The Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1850-1852, 1851-01-02
MASSACHUSETTS VALUATION.

Tho State Valuation Committee,
which has been in session in the Senate
Chamber, State House, since the 18th
Of September last, will bring its labors
10 a close on Tuesday morning next
At the session of the Committee. on
Saturday morning. Hon. Mr.. wilkins.
Of Suffolk, moved the adoption of the
following order:
Ordered, That the thanks of this
Committee be presented to the Hon.
Myron Lawrence, for the ability, fidel-
ity and courtesy with which he has pre-
sided over its proceedings.
The order was unanimously adoptcd,
and Mr.. Lawrence rose and responded
as follows:
GENrLEKEN OF TIE COMMITTEE.
Your kind approval Of my administra.
ton of the duties of Chairman deserve
my ~profoundest acknowledgements
The labors Of the Chair, usually oner-
Gus and difficult, have been made light
and pleasant by the perfect harmony
and gentlemanly bearing of the Com.
miltee. The uniform courtesy and res
pect, extended to the Chair, will be re-
membercd with gratitude until memory
ceases to perform Its functions.
Gentlemen, our labors as a Commit
tee of Valuation are nearly closed. The
lierculean task assigned to us. is ac-
complishad in a much more satisfactory
manner than at n period of our invcs-
~tigation seemed possible. The gross
impcrtections in the returns of many Of
the town assessors, the unequal apprais-
mentS, the neglect Of a uniform stand
ard Of value, and the objectionable de-
iicicnt inventories of the several articles
of property, for a time babe defiance to
everything Ike uniform arrangem cnt,
and equalization in value. The sagaci-
ty and perseverance Of Sub Commit
tees, aided by frequent calls upon the
town assessors for additions and explain
alions, and q most patient and thorough
investigation of the subject matters of
inquiry, have produced a result honor
able to the Committee, and honorable
to the Commonwealth. The Commit
tee have ~endcavored TO appraise the
property of the Commonwealth, at its
fair, cash, market value. Large as is
their sum total compared with the pre-
Nlons dccennial valuations, they are.
nevertheless. persuaded that their re-
suit IS Only an approximation to the
truth. The true value of the entire
taxable property Of Massachusetts far
exceeds their estimate. This State, of
comparatively small territory, with its
sterile soil, ungenial climate. and rock
bound coast. Is among the first in nro-
duct've skill and industry. Her ton
mage enters every port, the hum of in
dls'ry mincIes with the echoes of every
waterfall, her arabic and meadow land.
artIiicially enriched, is made TO produce
abundant haryests. Almost every man
woman and child in the interior coun-
tics, Is an operative. The various man
uiaciures of leather, of palm leaf, Of
straw. Of silk. combs, buttons, and ma
ny other articles OF commerce. render
the very kitchens, nurseries. and PLAY
grounds, in the country, places Of in
dnStrious and profitable occupation
The native exports Of Massachusetts
are SAID, by way Of rcproach, to be ice
and granite What infinite honor is
reflected upon her citizens by the fact.
tina. the products OF her industry ex-
coed the entire cotton growth Of Tie
South, and though locked IN snow and
ice one third Of the year, The Just valri-
alton Of her property exceeds that or
any ike area in the country, perhaps In
C~hristendom.
Our iabors, gentlemen. though severe
and m~onoiunous, have not been devoid
Of interest The patriotic bosom has
often swelird with emotion, "a the ri,l.
tesources Of our country have uufalIei
! themselves 10 our view. in our scru,in.
Izins survey OF the territory from Prov.
! 'nceiown 10 Boston Corner, from the
I sea washed shore Of the Atlantic 10 ia,
: cloud capped summit of the Greet
I Mountains. Oar cities. ,eeminc in com
merce aid wealth, are also iLe enrori
u urns Of learning, the mar,s Of enter
prize and the home Of hosp.ia'ity M,