Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1860-10-20

! inc CAUSE OF IuucallOn, ana especially tnc IN
stitution of Common Schools has engaged the
attention, and secured the active labors of our
abest Legislators. The spirit of liberty and pa
triotism which achieved our national indepen-
dcnce, and bequcalhed to us our excellent form
of government, is referable, in no inferior de-
gree to the system of education carly instituted
by the fathers of New England and it is only
as the youth of the country shall be properly
instructed, morally and intellectually, for the
duties of citizens that our free institutions, in
the hands OF the coming and future generations,
are to be preserved intact.
II is with much satisfaction that | refer to the
practical working of our present school law and
to the efficiency and well directed efforts of the
Secretary of the Board of Education, in con-
nection with Teachers Institutes. A sound
policy would indicate the undesirableness of any
essential change, until sufficient time shall have
elapsed to develop more fully the working of
our present system.
In this connection, | desire to commend to
your particular favor the elaborate Report of
the Secretary, Mr. Adams. The mass Of satis-
tics, the extracts from correspondence with the
Town Superntendents, and the compendium of
the decisions OF the Supreme Court, in cases
arising under our school laws indicate great in
dustry and devotion on the part of the Secre-
tary, and an amount of labor far exceeding that
required of any other officer of the government
The report is document of great value, which
should be extensively circulated among the cit
liens OF the State.
The voluntary organization of the State
. Teachers Association has proved useful ad-
junct to the Board of Education and Teachers
institutes and, as it embraces n large number
Of experienced teachers and friends of educa-
ton, who volunteer much time and expense it
may be worthy of Your consideration whether
to authorize the Board of Education to apnro-
pirate a small sum, annually, for defrayng the
expense OF postage, and of printing the notices
and reports of the Association.
1t was well remarked by Governor Hall, in
his last Executive Message, that sour laws pro-
hibiting the traffic in Intoxicating liquors have
become the settled and approved policy of the
State"
1t is questionable whether further legislation
on this subject is cxpedent at the present time.
Every good citizen is presumed to be law-abd-
ing. Still, there are those in the community
who, in violation of the law, continue the traffic,
to the deep injury Of many families, ard the de
moralzing of many of our youth.
If further enactments are thought to be nee
essary for the security and peace of the com
munity, it may lie worthy of your consideration
whether to provide by law that the illegal ven
der Of intoxicating liquors shall be made re-
sponsibe to injured parties for the consequences
OF his illegal traffic.
The question of the establishment and main
ttnance OF one or more Houses Cf Correction, or
Refurmatory Schools, within the State, for the
employment of juvenile delinquents and others
convicted of minor Offences is one of very grave
Importance, and which desire to commend to
your deliberate consideration. The experience
Of other States has shown that these institu-
tons are eminently adapted to the conservation
OF morals, and the reclamation Of those Just
entering upon career of crime.
desire respectfully to propose for your con-
sideration the expendiency OF providing by law
for the election, by plurality OF votes, of Town
Representatives, and of all officers chosen by
the General Assembly,-as being in conformity
with the system prevailing in most Of the States
of the Union, and with our own in the election
Of State Senators and County Officers 1t i,
conceived that the law which requires majority
of votes TO constitute an election, is often pro-
ductive of embarrassment, and a needless waste
of time and money, to say nothing OF its de-
moralizing influence in leading to venality il
the exercise of the elective franchise.
, The Constitution of this State authorizes the
organization and "arming of its inhabitants, tol
it, defence, under such regulations, restrictions
t and cAccpuuns,a ,as Congress, ,agreeaby to the Con
stituiiou of the United States, and the Legisla
ture of this State shall direct Under this pro.
, yisinn of the Constitution. the Legislature has
from time 10 time, enacted laws for the enrol
= menr, organization and discipline of the militia
and the frequent notifications and change,
t which have been made in our military code, in
2 dicate at once the importance which has beer
attached to the subject, and the difficulties whcl
have been found to exist in the practical work
ing of the system. Our present Militia Laws arr
undoubtedly an Improvement upon former legis
lation. as being less onerous, and more simp
and effective. | am not informed whethe
} further provisions or reforms are desirable o
expediont. Public opinion and the spirit of the
age point to an enlightened economical polio,
in relation TO this department of the body poll
tic, whereby TO simplify the duties of the uni
formed militia, moderate its expenses, and a
the same time provide for its practical efficienc
D and discipline.
: In compliance with the Act of Nov, 81 1859
n the Quarter Master General has disposed o
0 certain arms and military property belonging t.
e the State, and made purchases of military equip
t ments, Of which transactions he will make re
port to the Legislature.
e In the early part of the present year, muc
# alarm was created in Massachusetts, and othe
q narts of \pw EnClaud in CONSEQUENCE of III,