The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1839-12-17

S. X Lyman, of Maine.
c. Paine, of Vermont.
On taking the Chair, Gov. BARBOUR made one
of the most eloquent addresses ever listened to-
we regret that our reporter can only present an
imperfect sketch of his remarks, merely touching
on the leading points
Gentlemen, said Gov b., / feel deeply obliged to
you for the distinguished mark of your considera-
ton, which you have kindly conferred upon me,
and in return offer you my assurance that will
to the utmost of my capacity, Justify your
confidence, by dscharging my duties with scrupu
ious fidelity, in which shall doubtless receive the
cooperation of each individual member of this
body.
The honor, gentlemen, you have conferred upon
me, is enhanced by the belief that it is much
| a mark of personal regard a testimonial Of re-
spect TO the ancient Common wealth that here
present and am persuaded that she will ac-
knowledge the distinction conferred upon hcr with
sensibility
Commissioned as we BY the people, a, time
never surpassed in Importance, to represent them
on subjects of the greatest interests, it is presumed
that every member will feel the responsibility of
his station, and be prepared to respond to those
measures best caicuialedto advance the object of
our mission.
| The American people have too long had 10 COM
plain of sbe mal-adninstration Of the General
Government. urge portion Of them are now
hlied with anxiety and alarm l would 10 God
that their fears and alarms idle, and without
foundation but in this solemn place, standing as
| do before Heaven and my country, 1 proclaim
that crisis is approaching that portend destruc-
]
IL is t" arrest this dire calamity that we are now
here assembled.
When look over this Convention, said Gov.
Barbour, at the :nen here assembled, many OF
whom deserve the dignifed appeaton Of the
conscrip fhhers of the rcpubilc-men who have
devoted their lives with dsIntereseG patriotism 10
The cause oil freedom and their country F.; when
see such men leaving their homes and their fire.
sides, and exposing themselves to all the ncem-
encies OF the season-trave cling may miles to come
here to aid with their counsel and the expert
of their Years--I II IN a
BILE testimony, that the awful solemnity octhe cris.
is 10 property appreciated. II is devoutly 10 be
hoped, that when such men lend the notion of
their presence, good Will result from our delibera
lions and even the malignity of faction dare not
asperse the purity of their motves W hon their gray
hairs testify that the places which now know them
will soon know them no more, &that they have hong
been past the aspirations after power and place,
| which distinguish the miserable 'seekcrs ofoffice"
| Such men stand no, here for themselves, but
trustees for coming generations-they have no in
terests but those of posterity. | cannot but be-
lieve that the great body of the American people,
no matter by What party names they may be de-
signated, will feel that voice coming from body
like this is entitled respectful attention. as it will
come from body whose position lifts il above sus-
pcion, and whose members only actuated by a
feeling that they hove country to love well as
| party to support.
Truly, we are in the midst of revolution. 1t
is no idle declaration The foundations of our re-
publican system are being slapped with fearful ra
pidiy. Those conservative walls erected by our
foreiahers to protect and restrain the differ ent
branches of the Government, have been already
| trampled down by the foot of power, and find
the Executive placing itself above the Legislative
and judicial branches, until the chief officer of the
nation has become the mere head of party, and
places are conferred rewards of party services,
which formerly were given rewards of merit.
The American people arc convinced that there
is no remedy Tor the evils under which they are
now suffering, BUT A CHANGE OF RULERS.
We must have other agents in the public service.
But all hopes oiiremedy groundless unless there
be union among the opponents of corruption and
usurpation-u unless there be harmony and concord
among all the elements of the opposition This is
the pivot which the hope Of the people turn
and TO us has been delegated the high duty OF eff
fecting this desirable object.
That in this country there should be many men
fit to fill the chief office, is matter of surprise
and in this convention, delegates have no doubt
warm preferences. This is all light and proper
Give the uttermost latitude to feeling; for to this
extent we may all with safety ego but if we 20
beyond this, mischief will result. We must be
prepared, each and the whole sacrifice all sec
tiona feelings all personal considerations for the
| good of our country. We should poorly fulfil the
OK pectatons of our constituents if we permitted