Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1837-12-18
BY THE GOVERNOR.

that disturbances have broken out in
the ncighboring Province Of LOWER
CANADA, which have resulted in
bloodshed. The head OF the Pro-
vincial Government has issued his
proclamation declaring martial law
in the district Of Montreal.
This state of things necessarily
changes the relations which have
heretofore existed between the in
habitants Of this State and that Prov
ince, and the possibility that any,
through the influence Of ardent feel
ings, may be betrayed into acts of un-
authorized interference, induces me
to call the attention of my fellow
citizens to the subject.
With the kingdom Of Great Brit
ain we are in a state Of profound
peace. We have treaties with that
government which it is our duty, and
trust our desire, to fulfil to the let
| ter.
1t is obvious that as n nation we
have no right to intcrmeddle with the
constitution Of any neighboring pow
er. While as republicans we prefer
that form Of government under which
it is our happiness to live, a decent
regard for the opinion Of others, will
prevent all dictation as to the form
Of their government.
Principles which have been admit
ted for ages, forbid all national inter-
ference unless in the character Of al
lies, and it is scarcely necessary to
add that individuals should not do
that which the government cannot
must not do.
It has been represented to me that
in some few instances arms have
been furnished, and hostile forces or
gained within this state. No one
can be ignorant Of the consequences
of such a state Of things if allowed.
Such forces may be repealed, and
our territory be made the theatre Of
active warfare. This is not to be
tolerated for moment, and every
good citizen will appreciate the i'm
portancc of rebuking all such acts
as may tend to produce it.
That comfy which binds nations
! to each other condemns all interior
ence in their intestine broils. and the
laws of Congress are explicit in their
denunciation. sub ecting those who
improperly interfere TO heavy penal
ties and IMPRISONMENT.
Under these circumstances and
with these feelings, I have thought it
my duty to issue THIS MY PRocLA-
TON, cautioning my fellow citizens
against all acts, that may subject
them TO penalties, or in any way COM
promit the government
Our first duty is to our own gov.
eminent; and the greatest benefit
we can confer on the world is by
giving them perfect example in the
action Of that government. With
other nations our conduct should be
regulated by the principles Of an en-
larged and enlightened philanthropy.
In war we may treat them as enc
mics; but in neace they are to be re-
garded as friends. In the present
posture Of affairs our duty is mani
fest-that Of strict nutralitv-nei-
Their lending such aid to either as
would he inconsistent with that char
ac'or, nor denying the rights Of hos
pitality to either, so long az they are
within our borders, and maintain the
character Of quiet and peaceable cit
liens.
Nv fellow citizens will appreciate
the feelings by which | am actuatcd.
The nations honour cannot be con-
fded to better hands than their own.
Their zeal in the cause Of liberty
was never doubted. 1t is only ne
cessary to caution them against such
interference with the rights Of 9th
ers as might jeopardizc the peace of
our country.
Given under my hand this 18th
dav Of December, A. D. 1887,
and of the Indenendence Of the
United States the sixtv-second.
S. Fl. JENISON.
BY the Governor,
c.. b. MANsER, Secretary.