The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1813-01-14

both branches OF tho Lcgisle,urc.
Gentlemen Of me Senate,
and Hoase Of REPRESENTATIVES,.
Selected by my felI,w.citizens TO tiil the ex.
ecuiisc branch Of the government at tho late
period oslifc,aud called from .. peac iul abode,
to undertake the artluous duties OF tho Office
OF chief magistrate, at crisis, in which the
American ns,ion is engaged in war with one
OF the mos, powerful nations in the world |
feel diiiidence in thus ven,uring to execute
the high trust which dcvolvcs upon me, be-
lIeving that do not possess that extent Of
knowledge relative to our political relations
nor the experience, necessary 10 the dis
Charge Of the duties attendant on thar imror-
ten, station. No Circumstance could have
brought me from my retirement, at this siagc
OF hie, except in compliance with the voice
of my fei'ow-citixers, which has ever been
respected by inc with the highest venera,ion.
II gracious Providence shall be pleased 10
indulge me with days TO serve my country,
during the constitutional period for which
have been elected, II will be a soursc Of great
gra''ticaiion in nay retirement, should my
best endeavors 10 promote the interests Of
our common country meet the reasonable ex-
rec'e,ions of my fcllow-citizens. Iutcgri,y,
and due attention To the duties Of he Office
are all can, on my part, promise.
lhe constitution requires the governor
from time to time to give To the gencral as
sembly information Of the state OF The COM
monwcalth andto recommend for their con-
s'derstion such measures as he shall deem
expedient In performing this part OF ny
duty. II Il with pleasure inform you, that
no unusual disaster has fallen u our lot bui
permit me 10 congratulate you cn the benefits
which Divine Providence has conferred np-
on our country, by the blessings Of hcallh
Iti,penscd among our fellow citizens, and the
abondant harvcs, which the earth hath yielded
| 10 the husbanlman.
The interior situation Of The state relieves
| MS from The immediate horrors and devasta.
'ion incident 10 STATE OF war. Yet although
we are thus happily situa'ed, il becomes us,
| as a component per, OF the American confcd-
eracy, to be prepared Tor any and every event
mo, oaiy ps Il may relate 10 tho immediate
desensc and protection Of the state but that.
we may be the better able TO contribute our
ptoportion OF aid, ogrccably to the requisi-
tons of the general government.
The American gosernmeni, In cases OF in
| sssion and insurrculion, has reposcc its conf
donce in the militia :---a revision of the mill
ia law at this interesting junc,ure, is worthy
OF consideration. Tie latter rcgusiiion of
the general government on the militia of the
state, has probably discovered TO some Df you,
gcnliemen, defects in the Iaw, and dictated
Tie provisions necessary to remedy such de-
iecis. The law ought 10 compel both officers
and soldiers, promptly 10 psriorm their duty
yet not TO be oppressive. A well regulated
miiits viii avail little, unless certain means
be adopted FOR the procurement OF sn ade-
qea.c supply Of arms and ammuni,ioh aud
the erection Of magazines In convenient situ-
atoms, for the safe keeping and preserving
the military stores, when procured.
Impressed with belief that the resources
OF The government, are adequate 10 al its
wants, ! am induced 10 prsss this subject for
your most serious consideration. True Il is,
we are far removed at this moment from the
din of wsr--yet we know not how soon VIC
may DC assailc' by both foreign and internal
enemies. Self delcucc, that great ruling
principle in man, ought 10 awaken tho rulers
OF the commonwealth TO guard her rights,
protect her Interests, and 10 meet any casual
~. 10 omit the necessary arrangements till
danger appears, is ir,politc, and often attend
cd with dangers the most fatal. If, upon en-
quiry, il shall be found inconvcnicnt to ac-
compiish the object u, once, annual appropri-
ations suitable 10 The resources oil the govern
ment, may be directed, until the object be
completed. This measure, if adopted, will
insure respect abroad, preserve tranquility at
home, and, upon an emergency, enable the
militia OF the state 10 march with promptncss
to any point they may be ordered.
The existing militia law requires every
commissioned officer to take certain oa,hs be-
fore a magistrate, or sone county court, pre-
vious to bis entering on the duties Of his Of
fee. This regulation is dscos cred TO be in
convenient when the mi.itis arc in actual SER
vice. Vacancies will often oecor by rcsfyns-
tions and from othe: causes which oil nccessi-
ty must be filled, and this at time when II
would be imprope- for the newly appointed
officer to be absent from duty. A power ves-
a -