The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1831-01-12
GOVERNORS TEEssAGH.
Gentlemer of the Senate,
and the HoAse Of Representation

GenHease7t OF the Senate,
and the House Of Representations
Having availed myself of your indulgence, at the
commencement of the political year, to offer my
sentiments upon the general subjects of concern in
the administration of the Government of the State,
and respectfully invited your attention to such
prominent objects of regard, my official situation
required me, at that time, more particularly to
tce, it will be the most appropriate discharge of
duty, that should confne the present Address to
a communication of subsequent measures of Execu-
tive action, and to such topics as have since occur
red to demand Legislative consideration. In do
ing this, however, so much of reference to what
was before proposed may be proper, as shall con-
meet the unfinished business of the last, with the
remaining duties of the present Session.
1t may Justly be promised, that this meeting of
the Government is one of unusual expectation and
interest. Matters of more than ordinary import,
and of lasting results, have been specially assigned
for discussion. Let it be cause for mutual con-
graduation, and for deep and devout acknowledge
ment that the times most favorable to their sat-
slactory disposition. We have come together in a
of great prosperity, under circumstances of
concord and much apparent harmony of sentiment
among constituents, and with opportunity for
the exercise of unbiased and dispassionate judg-
ments upon the leading measures which the public
good requires. The embarrassment and depression
Of business and the encouragement to industry and
enterprise, which marked the opening of the last
year, WERE in its progress, in great degree, over
e.
new period bearing the full promise OF the continu-
of present blessings, and giving animating in
ducements to improvement, and an extension Of
the means of higher and better attainments.
The proposed amendments to the Constitution,
which respect the season for the annual organza-
ton of the Government and the ratio of representa-
ton in the popular Branch the mode to be pre-
scrbed for taking the valuation of the rateabe prop
erty within the Commonwealth, affecting the pro-
portionate contributions to the public taxes and by
a rule of the Constitution, corresponding appor-
tionment of the Delegation to the Senate and the
question of renewal to the numerous Banking Cor
poratons, of their legal capacities, connected as
the operations of these Institutions with all the
business concerns of the Community, are subjects
of reference from former Session, which have
claims to the highest consideration. There is
| enough, in either of them, in whatever manner 1t
shall be disposed Of, to stamp with memorable I'M
preston the deliberations of the present Legsla-
| ture 1t will be happy indeed, if in their delay
hitherto, that knowledge of public sentiment upon
! these measures of direct popular bearing has now
been obtained which will secure to your decisions
upon them the sanction of an ultimate approval by
the People.
| In revising a fundamental Law Of the Govern
ment, it is always to be expected that reverence
for accustomed forms, and spirit of acquiescence
| in long established arrangements, will withstand
any attempt at alteration. These are conservative
principles without the influence of which, change
would be wrought upon the slightest occasions.
But when great and enduring objects of anchors
ton and improvement to he effected, patriotism
and true political sagacty will dictate surrender
| Of respect for usages, however sanctioned by au-
thority or made familiar by time in subserviency tc
the advancement of the public welfare.
1t is undeniaby true, that the pending amend
ments to the Constitution will, If adopted, produce