Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1855-07-20
Letter from Lieut.. Gov. Fletcher.

We give below letter from Hon Ryland
Fletcher, read at the recent session of the
State Council, in this place, and ordered to
be printed
PRocronsvILLE, July 10, 1855.
TO me State Council Of Vermont, to assemble At Bw-
hngfon the In inst.
BROTHERS IL am compelled to come to the pain
full conclusion that must be deprived the pleasure
of attending the convention tomorrow in consc-
quenco of ill-hcalth Tho disappointment is dsqiy |
felt.
A gathering of frcemcn at such time as this |
for the purpose Of consulting upon the true interests
of their country, and upon their high duties, and
responsibilities, will be occasion full of interest,
and trust, full of hope. The doingsof that Con-
vcntion will have an important bearing upon the
future dcsinics Of the State The original object
of the order, whose representatives assemble to-
morrow, was high and noble one. The old world,
sick unto death, and rackcd with the throes of
mortal disease, has vomited upon our shores the
elements Of monarchy and dcspotism, of Romanism
and lcathensm. In this were seen evils, which, if
leftunchcckcd, would swcepawayour cherished libcr
ties and dearest institutions hence the necessity
of guarding well against the evils that might arise
from these dscordaut materials in our body polite.
Americans regarded the elective franchise the
safeguard of civil rights. the right Of personal
and public safety it was dear to them the
apple of the eye" 1t was too rich pearl to be
thrown away with romantic wantonncss, or bartercd
for the warnings of political song. Thusan
order was organized for the securing of country
from the alarming dangers of foreign influence.
At the very time when needed all our strength
L., al,
that are flowing upon from external sourcesa still
greater Of alarm and disnay proclaims itself
from the place where should be the hiding Of our
| power. The dcadest foes to freedom are they of
| her own household Americas own children with
unnatural madness are oi5S BY repeated wounds
| At the recent National ConN of our order
| platform of principles was presented to your dele
gates repugnant to every feeling of their heats,
aud in their judgment, subyersiyc Of the dearest
interests OF the Country. They had no alternative
but to acquioscc, retire, and they could "vng
debate, which to choose" The northern delegates
went into that convention with disposition to
yield everything but sound principle for the sake OF
union and harmony. But the southern members,
with spirit of arrogant defiance, were determined
to pledge the convention to Siarry AT such an ill.,
s'''H' i'' INV 'Piii' Va ~ l0So up III -Noi'"'ih
oioas' ('a'e pour craven Az - ike tue hea'lhs'
Vi an earthquake Inc Northern delegates pre-
pareu anu sent iorth declaration oi their primer
pies they appealed from the National Council to
the local councils whose representatives they were
Should their action be approved by the local coun.
ellis, it will be source of high qualification. Should
they be deemed recreant to their trust. they will
have the consciousness of acting from tho copvic.
tons of duty. and of right Your DELEGATES united
with the order in yood e,i,b md boi,, bcb
,;or ,bo ,ri,;no, ~, i;,,;,,; ,. "a, -
i,ation but ,bev would No, and cn,,,d M, he i,
a;s.ror, ,.r ;,.a.;n, ,uho,, 81. til. t..