The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1850-10-15
Nj E SIS AGE b.
Feiio'c citizens Of The Senate,
and House Of Represent

and House Of Representatives;
Elected by the voice of the people to the
Office Of Chief Magistrate of this State.
enter upon the duties appcrtaining thereto,
with fearful distrust oil my competency 10
discharge them in an acceptable manner.
But ever accustomed to respect that voice,
regarding the confidence and appreciation OF
the people as the highest honor TO which any
individual can attain, and having in repeated
instances experienced their partially and
friendship, | shall obey their high commands,
and commence the duties attached to the
responsible situation in which their sufiraaes
have placed me, trusting that they will duly
appreciate an honest and conscientious en-
dcavor to perform them. and that they will
with charity and canGor, veil any impcriec-
tions. and unintentional errors and mistakes
which ] may commit.
When call TO mini the distinguished in
dviduals who have heretofore been placed
in this Office and more particularly when
reflect upon the dignfed, able, and honora-
bile manner in which my immediate prede-
cessor has discharged the duties thereof,
feel that | shall have to draw largely upon
that charity and candor, and can only in
dulge the hope, but without any confident
expectation, that shall be able to leave the
office with the same reputation, which they
have carried with them on their retirement
The first obligation imposed on the Exec
utiye by the constitution, is 10 meet with the
General Assembly at the time and place,
where they are required to meet, by the con
stiution and laws. 1t is with pleasure that
perform this obligation and meet YOU at
this time and on this occasion The asscm-
bling Of the representatives Of the people in
their legislative capacity, TO consult for the
welfare and advance the happiness of those
whom they represent, is interesting as cXhb-
iting the beauty and transformations charac.
Ter of our republican institutions, and i'm
porlant as upon the wisdom aud integrity of
their measures that welfare in great de-
gree depends. Identical in interest and feel
ing, with tho great body Of their constituents,
il is not to be doubted, thoy will bring with
Them the best intentions; that they will be
actuatcd by n sincere desire TO promote the
interests of the wholc,as well as that of every
individual so far as the latter is consistent
with the former be governed by the highest
principles of reason, virtue, and morality !;
and above all, that in consulting for the vel
fare of christian people, we shall all earn
esily endeavor TO conform 10 the rules of
christian morals, and look to Him for guild
ance, who holds the destiny Of nations in His
hands, and by whom kings reigii and prin-
ces decree justice"
Having but little practical experience in
the business of legislation, il cannot be ex-
pected tina. in my first annuu; message I
should call your attention TO many subjects,
which may be proper for your consideration
Fortunately. so little legislation is necessary
tor the interest of this State, and with that
interest the rejecting men are so familiar,
that apprehend no Inconvenience from my
want of experience and further it is high
ly consolatory reflection that whatever DE-
ference of opinion there may be on other
subjects, great unanimty of sentiment ex.
lists, in what relates to the prosperity of this
State. 1t is not to be expected, however,
that even on this, there should be an entire
coincidence of views and on other nlpor-
tant subjects, arising from our connection
with other States, under one general govern
ment, We know there is \ great diversity of
sentiment. Freedom of investigation and
discussion, which is necessary under our free
institutions, TO enable men to understand
what is required Of them, unayoidably leads
to the formation of parties. il is not in hu-
man nature that the minds Of all, although
aiming to attain the same end should arrive
at the fame result, or agree in The measures
TO be adopted for its attainment The OK.
isience Of parties, arising from a difference
OF views honestly entertained, is not without
its benefits as well as its evils. If parties
exercise watchfulness over each other, and
a scruiinizing jealousy Of the measures pre-
posed by each, it will lead to careful and