Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1855-07-20
Letter from Lieut.. Governor
Fletcher.

Fletcher.
We give below letter from Hon Ryand
Fletcher, read at the recent session Of the
State Council, in this place, aud ordered TO
be printed Burlington Free Press
PRocroRsvlLLE, June 10.
To he STATE Council Of IermoHi, 10 assemble
at burlington on The Ia inst.
Brothers IL am compelled to come to the
painful conclusion that | must be deprived
The pleasure Of attending the convention to-
morrow in consequence of ill.health. The
disappointment is deeply felt.
A gathering Of iroemen at such time
ms this, for the purpose Of consulting upon
the true interests of their country, and upon
their high duties, and responsibilities, will
he an occasion full Of interest, and | trust,
full of hope. The doings of that Conyon-
ton will have an important bearing upon the
future destinies of the State. The original
object Of the order, whose representatives
assemble tomorrow, was high and noble
one The old world, sick unto death, and
racked with the throes Of mortal disease, has
vomted upon our shores the elements Of
monarchy and desposiism, o. Romansm and
Heaihenlsm. In this were seen evils, which,
if left unchecked, would sweep away our
cherished liberties and dearest Institutions (;
hence the necessity Of guarding well against
the evils that might arse from these dlscord-
ant materials IN our body polite. Americans
regarded the elective franchise MS the sale
guard Of civil rights, the right arm Of per.
soual and public safety 1t was dear TO them
"as the apple Of the eye" 1t was too rich
pearl to be thrown away with romantic wan
tonness, or battered for the warnings Of
mere political song Thus an order WAS or
eanzed for the securing of our country from
the alarming dangers of foreign influence.
At the very time when we needed all our
strength and vigilance to countcract the
dangerous elements that nre flowing IN upon
M from eriernoi sources, a still greater cause
Of alarm and dismay procalms itself from
the place where should be the hiding of our
power. The deadlest foes TO freedom are
they of her own household. Americas own
children with unnatural madness, are cover
ing her with shame, and draining her life
blood by repeated wounds. a the recent
National Convention of our order a platform
of principles was presented to your dele
gates repugnant TO every feeling OF their
hearts, aud IN their Judgment. subverslyc OF
the dearest interests Of the Country. They
had no alternative but to acquiesce, or re-
tire, and they could not " long debate, which
to choose" The northern delegates went
INTO that convention with disposition 10
yield everything but sound principle for the
sake of union and harmony. But the South
crn members, with a spirit Of arrogant def
ance, were determined to pledge the conven-
ton to Siducry At such an insolent demand,
the spirit Of as rose mp in Northern breasts
lsave poor craven n. like the heaviDgs of
an earthquake. The Northern delegates
prepared and sent forth declaration of their
principles they appealed from the National
Council, TO the local councils whose rcpres-
entatIves they were. Should their action be /
approved by the local councils, II will be a
source Of hgh qualification. Should they
by deemed recreant TO their trust, they will
have the consciousness of acting from the /
convictions Of duty, and of right. Your de-
lcpates united with the order IN good faith,
and held in high estimation the original and .
distinctive principle Of the organization !
but they would not, and could not, be indIi- (
ferent or inactive when another mighty issue /
involving vast and vital interests claimed .
recognition and direct action. The great /
question presented us, We felt bound, by eve /
ry principle of honor and patriotism, to en-
terrain with deep and solemn earnestness.- (
We now await the decision Of those whose
interests we were anxious faithfully TO re-
present In my Judgment, if ever there has
been, or can be, "A time, when the sentiment
Of true Americanism should DO stirred to lls
utmost depths with fear and anxiety for the
safety of oil we hold most dear on earth,
that time is NOW In my view the only
CLEAN of light that breaks upon the dark
prospects of our beloved country, comes
from the hope, that noiv, when brought to
the very verge of national infamy, all good
meu and true will stand and act and role to-
gether, and for the right. | trust that the
spirit of 76 is not an annual visitor merely,
making its return To our shores only on the
ith of July, but that II will be exhibited IN
all It's beauty and power on the ] lth, that
those then convened, will give unmistake-
able proof that they are not degenerate
children but will act worthy Of their high
lineage. Be pleased TO make my highest
regards to the Brothers that may convene
assuring them of my best wishes for their
prosperity and happiness. Wishing You
pleasant, happy and profitable Convention,
remain yours most sincerely,
RYLAAND FLETCHER.