The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1855-01-12
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.


The Governor elect, in presence OF both
branches OF the Legislature, in the Hall OF
the House Of Representatives,, on Saturday,
took and subscribed the usual oalles OF
Office. The Governor soon n!ler commuhi-
caled 10 both Houses the following
MESSAGE.
Gatlemen Of ii; Scnaie and House cf Rep
reSentdtir9:
In entering upon the imporian, duties as
signed US by The people oi this Common
wealth may we humbly ask wisdom Of Him,
who is ,he source Of all ligh, and know
ledge, ,ha, we may be enabled TO discharge
those duties in way best 10 promote ihr
happiness and prosperity Of our constituents,
aud that when We shall have closed the
to our homes, carry with Us all abiding as.
surance that we have been faithful 10 the
performance OF nil delegated trusts, aud
labored assiduously for the public good.
Representing, us we DO, people habi-
tually and necessarily industrious aud eco
nomical, they have right 10 expec,
close application 10 The business that may
come before us, and that no unnecessary
delay will prolong the present, session.
There is deep conviction in-ihe public
mind tha, we have Too mech Legislation,
and that much money aud time are thrown
away enaciing laws OF doubtful utility,
which are amended or repealed by The nca,
succeeding Legislature, thereby encumbcr.
ing our statute books with mass OF uli-
necessary, il not useless legislation, and
making il very difficult for any but an cx.
perienced lawyer TO understand what the
law is, in cases where il should be- 40
plain and simple that Tie humblest citizen
need no, err in relation 10 its PROVISIONS
All will acknowledge tho correctness Of
this sentiment; il is with Legislators 10 COT
rec, the evil. Another cause OF proirscisd
sessions and expense 10 undoubtedly found
in the loo ardent attachment which mem
bers have cherished Tor political parties
often showing grealcr Willingness 10 eS-
tend 10 an unreasonable length, the proper
time for organization aud legislation, than
10 yield the slightest advantage TO a poliii.
cal opponent. Such in an extraordinary
degIeo is The history Of tho Legislature OF
las, year, and in most decided ninnner
have tho people pronounced judgmcn,
against such waste oi iimo and abuse OF
trust.
The present is a iimo auspcious for i'm
provsmeni and reform. The people, dis
regarding old political organizations, have
seen ii, 10 elect Of the members Of Ito
presen, Legislature, n greater number who
think alike on The great questions which
must deeply interest our State aud nation,
than has usually constituted Legislative
majority, and il is reasonable 10 anticipate
such harmonious action, and dcvoledne.s
10 the legitimate business for which we nrc
assembled, rs will insure prudent and
economical session, and an early recess.
In giving you information Of the con-
dilion Of the Sale, as enjoined by the coll
siilulion, regre, 10 be unable TO prescn,
some OF her great interests in so pro-pet
Gus li2h. as II would be desirable to do.
The early spring OF the past season open.
ed with unusual promise 10 The husband
man, but n premature aud almost nnprc.
cedenied drouih blasted Tho prospect Of M
abundan, harvest. and caused The pro,t.cis
Of The farm generally TO be light. The
same cause has operated injurionsly upon
the numbering interests OF tho State, pIc-
venting an immense amount OF lumber
from going 10 market, where ready sal"
and high prices awaited IL. Tho shipping
interest, in which our people are 80 largely
Engaged, has received severe check By
tho sudden fall and deptession Of i"nnsgc
and freighis. These casualties hayc.opeI
a,ed seyerly upon persons ensaged.in those
impor,anl pursuits, and necessarily involved
a scarcity Of money which has been fel, by
all branches Of industry throughout The
State /; still I arm happy 10 believe that lie
resources OF The business community arc
such that these difficulties which have bean
unexpectedly encountered, w,llcansc only
a temporary embarrassment, an,L will Who'll.
ly disappear with The opening oi Tho ap-
preaching season. Notwithstanding these
serious mlsfor,uncs 10 which have alluded.
our State is enjoying a gcodly measure oi
prosperity. ,.''tl'. . .. lIi .',.-f
The facilities afforded by our Railways
arc being felt. giving liis and energy 10
business, opening new avenues Of trade