Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-10-21
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

Eo, Citizens of and House of Representatives.
yuE annual assembling of State Legislature presents
annopriate passing survey those prominent incl
dents pertaining welfare which have marked the
previous year upon survey present OCCASION
find ourselves surrounded with abundant for gratitude to
that Bencent Being from whom receive every good Inc
year has been characterized by cheering state OF activity and
prosperity in business operaons and although our rejoicing
in this respect should perhaps somewhat tempered by the
Election which forces itself upon that tins favorable condition is
small result of the desuon and distress which
prevailed lands yet such remembrance
impress upon deeply of obligation that
too have been suffering the want of bread So far from this
have been enjoying unsned supply OF the fruits OF the earth
during the year past and another rich harvest has been freshly
gathered Our people, too have been from any wide
spread desong Sickness civil order has been maintained
and distinguishing social and religious privileges unmpaired
have been yedng for our enjoyment their rich and countless
blessings
AS we enter upon the discharge of legislative duties let
only bear mind obligations those who have committed
their interests to our care also recognize responsibility
Higher Power Under the generally received and substantially
doctrine that laws but the expression of the public
mind and an index of public morals there danger
looking truth of great practical Importance that lies beyond
Laws themselves turn exert an influence in forming the char
of people The estimate which those who assumed to
be among the and vuous of the State implicitly place
upon certain by their legislation far TO mould the public
sentiment regard those And in view of the education
influence which the legislator in this exerts he should
regard his paramount and exclusive purpose register the
public will but he should also aim be guided in every
legislation by the elevated principles of sound christian morality
In attempting to comply with that provision Of the constitutions
which requires the Executive annually legislature
such business he may think do not deem requ
site for ME toesen every subject of public interest which
may properly claim your attention. regard sufficient for
simply advert to such matters of public would
appropriately claim the notice of the Executive from the
fact that information pertaining to them might be presumed
fall especially into his possession Members of the lega
ure coming they do from different quarters of the State and
acquainted they with the operation of existing laws upon
the well being and prosperity of the several sections which they
respectively represent WILL regard most matters relating to
public welfare arrive for themselves Just
conclusions than any which the Executive could guide them
Among those subjects which regard proper for
call would suggest apparent defect existing III
the relating public There provision by
which the Auditor required give bonds for the faithful dis
charge of his official duties In office which holds great
control the treasury without any effective and immediate
check beyond the integrity of the officer but regard the
holding the Office would regard the requirement. that he
should give bonds oppressive unreasonable The present
Auditor of Accounts is proper for me to state concurs in these
views.
would respectfully suggest the Legislature the propriety of
altering laws respecting the rights of married
the sole control and benefit of all property which
they have coverture during in their right
The effect of such provision would be guard married
efecuay from the danger which increases with the
growth Of state and the increase of business and its
hazards of being reduced restitution and suffering by
which they have had and whose disastrous consequent
far can be avoided, they should share Other
States have turned their this subject and would
that State should not be less ready to give sau and
equitable protection the WHEAT least when be done
without wrong o the husband OF his creditors
deem duty call Your attention passed the last
and accidents the sale Of medicines The contained
in the act that shod not into effect until the first day of
November lS47 would imply that doubts entertain
ed the utility expediency of the by the legislature that
passed the provision appears have been inserted for the
purpose of odng opportunity for repeal Of the act previous
to its taking effect Such doubts were certainly entertained by
myself and time has but served confirm them 1t is strongly
believed that attempt carry the provisions of the law
would not only be attended with great embarrassment ncon-
venence but would altogether fail of eecng the purposes sought
be accomplished would therefore, respectfully recommend
repeal of the act in questonand should the legislature
with me in the main opinion there are obvious reasons why the
subject should receive immediate attention
1t is q much qualification be able express
my firm and decided convictions that under the regulations
Gently adopted for the Supervision of schools and the