Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1860-01-07
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE

Tho Governors Address to the Legislature,
which we publish this morning, will be read
with much satisfaction. 1t discusses the at
fairs of the commonwealth very sensibly, and
presents carefully considered, just, and practi-
cal views of public questions. What he says
of the revision of the statutes, seems to us
very Just. and well worthy of the most careful
consideration 1t viii be useful, not only to
the people, but also to the present legislature.
We have too much law making; and, if there
could be such reform in this respect as would
confine all legislative enactments to what is
absolutely demanded by public convenience or
necessity, there would be a great gain to the
public; and it would be true as Gov Banks
saws, that another formal revision OF the stat
utes would NOT be required for the next hun
died years.
We Iesrn from the Governor, that the tinan-
ces of the state are in good condition, that spe-
Gle in the banks is diminishing, that the State
Prison in Charlestown is admirably managed,
and that he thinks highly of our volunteer
militia, and of the encapment at Concord, last
fall He recommends that any future appro-
priation to colleges be accompanied by shpu-
ations for scholarships, as well as directions
that the money be used for specified objects !;
and he calls attention 10 the project for con-
structing ship canal across Cape Cod. All
these matters, and others referred to in the
and with very commendable regard to prscti-
cal results.
There are not many, we suppose, who VIII
fail to read those portions of the message
which discus the "two years's amendment,
and the slavery question. The only good lie
sees in the two years amendment is, that it
prevents that hurried and vicious manufacture
of voters, just OH the eve of elections, from
which the public has often suffered serious
evils. And he suggests that one year, Six
months, or even three months, might be just
as effective for this purpose as two years
What he says on this subject will have atten-
ton, and it will doubtless stir some minds to
useful reflections. There is nothing in it like
the doctrine of that resolution which certain
person carried to Fitchburg last fall, pretend
Ing tndL IL was lTOlu tuS VII iNou-
ing this part of the message, those who have
felt, that whatever evil there may have been
to provide against, in this case, should have
been reached by legislative enactment, rather
than by amending the constitution, will find
their conviction strengthened. But, what is
done, is done.
That part Of the address which relates to
federal relations and the slavery question: will
have the approval of all men in Massachusetts
who believe that slavery should not be allow.
ed to transform the general government into
despotism. Gov. Banks has never spoken OIL
this subject more clearly and forcibly, or to
better purpose. He treats the matter thought
fully and earnestly, giving clear and excel
lent statement of the position of the Repubii-
can party. 1t is not likely that Mr.. Caleb
Cushing will commend this part of the address.
He has become incapable of commencing any
thing that honors freedom /; but will he draw
another portrait of Gov. Banks as "helms-
man" surrounded by drunken mutineers,"
holding pistols to his head, he being with
them, but not of them" ? We think not His
next villainous demonstration will take anoth-
err direction.