Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Mass.) 1828-1830, 1830-01-12

n
though every degree Of publicity has been
gwen to this munificent act, accompanied
with solicitation to the friends of per-
sons who were within the intention of the
bounty, to prese mt them for admission to
It's benefits, yet but nine applications have
oeen preferred during the year. The
number being so unexpectedly small, upon
Tue recommendation of the Faculty of the
institution, twenty-three of the class whose
term was about to expire, and who were
most distinguished for talents and prof.
cheney IN requirements, were permitted
to remain another year. The whole mum.
Der now at the Asylum, on the charge of
the State, torty5foe, less by eleren than
might be supported under the appropria-
ton. There is good reason, from many
circumstances, to believe that when these
shall have completed their course of pu-
plllage, the whole Deaf and Dumb of the
Commonwealth, of suitable age and ca
pacIty to be taught, will be educated.
The average number of new pupils annu-
ally, will not probably exceed from five
to seven. Massachusetts may well boast
that she provides means OF instruction for
all her children.
have felt it duty, on repeated occa-
slons, heretofore, and it is not the least
ImPeratIvely required of me at the pres
ent time, TO invite, with edrnestness, the
attention Of the Legislature to the situa-
ton OF the claim of Massachusetts upon
the General Government for militia servi-
ces during the last war. Whether the
magnitude of the debt, now amounting,
with interest," to more than million and
haJ OF dollars, of the character of the
State, involved in the objections which
have been made to its payment, be re-
garded, 1t is equally important, that no
subject should be speedily and finally dis
posed OF. Nearly fifteen years have now
elapsed since this demand was first exhib-
tied to the executive of the nation, while
we have been constantly seeking, and
with an acquiescence and submission
scarcely consistent with the maintenance
OF our rights, patiently waiting the justice
OF its allowance. The sudden and extra
ordinary reference of it to the disposition
OF Congress, left nothing subsequently to
be accomplished with the Executive Gov
eminent. 1t has since been made mat
ter of occasional attention in the House
OF Representatives, but, except in re-
port from the Secretary of War, by which
classification, of the services is exhibit
ed, and the evidence of the different
charges in the account arranged accord
ing to Its application in their support, no
apparent advance has been made towards
final adjustment. The case, in all its
circumstances, remain precisely where il
was left by the Secretary's Report, during
the first session of the last Congress, and
where, it may well be feared, it will long
continue 10 be, unless a more audible
tone shall be raised to demand its decis-
ion. When the character Of this claim
shall come to be understood, there will
not fail to be an universal sentiment oil
surprise at the injustice of the delay which
has been suffered. While it will then
appear, that all the services of the militia
were in the common defence, portion Of
them will be presented with distinguished
claims to the nations gratitude. Even
the protection afforded to the Navy Yard
in our harbour, and the flag ofthe union
floating from the armed ships which were
moored there, and this at the special in.
stance of an officer of the United States
is among the unrequilted items of the
service. Of the same character was the
defence of the seaboard, and of harbours
along the coast, and of the mouths of riv.
ers, by the faithful citizens of Massachu.
sets, and their patriotick brethren Of
Maine. There is indeed much reason to
complain of the treatment which the sub.
ject has experienced Our delegates in
Congress have not ceased to urge to its
investigation. They have pressed for a
discussion upon the merits, knowing
that prejudice must yield to correct infor.
nation, and that it was only necessary
that facts and explanations should be lis
tened to, to disarm opposition. Their
efforts have been hitherto unavailing, and
it seems time to inquire, if direct ap.
peal from the State, in its sovereignty
may not be made more effectual to the
vindication of its interests and honour.
This measure was recommended to the
Legislature last year. The reason then
offered for its adoption, with the addition
al one of the subsequent delay, together
with the consideration, that limited ses.
sion Of Congress will not exclude ample
opportunity, at this time, for inquiry and
debate again induce me respectfully to re.
spect the recommendation. The printed
documents, and MS copies of correspond
ence, and whatever other papers refer to
the subject, or may explain the proceed
ings which have at any time, been had in
its management, are upon the flies of each
branch Of the Legislature, leaving nothing
further, with the Executive, to be conf
municated.
1t gives me unfeigned pleasure to refer