The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1837-10-17

Decn steadily engaged, so lar due regard TO the
wants and eXigencies of the community would per-
nit, in placing themselves in situation to resume
specie payments simultaneously with the banks in
adjoining states In this crisis great reliance has
been placed upon tho fOrbearance of our patriotic
ieow-citizens, and it is of peculiar graft
hcation to say, that thus far my expectations have
been fully realized.
The past season has been marked rs one not
only of peculiar disastrous character, it re-
lutes to the arrangement of tho currency, and the
effects of that arrangement upon all the great inter
esis oil the country, but it has presented the novel
spectacle Of people whose pursuits are mainly ag-
ricnlturnl, depending upon foreign nations not on
~ Tor the products of manufacture, and the me-
chanic arts, but for bread This state of things
ought not to be. The lesson will be duly approci-
ated by discerning people. 1t admonshos to
| economy in our public, and industry and frugaty
in our private affairs.
No community oaciusi0ely of an agricultural char
actor, can maintain that independence and high
standing, which essential to the enjoyment of
happiness. a dependence upon foreign nations
for the accessories of life, is dorogatory II Fl ice
and intelligent people; and withal has, III times of
national difficulties, Il demoraliZing tendency which
by the wise and provdent legislator will be fore
scon and guarded against. Considerat of this
character fully justify the policy heretofore pursued
by our national government in promoting and en-
couraging while in its infancy, the mechanical and
manufacturing skill of our country, and continue TO
demand its fostering Efficient protection and
encouragement it is true belong to the general gov
ernmont still frecmcn, us members of the great
our convictions on the subject
IT will be reCHl leced that revision of our mill
Tia laws earnestly urged upon tri1 consideration
Of the last legislature. Another years experience
must have served TO convince, if any thing were
wanting, all whose attention has been drawn the
subject, of their utter iciicencY to the OBJ
Ijects they were designed to accomplish. Although
| am gratified in being able to say that there are
some honorable exceptions; yet upon the whole, ii
believed, subordination and Discipline have been
upon the retrograde for several years past. Are
not our militia laws wrong in principles? If those
patriots and beneiactOrs who laid the foundations
for free institutions not mistaken when
they said GA well regulated militia is necessary to
the security OF free state, no good reason can be
urged why tho burthens and expenses Of the sys.
TEN should not reach every individual, by whom
the benefits OF the system enjoyed.
The exemption Of the polls of those Ienrolled in
the militia from portion Of the annual taxes, is
scarcely equivalent for keeping in their posses
and in repair, the arms and equipments rcquir
cd by law; consequently all the time spent IN OBJ
tanning that instruction ard organization necessary
to render the militia efficient, is un ust tax levi
cd upon those individuals who cannot, through IA
vortism some other means, obtain discharge
from enrolment. The effect Of this manifest njus-
ce in the operation OF our laws, has been greatly
to increase the number Of eXcmpts, and 10 render
those who could not obtain discharges, impatient
and dissatisfied under the restraints and burthens
to which they were subjected.
Another evil which is deemed subverslve OF dis
cipline and good order among our militia, is the
of the rules and regulations governing the and
the collection of fines for dclinquencies. Should all
questions OF this nature be erred to board COM
posed Of commissioned officers, detailed for that
service from eQch regiment brigade, to whom al!
dclInquences should be reported by the several
comInandants OF companies, II would secure an
uniformity in decisions, which is very desirable.
The law OF the last session authorship the exec
utive TO procure the mounting OF several pieces OF
ordnance, for distribution to newly organized
Panes of artillery, has not beon complied with 1t
was asceTainod that two companies, to whom can
non and apparatus distributed under the law
of 1897, had some time since been disbanded, and
consequently, the pieces and apparatus were liable
to so 10 decay, not being in tho care or custody OF
any person feeling interest in their preservation
Orders have been given to the companies recently
raised in Stow and Morristowm, to take possession
of those pieces.
Information has been received from the officer in
command at the United States Arsenal at Vergenues,
that the belonging this state, de posted there
arc in bad condition, and beginning 10 corr ode
That being the case, economy would dictate small
appropriation enable the Quarter Master General
to have them examined, cleaned, and put in good
state for preservation.
In compliance with resolution of the Senate,
passed at It's last session. requesting 10 rroclre
an estimate of tho probable expense of a goologicDI
and Typographical survey of the State have nd
dressed several scientific gentlemen upon tho sub
Jeot, the result OF which correspondence will be
tald before you at proper time.
Accident and the unaided enterprise of individu
ans, nave developed many sources of wealth, in the
mineral treasures of our mountains
From what has been already brought to light by
those means, are fully warranted In prosumng,
that If the aids of science should be brought to bea!
upon the subject, under tho patronage of the State,
and thorough examination were had, with n view
to its practical utility important discoveries would
be made, highly beneficial to tho State. A spirit of
scientific research would take the place pretended
knowledge in the art Of searching for valuable
mineral substances, and citizens saved from the
trut!ess expenditure Of much time and money.
Surveys of similar character have been prosecu.
ted in several of the neighboring States, and are
believed to have produced the satisfactory re-
suits.
This is an object intimately connected with the
prosperity and best interests of this State, and it is
recommended that measures be taken for its early
accomplishment If its consequences should be such
as are anticipated 1T could not fail of atIordng profta
BILE employment to many of our worthy citizens,
who would otherwise leave the soil of their BIRTH
to people the moro fertile regions of the West.
The advantages OF Typographical survey of the
state, may not, to superficial observer, be very
still the timo distant whom he