Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-06-14

New HAMrsHIRE LroIsLATuRE---G Coz. Ssele's
Manageable Legislature organized on Wednes-
day of last week. Hon. Timothy Hoskins Of West
moreland was chosen President Of the Senate, and
Harry Hibbard of Bath, Speaker of the House
The comparative strength Of the parties is seen by
the vote for Speaker;
Levi Chamberlain (whig) received G7 votes.
Harry Hibbard (Dem.) I57
Scattering, 6
The Governors Message is short. So much of
il as relates TO Railroad corporations give below.
Gov Steele intimates pretty plainly that no such
charters rs are desired can be granted without an
anne ndment of the Constitution and says he knows
Of no valid why corporations should enjoy
privileges and exemptions denied to partnerships
and individuals, that u.s. in other words he
reason why all the members Of corporation should
not be held liable TO pay all its debts.
The Manchester Memorial, wing paper, says Of
the Message We have not room time to
comment upon it this week Suffice il TO say, that
il is radical TO the core. The people in the north
ern part of this State may set their hearts at rest
about obtaining charter for Railroad so long as
John II. Steele is Governor"
"The subject Of internal improvements is one
which has always attracted more or less atten-
lion in this State, and railroads, as branch
OF the general subject, seem at this lime 10 be
regarded with more than common interest. II
they are Of so much importance as many seem
10 think, il unquestionably is the duty OF the
legislature TO favor their construction, under
such restrictions and limitations as the Consti-
tuition II the State and the security of individ-
us rights require. Il will not, suppose, be
contended that in any charters granted for such
tfssrE mn mr. fptl Qhn
be conferred than the CONSTITUTION clearly au-
ihorizes Tor there can be no sounder princi-
pie than that which forbids legislative bodies TO
proceed upon doubtful constitutional powers
the basis Of their action, and especially when
that action NAV violate the sacredness and Sc
curity Of individual rights. IL, therefore, more
is absolutely necessary 10 provide for their con-
struction, an appeal must be made 10 the peo-
pie. They, and they alone, are competent 10
alter or amend that instrument. We are bound
by il as il is, and are not at liberty TO put
forced construction upon any Of its provisions.
The conscientious legislator, who reads in the
Bill Of Rights that No part Of mans prop
erfy shall be taken from him, or applied 10
public uses, iriihout his Otrn consent, or that of
The representative body Oft people, will be
slow TO exercise n doubtful power or sanction
any bill which may contain an inlraction of
that provision.
" the Legislature IN Their wisdom should
see FIT 10 grant charters for railroads, il is for
them and not Tor me TO say what guards or
limitations should be pEvided. 1t is enough
for me to say that upon this as well as upon
all other questions when brought TO my official
consideration, shall iearlessly exercise a sound
discretion and an honest Judgment
Charters or acts of incorporation Of all kinds,
should be carefully drawn, rgidly scrulinized,
and sparingy granted. know of no VALID
reason why associated wealth in any form,
should enjoy by law, privileges or exemptions,
which are denied TO partnerships or to ndivid-
uals.