Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1838-10-19


the death OF fellow being. The moral in
huence upon society, of inhicting punish
men to deter from the commission OF crime,
does not so much depend upon its severity,
as upon its certainty.
This Is a subject upon which strong feel
ings and prejudices are known to exist, and
am induced TO present il for your consider
alton from the fact that where convictions
have recently been had in the state, a strong
expression Of public opinion has been put
forth TO arrest the arm Of the law, and has
seemed.io demand a communication or mitiga.
ton OF the punishment. IT, on examination
Of the subject, you should not come to the
conclusion that il is expedient to abolish cap
ital punishment entirely, yet il is respectful
ly submitted whether the demoralizing ef-
fec;s OF public executions would not, 10 some
extent. be avoided. by providing that all exc.
cutions should take place within the walls OF
the prison.
In former communications to the General
Assembly the importance OF a geological
survey oil the State has been urged upon
their consideration. The reports and opin-
ions Of committees upon the subject have
been. without exception. favorable to the en-
terprise. The report Of the committee. TO
whom the subject was referred at the last
session. together with several accompanying
communications. contaifing much useful IN
formation upon the subject, have been pub
lished in our journals. and very generally
circulated throughout the state. Ills known
to all, whose attention has been drawn TO the
subject that our mountains and soil Indicate
an abundance Of mineral wealth, which a
systematic and thorough examination can
scarcely fail to unfold A careful analyst
of the great variety Of soils. spread over the
surface of onr state, must also result IN the
discovery OF many substances Of highly
feuilizing quality, inevitably adding TO the
prosperity OF agriculture, the great and lead
ing interest Of our state. With few excep-
iions, our sister states have undertaken ex-
nninations of this character with III. most
favorable results. Ii is our true policy 10
adopt such measures as will foster the in
dusiry Of our citizens. encourage the com
meucement OF new branches of profitable
employment. by developing the natural, min-
eral and agricultural resources OF the coun-
try and thus, placing within the reach Of the
young aud ardent a reasonable prospect oil
competence aud wealih-check the tide Of
emigration which is constantly draining us
Of a very desirable as well as enierprising
portion Of our population.
Our State House is understood to be fully
completed and furnished in accordance with
the original plan. For solidity, strength,
symmetry. style aud adaptation 10 the pur-
poses for which it was ned, il is believed
not TO be surpassed by any structure OF the
kind in the Union. The building itself is
the best commentator OF the architect
The peculiar circumstances under which
the work was commenced and prosecuted,
against The expressed wishes oil strong mi
noriiy in the Legislature. together with the
fact that the expense Of the building has far
exceeded the estimates Of the locating com
miilee, have led 10 frequent enquiries into
tirr manner IN which II has been conducted
and the additional fac, that committees, ruis-
ed under those circumstances, have found
no cause OF censure. notwithstanding ih=ir
dissatisfaction with the location and expen-
sive style ofthe building, is the bes, guarau-
tee ofthe capacity. integrity and faiihiulncss
OF those under whose superin,endence the
work has been prosecuted. The appiopri-
atIons for this object have amounted 10 Sl33..
500. including $4,000 paid by The inhabil.
ants Of Montpelier. Of which, am informed.
small balance remains unexpendcd. Mr..
Young has apprised me tina, he will attend
early in the SESSION for the final adjustment
of his accounts.
The disturbances which have recently ia.
ken place in the neighboring Provinces of
Canada have caused much excitement among
a portion of our cilizens Men OF the best
feelings and much moral worth participated
largely in their sympathies with those whom
they deemed oppressed. This state fittings
was 10 have been expected. Our institutions,
habits and education lead to that result. Tn.
der this excited state OF public feeling, many
who were entrusted with the discharge OF
official duties were unjuslly lraduced The
measures, which q sense Of duty impeled
the TO adopt. are known to my fellow CHI.
zens. Relying upon their intelligence and
candor, and conscious OF the purity OF my in
teniions, can hardly feel anxious for the
result.
In compliance with joint resolution of
the las, General Assembly. requesting me
TO appoint some person TO investigate the
facts, and ascertain whether this state has
claim upon the Government OF The United
States, Tor expenses incurred during the Rev
war, William Upham, ESQ. was
appointed, who, on accoun, OF i'll health, de.
clIned the appointment. The Hon. Asa Al
kens OF Windsor was subsequently, appoint
ed. whose report have reason 10 expect
during the present session of the Legisla-
ture.
In accordance with " an act for regulating
and governing the militia of this s,a,e.n / |
...s.a IL.