The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1830-01-13


olence and sympathy and the rights of human
ity would be reasonably satisfied. The general
state Of embarrassment which now exists, and
the increased number OF unfortunate men who
are suffering from the most unlocked for occa-
sions Of calamity, urge with redoubled influence,
at the present time, TO the proposed, or some
better, modification Of the statutes.
The liberaity Of the appropriation made by
the Government for the education OF the Deaf
and Dumb, and the discretionary authority
vested in the Executive over its appl icaton.
render it proper, that the Legislature should
be advised, from time to time, of the measures
which are pursued in administering this inter-
estering charity. For this purpose, n state
Dent has been prepared by the Secretary of
State, at my request, which, in connection
with the published Reports, will exhibit TO
you, in detail, its cheering results. BY the Re-
solves Of the 9TH of February last the former
provisions fer instruction in the Asylum at
Hartford, were renewed and extended, and the
appropriation was increased to the sum Of So
500 annually. Although every degree of pub
licity has been given to this munificent act,
accompanied with solicitation TO the friends Of
persons, who are within the intention Of the
bounty, TO present them for admission to its
benefits, yet. but nine applications have been
preferred, during the year. The number
being so unexpectedly small, upon the recon-
mendation Of the Faculty Of the Institution,
twenty-three Of the class, whose term was
about to expire, and who most distin-
guished for talents and proficiency in acquire
ments, were permitted to remain another year
The whole number now at the Asylum, on the
charge of the State, is forty fire, less, by eleren,
than might be supported under the appropra-
ton. There is good reason, from many cir.
cumstances, TO believe, that when these shall
have completed their course Of pupilage, the
whole Deaf and Dumb of the Common
wealth, of suitable age and capacity to be
taught, will be educated. The average num-
Der Of new pupils, annually, will not probably
exceed from five to seven. Massachusetts may
we'll boast, that she provides means olinstruc-
ton for all her children.
| have felt it duty, on repeated occasions,
heretofore, and it is not the less imoerativelv
| required Of me, at the presen: time, to invite
with earnestness, the attention Of the Lesisla.
ture to the situation of the clam Of Massachu.
! sets upon the general government, for militia
services during the last war. Whether the
magnitude of the debt, now amounting, with
interest, TO more than million and half Of
dollars, or the character OF the State, involved
i'll the objections which have been made TO its
payment. be regarded, it is equally import a mt
that the subject should be speedily and finally
disposed OF. Nearly fifteen years have now
elapsed, Since this demand was first exh ibited
TO the Executive Of the Nation, while we
have been constantly seeking, and with an &C.
quiescence and submission scarcely consistent
with the maintenance of our rights, patiently
| waiting the justice of its allowance. The sud-
den and extraordinary reference of it TO the dis
position OF Congress, left nothing subsequent
ly to be accomplished it'll the Executive
Government. 1t has since been made a mat
ter OF occasional attention in the House of Rep
resentatives, but except in Report from the
Secretary Of War, by which classification of
the services is exhibited, and the evidence to
the different charges in the account arranged
according to its application in their support.
no advance has been made towards a final ad-
justment. The case in all its circumstances,
remains precisely where it was left by the
Secretary Report, during the first session of
the last Congress, and where it may we'll be
feared, it will long continue to be, unless a
more audible tone shall be raised to demand
its decision. When the character of this claim
shall come TO be understood, there will not
fail to bs an universal sentiment of surprize at
the injustice of the delay, which has been suf-
Tered. While it will then appear, that all the
services Of the militia were in the common de-
fence, portion ofthem will be presented, with
distinguished claims to the nations gratitude
Even the protection afforded to the navy yard
in our harbor, and to the flag OF the union
floating from the armed ships, which were
moored there, andn this at the special in
stance Of an officer of the United States,
is among the unrequited items of the service.
| Ofthe same character was the defence of the
! seaboard, and of the harbors along the coast.
and of the mouths of rivers, by the faithful
citizens Of Massachusetts,, and their patriotic
brethren Of Maine. There lie, indeed, much
reason to complain oftreatment which the sub
ject has experienced. Our delegates in Con-
sress have not ceased to urge to its investiga.
ton. They have pressed for a discussion up
on the merits, knowing that prejudice must
yield 10 correct information, and that it was
only necessary that facts and explanations
should be listened to, to disarm opposition
Their efforts have been hitherto unavailing.
and it seems time to inquire, ifa direct appeal
from the State, in its sovereignty, may not be
made more effectual TO the vndication Of IFS
interest and honor. This measure was recon-
mended to the Legislature Of the last year
The reason then offered for its adoption, with
the additional one Of the subsequent delay. To-
gether with the consideration, that limited
session OF Congress will not exclude ample on
portunity, at this time, for inquiry and debate,
again induce me respectfully TO repeat the rec.
ommendation. The printed documents, and
manuscript copies of correspondence, and
whatever other papers refer to the subject, or
may explain the proceeding which have, al
any time, been had inits management, are up
on the files Of each branch of the Legislature
leaving nothing further, with the Executive,
to be comm unicsted.
1t gives me unfeisned pleasure to refer to
the late able exposition Of our public concerns
by the President Of the United States. 1t ex.
hibits the proud eminence TO which our CO un
try has advanced in the rank of nations. We
take deep interest, too, in the avowal Of the
principles Of political action, which shall d.
RECT the administration Of our national affairs
The powers which have been conceded TO the
general government, though greatly restricted
may yet be so exercised, as TO affect, with no
uncomfortable influence, the dome site relations
OF the several States, even il they produce no
conflict of iuriadi1fi0,