Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1854-02-16
d Olitital.
GOVERNORS ADDRESS.
Gentlemen Of the Senate,
0nd Ho,tco of po,,,.oso,,

Gentlemen OF the Senate,
and House of Representatives.
The people of this State have confded to YOU
an important trust. You have accepted il, and
pledged yourselves to the faithful performance
of the duties it devoves upon YOU What
those duties are, the constitution briefly defines
IN comforting upon YOU authority to make and
establish all reasonable laws and regulations
for the defence and benefit Of the people. The
people have right 10 require of you strict
adherence 10 the line Of duty thus clearly indi-
Gated Any deviation from it must lead to the
assumption Of authority not conferred, the ex-
ercise of functions not delegated. The vel
fare of the people, the desiinies of the State
for the time being are entrusted to your keep
ing NJ; and viewed Alright, il is high, sacred,
m0mentous trust,-one not thoughtlessly TO
be assumed, nor lightly 10 be regarded-one
which should quicken every mind with con-
viction of responsibility, and steadfast resolu-
tion that the protection Of the peoples rights,
the promotion of their interests, shall cOnstl-
tute the sole object Of deliberation, and that
nothing foreign 10 that object shall be per-
milied 10 occupy your time or thought as leg
isaturs.
In the brief allusion TO your duties and respon-
sibiities, am not unmindful of those which
are attached 10 the position which you, as rep
resentaives of the people, and IN the mode
provided by the constitution, have assigned TO
me- | assume anew those responsibilities,
and enter upon the performance OF those duties,
looking for strength and guidance to Him who
presdes over the destinies of men and nations.
The obligations of the oath of fidelity rest upon
us alike. Let it be our earnest effort and high
est ambition to be alike faithful to duty.
You have surrounded me with constitutional
advisers of nv own particular faith-men in
whose ability, wisdom, and honesty of purpose
| have the highest confidence. 1t was on your
part, it is true, but sing lie act Of justice; yet
one which demands from me an expression of
gratitude which | cheerfully render, for the
magnanmity which prompted it. fully rec
ognize the additional authority with which il in
vests me, and the additional responsibility it inl-
poses. The obligations | am under TO assume
the one. forbid that | should shrink from the
exercise of the other.
In the popular phraseology Of the day, which
| may be excused for employing, my admins
tralon of the financial affairs of the State, so
far as | am Immediately concerned, will be
with single eve to that economy which is
most in harmony with the idea of a republican
form of government. So far as lies 10 my
power, the public treasury, and the public do
main shall be protected from pecuIailon and
plumber. Believing that the supreme Execu-
tive Of the State is in high degree response
BILE for the faithful execution Of the laws, in
the selection Of the officers charged with the
performance of that duty, shall appoint those
only who are honest and capable and | enter
tain The belief that | shall find the necessary
number among thnse whose political senti-
ments harmonize with my own. make this
early and public declaration for the purpose o.
relieving others as well as myself from any un-