Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Mass.) 1828-1830, 1829-01-13

their limitation, on the Goth of February next.
Inc question of continuing the patronage of
the Government to those important interests.
through the agency Of the Agricultural Soc;-
e.aes, Will therefore at this time, require de-
clslon. Before the next Legislature, the
usual and convenient season for issuing pro-
posals OF premiums, for the current wear,
Will have passed, and without the aid of
Government, it may be feared that many of
the Societies will be unable to hold their
customary Exhibitions. To those who have
mad opportunities to witness the certain and
beneficial influence of the bounty which has
been distributed by these Institutions. it
would be matter of regret that it should
now cease. 1t has diffused spirit of inn
provement from the Treasury Office to the
remotest parts of the Commonwealth. No
Pupllck bestowment was ever more faithful
ly applied, and none will be found to have
made richer returns to the source from
which 1t was derived. As measure of pol
ltIcal economy, it has yielded annually, an
hundred fold its amount in the increase of
taxable capital. A comparative view of the
state OF Agriculture in Massachusetts. at
the time OF the passage of the original Act
ior Its encouragement, and the present, or
the relative valuation of Agricultural pro-
ducts to other property, then and now, viii
not fail to show the impulse which has been
given to the vital interest of the country.
The direct countenance of the Legislature
to the occupations of husbandry, has had
the effect to elevate the condition of the
practical Farmer. His interests have been
brought more distinctly into view. He has
found higher rewards in his employment.
and honour in the success of his labours.
Experience too, has shown, that improved
cultivation, rather than extent of territory.
will best sustain increased population, and
the promotion of domestick industry add
most to the strength, safety, and happiness
of the people.
Ii the Legislature shall Judge proper to
renew the appropriation, some modification.
in the manner of its distribution, is suggest
ed. Since the incorporation of the New
England Society for the promotion of Manu-
features and the Mechanick Arts, these
interests are brought more especially within
the notice of that Institution, and the en-
couragement which is intended for them.
can there be directed to a wider scope for
competition, and with better discrimination.
in the results of skill, and of useful inven-
ton. The metropolis, which is the place of
market for the productions of the manufac-
tory and the workshop, is the convenient
place, also, for their examination for premi-
UNI, and it has rarely been found that they
are exhibited, in variety or quantity, else
where. The proportion of bounty which
shall be due to Agriculture, and the House
hold, will continue to be distributed, by the
County Societies, with most satisfaction.
| The Constitution and the Laws impose
high and responsible duties upon certain Mu-
nicipal and Executive officers, in relation to
the returns of Elections. 1t has been noticed
with concern, that there is great remissness
in the discharge of theseobligations. The
returns from the Congressional Districts
have often heen incomplete and in the late
Presidential Election, by the omission Of
seasonable returns from numerous towns, the
votes of hundreds of citizens were lost, on
one of the most interesting and deeply ex-
citing questions of political moment. In
deed, the results of Elections are put at haz-
ard, by the neglects of those whose duty it
is made to transmit the returns. A greater
er offence, to the rights and privileges OF
Freemen, can hardly be committed. 1t may
defeat an election actually made by major
ity Of the votes of the people, and create the
occasion and trouble of another canvass j;
or it may determine choice, upon minor
\ ity of the votes which are cast, and give
offence to those, who are not the Representa-
tives of the will of their constituents. The
consequences are direct violation, in its
very worst form, of the security of the right
of suffrage. 1t is in vain that the ballot is
given, if it remains untold in the court
individuals may find redress for wrongful
rejection of their votes, even from honest
errour in the presiding officers at elections
but it is of little avail, if the returns Of
whole communities are lost, with scarce an
inquiry, and without apprehension. In re-
lation to the past, have nothing to propose,
but beg leave to submit to your considera-
ton, that it should be made the duty of the
Secretary of the Commonwealth, at the ses-
sion next after the return day of an election,
to report the names of the towns from which
returns are not received, or were unseason-
ably received, with note of the time and
manner of the reception, that every neglect
may be made known to the Legislature, and
In tnelr dlScrellOn, De referred 10 Lne prose-
cutting officers of the Government, for ami
madversion and correction by the courts Of
law.
For the great length of this communica-
ton, trust, an apology may be found in the
Importance of the topicks to which it re-
lates. Whatever subjects may occur during
the session to require it, will be faithfully
referred to your attention as they present
themselves, by Special Message.
Boston, January 7, 1895 Levi h'N0olN'
PRINCIPAL EVENTS OF THE YEAR 1928.
The battle of Navarin and the liberation OF
Greece by the French troops.
The invasion of Turkey by the Russians
and the unexpected Ygour and success of