The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1817-10-22


his Exceliency, met the Cove Tnor and Coon-
Gil, a, the Council chamber, where his Ex-
ceileney delivered the following
SPEECH:
Gentlcman Of the courci,
MIR. Speaker and
Gentleman of che house Of Representatives.
The circumstances under which we arc
now convened to deliberate on tho concerns
Of the State are peculiarly auspicious. Peace
and trsoqoili,y, general health; aud genial
season, favoring the exer,ions OF unusual in
dastry, having been succeeded by ample re-
wards. WaiIe these blessings demand ex-
| pressions Of gratitude 10 the kiod dsposer OF
events, they encourage benevolent DISPOSE
lions towards each o,hor, and omitted cxer-
| tions TO advance TIE prosperity vi our con-
| siituents.
Since the las, meeting Of the Legislature,
propositions have been received, ftom the
States of New Jersey, and Kentucky, for a.
tnepding the Constitution Of the United
States, which will bs submitted to your con-
eide grafton.
Information has been received, that Or
| dnance Department OF the United States is
| prepared to deliver the proportion OF arms
and equipments to which this State is enti.
tied, by an act of Congress. l have accor-
| dinghy directed the Quarter Master General,
| to adopt the requisite measures for etfecting
| settle ment Of our accounts to tho close OF
| tho year 1916. Ap offer has been made 70
| deliver in Irfilcry, proportion OF the value
| Of what may bo found due. There being
| no authority to assent TO this proposal the
| subject is submitted to your consideration.
Among the matter, which, at the last scs-
sion, were presented TO tho consideration CT
| the Legislature, those concerning the Iu-
dicial department, and the equalization Of tho
| system of taxation, are Of vital importance
to the people. a lasting ,itlo to the graft.
rude of our constituents will be acquired, if
safe and equitable principles shall be es,ab.
lished on those interesting subjects. The
Legislature has wisely provided for an invcs-
| tigation OF, and report on tho subject OF tax
| alton, bot as the completion Of proper sys.
tom will require time s profound reflection.
venture TO express a hope, that no appar-
| ent difficulties will deter you fiom persuing
| IL, with tha, perseverance, and impar,isli,y,
which its importance demands.
As the expenses Of supporting the State
| poor, annually amount to considerable sum,
and under the operation Of the present sys-
TEN, may DC expected 10 increase, recon-
mend ,hst the provisions on this subject be
revised.
! I, appears TO ee deserving Of con. itera-
| tion, whether an iUoui'7 .cueht no. 20 be in
stuffed into the CoojlS;on, mapsgs uler., and
legal provisions whicn reepsci New Gate
PRISON, nnd whethey consistently witb Iuslieo,
! humanity, and The public security, some
beneficial reforms cannot be adopted.
| Agriculture, being primary end most i'm
por,au, ipterests Of The State, it is the duty
OF thu Legislature, not only to protect its in.
das,rions members from dispropor,ionate
burdens, but 10 taciliate to them, the discos-
cries aal Improvements OF modern times!
As great numbers Of our inteiligen, ci'izons
migrate from the State, and as it receives but
tew accessioss OF entcrpriziog strangers, it
has resulted that agricultural knowledge has
been depressed below what ought to exist IN
State, highly distinguished Cor science and
improvements IN the arts. The incorporation
OF an agricuI,uai association, whose duty il,
| should be to collect and dissem printed
tracts on the various branches Of rural ccon-
omy, might 6y stimulating EN- ula,ion, speed
lily produce highly important consequences
! 10 the community.
a practice has pre- vailed II the other States,
Of rewarding, by honorary tokens, such OF
! their native ci'iacns, as have performed mer-
| itorious services for their Country. If il
| should DC Judged expedent, for this State to
adopt this practice. Commodore Isaec Hull,
| who obtained the first Of those brilliant VIC
tories, which signslzcd the late War, sp.
pears, or The score Of public and private vir.
tue, TO DO emincn,ly entitled to such dis
tinction.
The state Of public opinion unequivocaliy
proves that momen,uous responsibility is
DEVELOPED on the Legislature. I hope that
1t will no, be though, unsui,sble If invite
you TO cultivate spirit Of coneili.tioo and
good will towards each other, and among all
the peopls Of the state.
Let it be remembered, that the govern
mcnt Of Connecticut, was fort on tho
principles of aud according to model devi'-
ed by illustrieus men, who were republicans
in principle, and who attempted to estab.
hsh Q domocra,ical Republic in England.
Though their exertions were unsuccessful 10
that county, yet IL is 10 the laws and reguta
,ioos which they formed, that the British Ma