Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-10-25


fathers. 1t was, indeed, benevolent and
fitting arrangement, in the order of Proyi-
denee, that the same severance from the
parent country which gave us independence,
gave us also, a great domain, capable of dis
pensing so widely the blessings of education,
aud Of rendering the nation model Of vir-
tue, intelligence, and good government of
the world.
] have dwell longer on the subject of edu-
cation than may, perhaps, be deemed APP
propriate for an executive message but its
very great importance must be my apology
II is, in my judgment, Of more importance
than any other subject that can possibly en-
gage the attention ofthe legislature.
A consideration Of the means of develop
ing the mind Of the State naturally suggests
the idea Of developing the riches Of its
minerals and its soils. My predecessors
have frequently recommended geological
survey OF the State, in which fully concur;
and invite TO the subject your special aiten-
ton. If we would develope mind, and APP
ply it to its great purposes, we study and
analyze it, that we may understand its ca
pacities and powers. Thus should we do
with the soil we inhabit. Here we are, in
its daily cultivation, drawing from il our
support; and shall we remain ignoran; of
its properties, its defects and the means of
supplying them, only as tardy experience
shall disclose them to us We want sci
eu,ifo, therough, universal examination OF
the various soils Of the state involving com
plete analysis and classification of the whole,
and such an exploration as shall reach, if
possible, all the fertlizing substances which
can be made available for the amelioration
Of our soils, aud the stimulating them to
their highest practicable power of produc-
ton. There are localities where the dis
covery of bed Of limestone would be more
valuable than mine of gold The same
may be said OF mari, gypsum, peat and
other substances, appropriate, either singly
or in combination, 20 supply deficient ele-
ments in unproductiye soils.
1t is hardly necessary TO speak of the
probable Development Of mineral resources,
Of which we have an earnest in our iron,
copperas, copper, manganese, and other
mineral treasures.
1t is needless to say that such results will
not be bro't out, except under examinations
effected by Legislative authority. and at pub.
lie expense. Such examinations have been
made by other States; and the results are
before the world. | mean the immediate
results; for the great practical results are
yet to come forth in mingled mass of ben.
eits, spreading themselves over the surface
of our country, while there is soil to yield
its fruits to the labors of man.
BY enquiries made two years ago,
learned, that, at that time, geological surveys
had been authorized in every State in the
Union, excepting Vermont, Alabama, Mis-
sissippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Illinois
The lone position Of Vermont in this CLASH
fcation, is somewhat striking. 1t is for you
10 say whether we shall remain in this po
sition any longer.
This subject derives great additional i'm
portance from consideration of the eini
grafton which has, at some periods, rapidly
and still does, to considerable extent, drain
the population of our State. lf we would
retain our people at home, let us show then
what Vermont is, and what it is capable o
becoming, as an agricultural State.
1.-THE people could fully perceive the i'm
portance of a geological survey, doubt not
they would esteem it privilege to be taxed
at once, TO an amount sufficient to complct,
the work. The whole expense of complet
ing, and publishing survey, would not
probably, involve burden exceeding three
cents upon each individual in the State
which might be spread over two or NOR,
years should it be deemed expedient.
This subject is invested with still fur
Their importance from the fact, that rail road
are approaching our State-at no dstan
day, we may hope, to pass through it
which will greatly enhance the value of GU
agricultural, as well as our mineral prodnc
tons. Let us prepare TO throw into thes
improved channels Of communication will
the great markets of the world, the produc
tons Of soil, quickened by the application
of agricultural science, to doubling Of il
present power, and cultivated with the aug
mented energy which these facilities canno
fail to excite.
In the exercise of that care which re
CARDS the interests of all, Sou may deem
inappropriate or unnecessary, to consider
whether additional legislation is not requir
ed for protection against the exactions o
unlawful interest. Our law relating to thi
subject declares, that interest shall be limit
ed to the rate of six per centum per annum
and provides for the recovering back, in al
action for money had and received or good
sold and delivered, of any amount paid q
bove that rate. 1t is worthy Of considera
ton whether the remedy ought not TO b.
extended, so as to authorize recovery o
the amount thus paid, by proceeding il
chancery.
The law has, in effect, declared the takin!
of interest above six per cent. TO be wrong
but it has provided no adequate remedy 70
it. The remedy, by the process provide,
in the statute, is practically no remedy q