Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1838-01-12

MESSAGE OF GOVERNOR HEAD.


ry Of Dec. 2sth contains the Message Of Gov
ernor F. b. Head 10 the Legislative Council
and House OF Assembly Of Upper Canada.
After giving history Of the instruction in
Gore district headed by Mckenzie, and in
the London distrc, headed by DIR Duncolnbe,
His Excellency proceeds =
"The triumph has been that Of reason over
force--of good laws over anarchy-of brave
ry, fidelity and generosity on The part OF the
Militia, over murder, arson and robbery, by
the rebels.
Tranquility had returned to the landau
gry passions had subsided-the political at
mosphere Of the Province was becoming
healthy after the storm which had passed
over il, when, regret to inform you, the
peace of the Province was suddenly invaded
from quarter from which Her Majesty's
subjects in this Province had certainly never
calculated upon receiving an attack.
need not on this continent declare that
the Americans are people with whom the
British Empire for many years has assldu-
ously cultivated the most friendly connection
Our Government has looked upon them as
allies; our people have intimately connect
ed themselves with their commerce; our
capital has irrigated their land; unlim-
tied credit has been fraternally extended to
them, with that unsuspeciing confidence
which 10 the civilized world is reposed in
men Of character and truth we have rejoic-
ed in their success, and we have done all
that generous Nation could do TO save them
from the expense and misery Of war II is
true, we were once opponent; but the hatch
et Of war has long been buried, and | must
own had hoped that the spirits Of our mu-
tual ancestors were sacredly guarding its
tombii
Such are the feelings OF the British people
towards the Americans; and yet | regret TO
inform you that in moment OF profound
peace and Of professed friendship, a consid-
cradle number of Americans, regardless Of
crimes committed, us well as Of the degraded
character Of the man. have sympathized
with the principal febe who has lately abb
seconded as a criminal from our land | re.
greet 10 inform you, that American citizens Of
influence and great wealth have come for
ward to coerce the brave and independent
people OF Upper Canada, to change laws and
institutions which they have lately. by open
ard almost universal suffrage. publicly de-
clared that they prefer,
The American press has, to my astonish-
ment. in many instances advocated this flag
rant act Of injustice; and such has been the
popular excitement. that not only has body
Of Americans. headed by American leaders,
within few days, taken possession Of Navy
Island, (which belongs to the British EN-.
pire.) but proclamation has just been issu-
ed from this spot. declaring that the standard
OF liberty is planted in Canada-that Pro-
vincial Government is established there
that reward OF FIVE hundred pounds is OF.
fered for my apprehension--tha three hun
bred acres Of her Majesty's lands will be
freely bestowed by this Provincial Govern
ment upon any volunteer who shall person
ally assist in invading our freedom and il
is added, that ten millions Of these lands,
fair and fertile. will speedily be at their dis.
posal, with the other vast resources of
country more extensive and rich in natural
treasures than the United Kingdom. or old
= France
am informed that Americans from var-
Gus quarters are Fastening from the interior
to join this standard OF avowed plumber and
revolt-that cannon and arms are publicly
proceeding there and under these crcum-
stances, il becomes my painful duty TO inform
you, that without having offered to the Unit
ed States the smallest without
having entertained the slightest previous
doubt OF the sincerity of American alliance,
the inhabitants OF this province may in few
days be called upon by me 10 defend their
lives, their properties. and their liberties,
from an attack by American citizens. which,
with no desire to offend, must pronounce
to be unparalleled in the history of the world.
Upon the courage and resolution of the
Canadian people, place the 6rmest .rcli.
ance and if this unwarrantable invasion
should proceed, know | shall not in vain
require every British subject coolly to per.
form that duty TO his country which his own
pride, spirit, and feelings, will spontaneous
ly suggest
The interference Of foreigners in the do.
mestc policy OF free country, is an ag.
gresson which no nation of character can
ever submit TO endure. Especially where
band of people. violating their own laws, as
well as the sacred obligations of national
amity, intrude themselves upon peaceable |
lawessly to advocate by force Of
arms the practical blessings and advantagesl
of republican institutions, which, by their |
own showing, have at least ended with them
in anarchy and plunder) and as every coun-
try is natural fortress 10 its inhabitants-as |
every village is strong military position
and as every bridge and ravine can be ad- |
vontageously defended-I must own that
deeply as should lament conflict Of this
nature. | entertain no feeling Of anxiety for