New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1851-10-13
By Telegraph to the New-YOrk Tribune.



MONTPELIER, VI. Saturday Oct. II. ls5i.
Gov. Williams has Just transmitted his Annual
Message to the Legislature. He expresses his
thanks to the people Tor their confidence, and
proposes to cooperate with the Legislature in
whatever is Tor the public good. He recommends
an annual appropriation Tor the Colleges OF the
State. and again adverts 20 the Militia, upon
whom all free States should rely for defense,
and SAYS that in these days, when so much is
SAID upon the subject Of constitutional duty and
obedience TO the laws of Congress he is sorry
that the constitutional provisions and the law of
Congress relative 20 the Militia received so little
countenance The Legislature Is reminded that
provision must be made for an acting Cove nor,
IN case 4 vacancy should occur IN the Office of
Governor and Lieut.. Governor. and then an
amendment OF the Criminal Code is suggested. A
new compilation of the new laws Is announced, and
is also stated that report Is ready IN relation to
State Finances The Legislature l. advised 10 les
sen It's expenses and increase Ms aid to institutions
which will advance the honor OF the State. The in
creasng vice Of lntemperance Is noticed, and re-
turn to the old law for sending common drunkards to
the house OF correction advised. The Legislature
is apprised that new Congressional Districts mus, be
constituted.
The Governor trusts the Legislature will bear III
mind that they responsible TO higher law
and higher power than the the people, else their
oath Of Office is mockery He regre that con-
science is secuted IN these latter days He does not
believe the people of Vermont entertain the notion
that they are absolved from any law which does not
happen to suit their views and wishes Law must
be enforced but II is 10 be remembered that the laws
themselves subject 10 public opinion and the pro-
visions Of the Constitution, and, therefore, may be
changed or annulled The liberty of speech and the
press TO the utmost latitude must be allowed, in
order to enhghten public opinion. Every attempt
to repress tins liberty. whether by law or the
else OF patronage. must be futile, and can obtain
permanent favor from an intelligent people. To in
sure the constitutional test Is the province OF the
judiciary 10 determine the laws unconstitutional,
and no individual or State should be discouraged
from resortlng 10 this tribunal.
The Governor thinks II not best Ia boast much Of
attachment to the Constitution and the Union, since
over much zeal on these respectsmay Indicate that
there is ground for suspicion but he notices that
Vermont solicited admission to the Union, adopted
fully the Constitution, and never has asked for any
important amendments, although solicited to do so,
and has never joined others IN acts tending to yiO
laton of the Constitution. He hoped that the cry of
"danger To the Union" like the old cry of danger
20 the Church" IN England. is not To be made the
pretext for arbitrary measures or degrading sub
mission.
The Governor next declares in favor of Protec-
tive Tariff and adds that, If disappointed Vermont
Will undoubtedly seek redress the Union, not out
of it. Other States are rebuked for meddling with
the legislation of Vermont, and are reminded that II
II is time for them 10 complain when their rights are
violated
The Fugitive Slave act of Congress and the
habeaS corpus act of Vermont then discussed at
considerable length. OF the constItutionaiy OF the
former the Governor has doubts. OF the constltu-
tonality OF the latter he has none and these ques-
tons he would have left for the decision OF the Ju-
dclal tribunals established by the Constitution. lie
commcnds the President for executing the law, and
adds that differences OF opinion upon delicate consti
tutlonal questions. when honestly entertained, do
not warrant a withdrawal of confidence from public
men. The laws of the land must be enforced. In
early life he called into service to enforce the
laws. II was done by the sword though the courts
OF the United states then decided that forcble re-
slstance to the law, even unto death was not treas
son. lie was taught that the law must be, and viii
ever be indicated.
In conclusion. the Governor declines "A reelection,
and says he shall retire with his respect for the peo
pie the Institutions and the laws Of the State undi.
mlnIshed