Improvement in the various laws was sought during his
next term, but the shadow of the world war was already beginning
to fall, and the greater part of his efforts were devoted to
preparation for Ohio's part.
In general administration the Governor's supporters are fond of
saying that he met successfully
In his first term a flood,
In his second term a war,
In his third term reconstruction.
The flood story was the one that really introduced him first to
the country at large. Ohio was hit by a calamity greater than
any that had befallen a state. Columbus, Dayton, Marietta,
Hamilton and other cities were under water for days, many
villages were almost washed off the map, and hundreds of lives
and untold millions of property were lost. Bridges everywhere
were washed out and transportation was practically at a
standstill. The eyes of the State and Country were on the then
untried Governor Cox. He met the situation in a manner that will
never be forgotten in Ohio. The Ohio National Guard was called
out, stricken communities were placed under martial law,
civilian relief armies under the command of mayors and other
designated leaders organized everywhere, Ohio's motor truck,
automobile and other facilities commandeered, and the work of
feeding, clothing, cleaning up and rehabilitation carried on
from the beginning with astounding efficiency.
The New York World at that time said of him:
"The man who has dominated the situation in Ohio is Governor
Cox.
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