Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1819-08-07
FROM THE NATIONAL ADVOCATE.

Governor Plumer.-This truly res
pectable and patriotic citizen has retired
from the office of governor of New
Hampshire, over which state he presi-
ded with so much credit to himself and
honor to the commonwealth. In vale
dictory address to the legislature, he
has taken a retrospective view OF all his
important and leading measures, and has
explained them to the satisfaction of all
honorable men. The sentiments con-
tanned in this address, are such as should
be torcibly impressed upon the mind OF
every executive ofiicer-and the princi-
piles commended for, should form UGde
mccain for every man holding respon-
slblhty. His maxims are sound, his po-
Icy judicious, and his principles estima-
bic. The virtues and services OF such a
man can never be forgotten. Party may
Struggle for supremacy, ambitionwrestle
ior power, cupldity pant for wealth, but
the consciousness of having faithfully
served our country, honorably and i'm
partially administered the laws, and Just
Iy exercised authority, constitute the
proudest monument of appreciation
for it is durable. We make the follow
ing extracts from governor Plumer's
message, because they are crcditable to
his wisdom and patriotism, and honora-
bic to our country -
"The i'll state of my health, and a
respect to the principle of rotation in
office, induced me early in the last scs-
sion, to decline reelection. And it is
with pleasure that | now congratulate
the state, upon the prospect of the office
OF Chief Magistrate being conferred up
on gentleman of talents and integrity.
''In retiring from this important and
responsible office, permit me to state the
principles, and course of conduct have
adopted and pursued during my ad-
minlstration.
"As'I considered it my duty, have at
the commencement of each session of
the Legislature, respectfully, but expllclt-
ly, recommended such subjects Tor their
consideration as appeared to me best cal
culated to promote the hahhiness Of the
heohle-the end and object for which our
government was established. States
and nations are secure and prosperous,
i'll proportion as the people are easy and
contented with their situation; and the
more they are relieved from taxes and
burthens the more firmly they will be
attached to the laws and institutions of
their country. l have, therefore, ever
felt thorough conviction of the vital
importance OF frugality and economy in
the management of public affairs, and
the propriety of granting only moderate
salaries and emoluments to public off,
GERS. The history of the world shows,
that the growth of profusion and extra
vagance in governments, has generally
far exceeded the increase of the popula-
ton and wealth of the people. And it
will be we'll for us, if this be not one of
the serious evils, which as a nation, we
have much cause to deprecate."
sin making the appointments of the
various officers, which the constitution
and laws vest in the executive, / have
been frequently embarrassed and per-
picked. The greatest ilnperfection in
all governments, arises from not having
men of virtue and talents to carry the
laws into execution. Laws founded in
wisdom and justice require men of
knowledge and integrity for their correct
and impartial administration. From the
nature of human affairs there must be a
portion of discretion vested in executive
officers; and this discretionary power
willoften be abused, by weak men, from
ignorance, andby bad men, from design.