Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1861-10-10
The gntlaua gerala.
RUTLAND, THURSDAY, OCT. 10.
THE LEGISLATURE.

The Legislature will convene at Mont
pelier to-day. The session will be the most
important and perhaps memorable of any
that has occurred since the organization of
our government. Matters of the weightiest
import will come before it for consideration.
A high degree Of talent, learning and
experience, the most comprehensive judg-
ment, and the largest self-denying patri-
otism, will all be called into requisition.
We trust these qualities will not be found
wanting among the members, and that
each will apply himself with diligence to
do that which shall best advance the
cause of liberty and the Union.
Our militia system needs to be entirely
remodeled and placed upon permanent
footing Soldiers must be trained and ed
ucated at home for the camp and field.
Whether the old system is worthy Of be-
ing revived, or whether radical changes
would improve it, and render it more eff
ficient, we are not competent to judge.
This is question: which the Legislature
in its wisdom, must determine.
Another important subject for enquiry
will be whether steps shall be taken to
place further quotas Of troops from this
State at the disposal Of the general gov
eminent. There is no doubt that our
State is able to furnish several additional
regiments. We are inclined to think that
five thousand men, in addition to those
now in the service could be readily enlist
ed. That the general governments needs
the men there can be no doubt. Shall
they be forthcoming: What is the duty
of the Legislature in this regard This
question addresses itself earnestly to the
wisdom and patriotism OF the Legislature.
1t is not enough to say that Vermont has
done well. She must continue in well
doing 1t is not enough to say that she
is doing as much as her sister loyal States.
If she ran do more and ariU do more than
others. her garIands will be the more pro-
tusely wreathed. and her crown OF glory
more richly jewelled. As the cause in
which We are engaged is the most noble
and benefcent that ever addressed itself
to the patriotism Of a people, 50 should
our efforts therein be corre>pondingly
great, and unceasing until the end be ac-
complished.
The finances OF the State. and their
management by the retiring admini,tra-
ton. will without doubt be duly and care
fully enquired into and considered, and
provision must be made also tor the prob
able expenditure, OF the coming year,
Hitherto an annual expenditure for State
purposes has been very small. We have
enjoyed an economical government. But
We are now in the midst OF events which
imperiou~ly demand large expenditures.
The people will expect their expenditures
10 be equal 10 tn" emergency. How much
and how the money shall be raised. and
how expended, and what safeguards
should he provided to govern its proper
and economical expenditure, the Legisla-
turr must determine.
In short, with the ordinary legislation,
supcraddcd to tho~c extraordinary sub
iects. the coming session must need, be
busy and faithful, in order to satisfy the
demands resting upon it. There will be
no time for play, Frequent and long adj
iournments must be avoided. The peo-
pie require that the business shall be
promptly as we'll as wisely done.