Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1850-05-23
GOV. HUBBARD's ADDRESS,

sr..-.- and House Of Representatives.:
Ii is our distinguished prerogative, under
Divine Providence, TO shape our own ueSu-
MES rs individuals and States. Here, Tor Inc
FIRST lime i'm The history ofthe civilized world,
is every man allowed TO enjoy his natural
rirhts here is he allowed 10 possess his
share of the soil-to cultivate it for his own
subsistence adorn and beauti!y It for his
own pleasure, aud to raasmit it thus adorned
and cultivated, TO the objects of his affection.
Ii is this which constitutes the prominent
the distinguishing feature OF our social insti-
tutions. 1t is this which inspires the heart
of every citizen with n fervent love OF coun-
ry-which gives strength OF arm when called
upon TO defend that country. 1t is this
which gives value without price to our insti-
tutions and may this be bond which shall
ever hold our States in one firm and indisso-
iuble union.
We establish our own forms Of govern
ment; we enact our own laws. II we per-
ver or abuse this high prerogative, we are
criminal or foolish if we do not transmit
such blessings 10 posterIy, we are migrate
fuI to our fathers and unjust TO our children.
We are not feltered 10y prccedents. Our
social progress is not o5sttucted by laws or
usages, which, originating in cunning or Gu
pidiIy, have entwined themselves with the
very frame work of society, and have en-
tangled the masses ia the meshes of sys-
tenn of servitude more oppressive than any
positive institution of slavery. | say more
oppressive than positive institutions of sla-
very Il will add, more degrading, because
when il exists, as in the old world, it is be-
tween men of the same race, and blood, and
color.
Positive institutions of slavery on the con-
trary, are generally abrupt in their origin,
and are so palpable and tiagrant an INVASION
of natural rights, as to excite abhorrence and
10 insure their eventual overthrow.
Gentlemen,a great and growing constitu-
ency has intrusIed 10 us the highest the
most responsible power known 10 the Con-
stitution-the power Of making their laws.
Let US see 10 it that these laws conform 10
the spirit of our free institutions, TO The rules
OF natural right and justice that they are
based upon the immutable principles of our
moral condition.
The morality Of law is. i'll general, the
true test of its eXpediency. 1t should nor,
however, be that morality which adapts IL
self 10 circumstances, nor that which deals
only with distractions, but it should be
morality broad as The relations of man TO
tnan, deep as are the foundations of human
society, and comprehensive as are ull our
connections with the intellectual and physical
world. Such is the morality which should
be the touchstone of our Legislative enact
ments-our guide in passing judgment upon
the individual and associated action OF others
and not that narrow minded, self com2lacent
morality, which, wiser than DEITY, would
oyerrue the laws His wisdom has imposed
on our being, and with ruthless and lmpa-
,ieat hands subvert the order OF events which
he has ordained from the foundation oi the
weird.
In youthful country like ours, under a
novel form of government and with rapidly
increasing population, frequent legislative
meetings and much legislation will necessa-
riy be required. The peculiar and ever
changing relations of individuals in state
of society like ours, scarcely advanced, as il
is. beyond the stage of formation, the pecu-
liar rights aud tenures of property, arising
under our fundamental laws the muiItarious
interests Of industrial operations, will render
indispensable the modification or repeal OF
existing laws and the enactments OF new
ones.
The common law of the mother country,
which our fathers brought with them TO our
shores, as it originated IN The peculiar reia-
tions of individuals and the peculiar tenures
Of property there, requires also great and ire
queut changes to adapt it more completely
10 our condition.
We cannot TOO vigilantly watch the work
ing of our Constitution, nor too closely scru-
tinize the practical operations Of our laws.
Your duties are urduous your respons-
blities great your action may affect Tor
veal or woe, the vital interests OF this cons
muuity not only for the present, but for all
future time.
We possess an extent OF territory which
ranks us among the large states OF the Union,
an extent of sea board greater than that OF
any other state, indcnted with harbors equal
to anv in the world. Our interior Is lnter-
secled with rivers, which bring the fruits OF
commerce to our very doors. We have
water power sufficient to propel the machin.
cry Of The Union. These are great natural
advantages. The enterprise OF our people is
fast turning them TO productive account
Our agricultural, commercial, maritIme, hsh-
ing and manufacturing interests, are 6ecom-
ing every year more important. In dis
charging our legislative duties touching these
diversified objects of our care, we are not
likely to be called upon TO stimulate individ-
ua! action. The tendency of the age is to
over action, 10 extravagant and dangerous
enterprise.
Under government like ours, where per-
sonal liberty and the freedom of individual ac-
ton are extended TO the utmost limits COM
patible with the rights OF associated man,
where competition is not controlled, or I'M
peded by governmental restraints, nor by
corporate or privileged lmpositlons, such
must OF necessity be the case. The whole
history Of the country illustrates and entorces
this proposition. The vast eypanse of terrl-
tory embraced within the limits of our Union
fruitful in all the productions of the earth,
and aboundng in mineral wealth 10 an ex-
tent heretofore unknown, furnishing encour-
agement 10 agriculture and commerce, and
calling into exercise all the mechanical arts,
has stimulated the energy and enterprise OF
onr people TO an unparalleled degree of ac-
tivity. The desire to accumulate wealth has
become the master passion Of the mind
There is danger that this passion, in the blind
imperuosity of its rage, may obliteraie every
pobIer feeling of humanity, may sweep away
all considerations of moral and social duty
Whatever is obtained by the sweat Of the
brow is likely tohe appreciated and frusally
used The efforts necessary 10 acquire n
begets habits of economy and that regard 10
the rights of others, which lays the sures
foundation for healthful and prosperou
community. But what men obtain by easie
methods, begets habits Of extravaganza ant
disregard Of others rights, the tendency 0
which IS 10 sap the foundation Of all sal
and Wholesome social organization. Two
the most appalling crimes ever committed il
this or any other country, perpetraieG recent
ly by men in the higher walks of life, hav,
unquestionably had their origin in habits o