Litchfield enquirer., 1847-05-13
GOVERNORS S P E F. c H
.Mr, President and GentIesnem ot the Sen"fc' .1Ir. Speaker, I''d Gentlemen G me
 Ho,sse of RepreSentatiUeS-


 The Constitution under which we are assembled, makes it the duty ot the Ch'e' Executive Magistrate, to give to the "enS: al Assembly informatioA of the state ot 'ne Government, and to recommend 70 'neir consideration such measures as ne shaII deem expedient.
 These highly responsible duties have been devolved upon me. enter upon them ~ith diN;dence in my own abilities to discharge them acceptably, and at the same time uh> der a grateful sense of obligation to my fe,low-citizens, for this distinguished proof of their confidence and regard. May all our duties be so met, aud so discharged, aS in advance the best interests oi our beloved State. That such may be the result ot our deliberations, it becomes us to look for gut dance and direction to that Almighty Being, who controls all events by the ceunSels ot lis infinite wisdom, and in whose hand are inc des,inies of all the nations of the earth
 To Him, too, should we render our devout acknowl Judgements for the preservation ol our free institutions, for the civil ana reiig> ious blessings we enjoy, and for the con''h- ued prosperity which has attended us as a people.
 Although this. as one of the States ot the Union. has deep interest in the measures of the Federal Government, and has the un- doubted right to express its opinion upon those measures, yet our more immediate concern is with those subjects that at1ec. our we'll being as a State, and in regard to which alone, we are called to lesislate.
 These are neither numerous or embarrass. ine. The great interests of theState are no: conflicting interests. The laws ofproper,y are well defined and understood-our jules are simple, and rest on foundations almost as permanen, as the soil itself. We have not a body of disaffected tenantry, either to soothe. or to punish. The occupiers are generally the owners of the Soil,-and laooT in every department is sure ot liberal re- muneration.
 The legislation of the State has hitherto been adapted to the exigencies and wants of the community, as they have been unfold ed by events. It has been Gas legislation should ever bel practical rather than theo> retical-intended to remedy mischiefs which were felt and acknowledged, rather lhah to guard against evils which were mercy speculative. Hence il is, that our legisla- tive enactmenls are comparatively lew. The public laws of the State, extending through period of more than two cen'u- ries, are mostly embraced in single volume Of moderate dimensions.
 The Statutes require revision-and uh- derstand, that at the last session, a resoln' ton passed both branches of the Legislature, ap,ointing a Committee for that purpose Tine resolution was, unfortunately, either lost or nislai1, and did not receive the sanc> ,ion of the Governor. l recommend the annointment of a Committee for that pur- pose.
 Al the last Session of the General Assem- blv, resolutions were passed by the House of Representatives, proposing sundry ameho> ments to the Constitution of the Slale'- These resolutions, in conformity, to the provisions of the Constit ution, have been published with tue laws of the session, ana V ill, of course, demand your consideration.
 The first amendment proposed, merely changes the time for holding the meeting Of the election, and sessions of the HeheraI Assembly. This involves no priNci pie or importance, and may be regarded, perhaps as a mere matter of convenience.
 The second proposed amendment IS vlr'u- ally an extension of the right of suffrage, so as to embrace all citizens having the pre- scribed qualifications, without regard to color.
 The third, provides for the election ot Justices of the Peace. by the electors m their respective towns. And the fourth, TOT the election of Judges of Probate, in the several Probate Districts.
 It is we'll known that these ofhcers are now appointed annually by the Legislature. The question before you will be, whether these proposed amendments shall te subs mitted to the people, in their primary as- semblies.
 As our Constitution of Government ema> mated from and was adorted by the people, with the provisions, as we'll as the opera> ,ion of which, they have become familiar, and the evils of which, (if any there are bear directly upon them, it may be supposed that the question regarding amendments 5 one peculiarly within their province ana one which may safely be entrusted to tneir decision, aud that such is the theory oi 'he itself.
 It is true that the Constitution makes 'ne people the ultimate judges on the sun)ec!, and no amendm dment can be engrallea upon " without their sanction.
 Al the same time, II was OeVio""J '"e intent of it's farmers to guard the instrument against rash and husty innovations. And hence it is provided, that no amendment sball ever :e submitted to the psople, unless ,he same nall be approved by vote oi .wo-.hirls vf each House oi the Leglsla- iure.
 And al.h Sgh mean to express no opin- ;oa upon !le character of these amendments may be permitted 10 remark, that Cons stitution of Government, settled upon greai Aelibela,ion, which has been iA operation sor years, ,he provisions of which have come 10 be well understood by the people, and 10 which their views and habits have become, in some measure, con onformsd-Ought not ,o he disturbed for slight or insufficient eau sss.
 There is, perhaps, at the present time 'oc much of disposition to subver' established systems of Government, and rejecting thu light of experience, to adventure upon new and uu,ried theories. Coming as you do directly from the people, you can best deter mipe whether the proposed amendments ar called for, and whether the question oi 'he' adoption Of rejection should be submitted