Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1825-06-08


Is it just, that to such misfortunes to COM
mon concern, should be added the more
grievoua burden, upon those who may have
other resources, not only of meeting their pro
portion of responsibility for unsatisfied de-
mands, but also of contributing TO supply the
deficiency of such as are made wholly desti-
tute by the calamity? Under this view of
the subject, cannot but suggest the propric-
~, at least of so far modifying the law, as TO
limit the extent of the liability of individual
stockholders, in all future contracts, By some
proportion, which their interest in the stock
may bear to the capital, and by fixinga peri
Cd, beyond which bona fde seller, with
notice to the public, shall cease to be respon-
sible for corporation debts, contracted during
his membership. In this age of great under
takiugs and of strenuous competition for pre-
eminence in loca. advantages and influence,
it is surely wise to regard with care the per-
manent resources Of the Commonwealth.
These will be found especially to consist, in
the profitable investment, at home, of the
monied capital Of our wealthy citizens, and in
the encouragement and employment thereby,
of an ingenious, industrious and vir.uous
population. Whatever measures are condu-
Give to these results, will tend to secure the
proud distinction, in moral and political impor-
lance, which Massachusetts has heretofore so
justly enjoyed.
Any amelioration Of the condition of unfortu-
nate lnsolvent Debtors, within the compass of
State Authority, and consistent with enforcing
honesty and good faith in the execution Of
contracts to the utmost of their ability, recon-
mends itself to the justice and humanity Of
the Legislature.
I 4 regard to the preservation Of national
independence and the institutions of flee
people, will secure, at all times, favorable
attention to the condition of the .Mili.ta.
The duty which the law requires of a portion
of our 'ellow-citizens, in providing arms, and
improving themselves in military discipline,
under the present system, is tax OF unequal
operation. Perhaps there is no subject Of
legislation Of mere delicacy, Or attended with
greater intrinsic difficulties. 1t should be the
first object of desire and cndeavor, TO equalize,
as far as may be, the burden of this most in
dispensable service. 1t has heretofore been
attempted, by diminishing the frequency of
days oftraining But observation has proved,
that military pride is repressed by neglect
Of military parade. The spirit of the soldier
is animated by organization and display, by
notes of martial music, and the noise Of arms,
and these are the necessary means of forming
him to efficiency of character and of action.
10 deny such inferenCes, would be to reprove
The experience of the past, and the arrange
ments of present time. That the number of
trainings now required by law, is not the &C.
casion of general discomfort, results from the
remark, almost universally true, that they
are voluntarily exceeded by the best and most
spirited companies of the Commonwealth
The evil is believed rather to exist, in the
want OF relief from the expenses of equip
ment, and in the invidious exemption of those,
able from property, to contribute of their
money, if not in their persons, to the public
service. Higher forfeitures for neglect OF
military appearance, an enhanced sum as an
equivalent for conditional exemption, and
fewer absolute exempts, with more cttectual
provisions for responsibility in the appropria-
ton the money, accruing from these sour
Ccs, to the benefit of those who actually
serve, would go far to remove the causes OF
complaint. Whatever may be judiciously
effected, doubt not the wisdom of the l.egis-
latnre viii devise. The militia may be we'll
regarded as "the right arm Of the nation.'
Whenever it shall become paralyzed by the
neglect Of public indifference, and the hour uf
peril shall arrive, recourse must be had to that
bane of republics, a large standing army, and,
when too late, liberty may have cause to
lament the want of her chosen defenders.
The foundation Of good Government, aud
of all our political and civil enjoyments is in
the intelligence Of the people. Our venerable
ancestors solemnly declared in the charter of
their Rights, that wisdom and learning, as
we'll as virtue, difFused generally among the
people, were necessary to the preservation of
their rights and liberties" and these practi-
cally wise men were devotedly regardful of
the means by which these great objects were
to be promoted. They early planted church
es and schools Of literature, and nourished
and sustained them with holy purpose of
mind, and liberal bestowment of worldly
substance. The rich inheritance of these
Institutions they left to their descendants,
and this generation stands charged with the
possession, in trust, for future ages. Patriot
ism andoflicial duty devolve upon us, of the
present day, the high obligation, with the
growth and increasing prosperity of the coun-
try, ofimproving and extending these public
provisions for the education of children and
youth. Let seminaries Of learning receive
INC ia'of duu patronage vi the government,
and opportunities for instruction in all useful
knowledge, be sedulously improved by the
people. Let the schools of the Prophets, and
the ministering servants at the altar be res
pected and supported. Let sobriety, honesty,
and every moral, social and manly virtue, he
inculcated and cherished. So shall civil and
religious liberty be perpetuated by the vir-
tues of the people, and the generations which
succeed to us be worthy of the blessings
which they are destined to enjoy.
In whatever concerns our official relations
to each other, and TO our constituents, trust,
gentlemen, for your confidence in the assur-
ance that shall cheerfully cooperate with
you, in fulfilling the great purposes of our APP
pointment, by the adoption of measures for
promoting the welfare Of the State, and the
prosperity Of our common country.
.,.- LEVI LINCOLN.
FRIDAY, JUNE 3.
message was received from his Excellen-
cy the Governor, upon the subject of certain
amendments to the Constitution of the United
States, also relative to survey ofths Connec-
1.-..t Al