Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1857-02-20
For the Standard
The State House.


The State House.
Mr.. EDIroR,-I am glad to see a dis
cussion commenced in your paper on the
State House question; for however ques-
tionable some of the appliances referred
to by one of your last weeks correspon-
dents may be, the subject is certainly a
legitimate one for mature consideration.
The Legislatureofthe State, it appears,
is soon to meet in extra session to eonsid-
er this very subject. What particular
measures it may be wise for that honora-
bic body to adopt, It would be premature
even TO suggest. But there are a few
considerations of a general and obvious
nature. which We may presume viii not
be lost sight of in the councils Of that
body.
l. The respective members of the
present Legislature received their ap-
| pointments without the slightest reference
to the object of the present session.
They were chosen solely on political
grounds, a very large majority on the
slavery extension issue.
2. Legislation in reference to building
State capitol should be as far as posi-
bic conformed to circumstances calculated
to give it permanency. For however
/ generous and liberal certain towns and
villages on our borders may be, in build
ing State Houses, we presume the State
Of Vermont viii not desire the frequent
recurrence of this privilege. Nor viii it
comport with its duty or its dignity to al
low itself to be swayed in this matter by
the private munifcence oc some few Of
its citizens.
3. The location Of the present capitol
was fixed by the act OF previous Legs
lature, after full consideration of all the
circumstances bearing on the question at
the time. No changes have since occur
red to alter essentially the relative aspect
Of the question. All the changes sug
/ gested from any quarter are in reference
to railroads. And here we have twC
/ lines running, one on the western and Tho
other on the eastern border of the State
and another running diagonally nearly
through the centre, connecting both sides
SO as to give neither the west nor tht
/ east any exclusive facilities.
Now, lIr. Editor, what influence ough
principles and facts so obvious as tht
above, to have on the contemplated &C
ton Of the Legislature? May we no
reasonably infer that it will be the frs
dictate, not only Of political wisdom, bu
Of sound moral integrity, not to ventur,
/ on measures which will touch SO vital
point as the removal Of the State capital
. If after a full investigation and INCUR,
on the spot, the members Of the Legis
t lature shall come to the conclusion tina
the interests Of the State will best be Sc
: cured by repairing the recent injury t
the State House where it is, this the
, may do in perfect accordance with an
! Just view Of their political or moral obli
cations. But should it appear tha
t changes Of so radical a nature as the re
: moval Of the seat Of government, ma
: be expedient, instead of assuming the re
, sponsibility Of deciding that questio
they will have the respectful deeency t
= refer that matter 10 their constituents
: They have decided that question hereto
}. fore, and they may wish to be consulte
0 again before the action is final. At lea:
5 this view would seem best to accord wit
good sense and Republican doctrine, an
: I am not sure It differs very much fror
t genuine Democracy.
: But if the present Republican Legi
T lature should assume the grave respons
n bility of removing the seat Of govern
:. ment, their outraged constituency ma
:, possibly at the next Legislature, repe
: not only the obnoxious act, but bring I'M
it jeopardy the party who has the temerit
to pass It.
e Az OLD REPUBLICAN.
: From 60"
q. Fer the Standard.