were long and as soon as they were over he went home and buried himself in his books with a dictionary handy.

The Children

His first marriage was to a Cincinnati girl named Harding. It is said that she was a very pretty girl and is a very attractive woman today. Altho the Governor has always refused to discuss in any way their life together, it is said that she was the first girl whom he ever showed any attention. At any rate, they were engaged, and soon married. The wedding took place in Cincinnati, May 25, 1893, when he was 23 years of age. They had four children, three surviving, which were born as follows: Miss Helen Cox, now Mrs. Daniel Mahoney; Mr. John Cox; Master James Cox.

It is a very happy family of children. At Mr. Cox’s home at Trailsend, one notices pictures of the children about the house. One which young Jimmy had autographed for his “Daddy,” apparently as a Xmas gift, is especially noticeable. They all are very fond of the Governor and he is devoted to them. You cannot spend, of course, an hour with him without hearing of his children.

People think Mr. Cox made a mistake not to have his wife and family more at Washington with him when he went first as Secretary to Congressman Sorg, and later as Congressman himself. Political work kept him very much engrossed at Washington and the three children and her music kept Mrs. Cox very busy. Neither was interested in the plans of the other. The neighbors believe that if they had been they would be living together today. But such is not the case.

A Manly Act

When the Governor returned to Dayton from Washington in 1908 and 1909 something seemed lacking. The old love which was so strong in 1893 was gone. On October 2, 1909, he and Mrs. Cox separated although no formal action was taken for two years. His wife, Mary Harding Cox, had in the meantime moved to Cleveland where she established a residence. Legal proceedings were brought through the Patterson law offices, American Trust Building, Cleveland, Ohio. Afterwards she went to Germany remaining there until early in 1914. In the fall of 1914 she married Mr. Richard H. Lee. Mr. Lee is a much-respected attorney now of New York City and resides at Pelham Manor with his wife. Although Mr. Cox had arranged to pay for the support of the children, Mr. Lee insisted that such money be not so used, but invested for the children to receive as a future benefit. Many who did not really know Mr. Cox and his former wife before that time then learned to love and respect them both.

The petition was filed on May 10, 1911. As is customary in such cases, i. e., when the husband intends to be chivalrous, Mr. Cox permitted his wife to ask for the divorce. It was granted on June 22, 1911. The Court decided that the custody of the children should be awarded to each party equally.

It was a wonderful test for any man or woman. Only persons of the highest character could handle themselves in such a straightforward impassionate way. The attitude of both is an example of frankness, courage and kindness. Everyone who knew them then is enthusiastic in their praise. Both, of course, today always speak well of the other and the children are naturally equally fond of mother and father. It was an unfortunate affair and yet was probably for the best. The venerable Dayton attorney,