Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1836-12-06
49ottGmon IS 8Staa sSs5oprbor,
50 A YEAR....s1,5 so IN ADVANCE.
Legislature of Vermont.
Reported for The IVatcLman and Journal.
Surplus reUeRue---IN SENATE, Nov. ID.
DEBATE

surplus TCCtHWC--lN CENATE, NOV. Ia
DEBATE
On the proposed amendment to the reven-
tie bill, reported by the committee on
finance. Concluded.
Mr.. WATSON said he did not rise to
enet into a full investigation, or protrac-
ted discussion of the subucl; but the re-
port of the committee Of finance proposed
course to be taken ia the disposal Of the
peoples money, so utterly at variance with
sound policy and the dictates Of common
sense, he could not permit the question to
be taken without making few brief re-
marks. IN his estimation, the report was
a tissue OF sophistry and false reasoning.-
Il proposed to place the money of the peo-
pie in banks, instead Of placing il in the
hands OF the people themselves. He had
TOO great respect for the talents of the
gentlemen comprising the committee, 10
attribute to them the paternity Of tue re-
port he would sooner regard it as em1n-
a!ing from some pedant OF the schools,
than from the mature and well balanced
mind Of sta lesman. 1t was so utterly at
variance with the sentiments and opinions
Of the people, he would rather place il I'M
der foot than give it the sanction OF his
vote.
Mr.. CONVERSE. Mr.. Presidential
is said by gentlemen that this is an impor-
lant question. believe il, sir. 1t is also
said that we should regard the voice of
our constituents in acting upon this matter
This also believe. And trust. sir, no
one bows with more Difference to the will
of the people, deliberately expressed, than
myself. | know too well, the intelligence,
the sagacity, and The wisdom, in matters
OF this kind, of the community among
which reside, and which have the hon
CT in part TO represent, 10 disregard their |
voice, when deliberately uttered know
too well, sir, my own weakness and lallibil- |
ity, TO set up my own will in defiance OF
their wishes and opinions. Yes, sir, no
one regards with more vcncraton, the will
OF their constituents, than myself. And,
sir, give me opportunity 10 consult them,
and whatever they direct in this matter, |
will most implicitly obey. Then, sir, | beg
OF this Senate To give me opportunity to
consult my constituents. But pass law
10 receive the money from the United
States, and provide for its safe keeping ill
the session Of the next legslauresRs pro-
posed by this Amendment, or in some other
similar way, and let us go home 10 our con-
slluents, aud whoever may have the hon
or Of representing them upon this floor in
The next general assembly may he nsruc-
led by the people, and will be bound, sir,
they will most cheerIulIy and heartily res
pond to their wishes. II the people direct
the distribution among the towns agrreably
10 the provisions ul the Giginal blIl,-be-
ieve me, sir, such direction would he most
implicitly obeyed. But, sir / have rece-
we'd no such instruction.. So far as heard
an opinion expressed on the subject among
NY CONSTITUENCIES IL WAS III luNUT VI IeCGlN-
ing what might fall to this state in the d.
vision OF the surplus revenue, and prov-
ding Tor its safe keeping, with what inter-
esi could be realized from it till the next
Session OF the general assembly, when such
disposition could be made OF it as the peo-
pie might then direct. This amendment,
sir, contains proVision in accordance with
these views. And for one, sir, am oppo-
sed 10 making any final disposition Of the
money the presen; session. But here per-
nit me TO remark, am not particularly
in favor OF banks being selected as the de-
positories of this money, should we get any !;
although, by the amendment, they are re-
CURED to give satisfactory security for the
same. Should any Seualor propose any
other safe and proper receptacle for the
money, !, sir, would 60 for such PROPOSE
ton. have no sucI Partially for banks
as would induce me ~ jeopardize one cent
Of this money by putting jtunder their con-
troll nor would | take any acsnre to
pamper their pride or further their inter-
est al the expense OF one single individual
Gn earth.
But, sir, it is said by gentlemen who OPP
pose this amendment, that this is the peo-
pies money-admii il and lei me ask, sir,
by adopting this amendment, whose money
is it 10 be win it not still be the peo-
IAln,e wv. IL