The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1830-06-02
GOV. LNcoLN's SPEECH.
Gentlemen ofthe Senate, and
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives.

Gentlemen ofthe Senate, and
Gentlemen Of the House Of Representatives.
The most grateful return by public officer for
expressions Of political confidence is to be found in
the manifestation Of sincere and earnest devotion
to the appropriate duties of his station With deem
impressions ofubligation to this measure ofacknow-
edgment for the honor again conferred upon me,
by the SURFACES of my fellow citizens in faithful
obedience to their will with entire trust in your sup
port and cooperation, and with humble dependence
upon the blessing Of Heaven for the success of hon
est endeavors, now present myself before you as
the immediate representatives Of our common con-
stituents, solemnly to recognize my high RESPONSE
bilites, and to renew the pledge of fidelity and as
siduity of effort in the service Of the State.
1t is the distinguishing Characteristic of repub-
lican government, that and men are alike
within IFS control. They who have the power to
constitute the one, have the right, also, to direct
the other. constant reference to the people, as
the source of authority and of the elevation to of
fee Of those by whom it is exercised, cannot fail
TO prove efectual guard against intentional err
ror, while the frequency of elections will seasonal
bly, correct mistaken counses, and enforce the pop
ular will.
In addressing the legislature at the commence
ment ofthe political year, | am admonished by the
uniformity Of past experience that few subjects be-
yond the necessary measures of organization and
arrangement cam conveniently, at this season, re-
ceiye attention. Happily, there are none known
20 exist Of new impression, or of pressing urgency
for immediate disposition. The Legislature Of the
last year, occupying these places but few weeks
since, with patient and laborious investigation pas
sed upon many of the most interesting topics Of
public regard, and gave to them direction, which,
at this time, there is neither the ability nor the in
clination to revise. Others Of them must probably
await the more favorable opportunity for leisure
consideration. Yet, although little should now be
done in the work Of legislation, it can be neither
untimely inappropriate, to advert to the great
objects Of duty, and to contemplate the purposes
for which we have been delegated here.
The frame Of our government was the device OF
the wisdom and patriotism ofa former age A half
I century will, with this year, be completed. and
more than generation Of men have passed away,
since the declaration Of rights and the constitution
OF the state government were com united, as a sys-
TEN Of new and untried experiment, to the capaci.
ty and fithfulness of the people to administer and
to sustain. Their intelligence and their virtue have
yet proved equal 10 the trust, and the men Of this
generation may proudly show their charters unsul.
lied, their inheritance unimpared, their common
wealth, beyond anticipation, prosperous and great
Our ancestors by their achievements and acquisi-
lions, secured for their descendants rather than to
tbem own enjoyment, the institutions which we so
justly prize. The free schools were established