Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1861-01-11
MEETING OF THE LEGISLATURES.



MAINE
The Maine Legislature met and organized on
Wednesday the Senate, John H. Goodnow
of Alfred, president, and James NJ. Lincoln Of
Bath, secretary, and the House, James G.
Blaine of Augusta, editor Of the State Jour
nall speaker, and Charles A. Miller of Rock
land, clerk the clerks Of both houses being
the same as last year. The republican mem
bers, and the legislature may be said to BE-
unimously repubican--aro opposed to all COM
promises, even to repeal of the personal lib
erty law and such measure would, from
present appearances, receive but few votes.
MASSACHUSETTS.
The Legislature of Massachusetts, met on
Wednesday the 2nd inst The Senate or
ganized by cectng VIM Cladin Of Newton
President, aud Stephen n. Clifford of Dux-
bury Clerk. in the House John A. Good
win of Lowell was elected Speaker. and VIM.
Stone of Springfield Clerk Gov Banks, the
retiring Governor, in his valedictory address.
iavors the repeal of the Personal Liberty
Law; while Gov. Andrew, the newly inau-
gurated Governor, in his message, opposes its
repeal. Gov. Andrews message is peculiar
/ ly forcible and uncompromising in its state
ment of the wrongs to which the free States
have been subjected by the aggressions Of
slavery, and he points out the dangers that
surround the path of the dsunionist in a
manner that it may be well for them to heed.
NEW YORK.
The complete organization Of the New York
I legislature which met on Tuesday. is as fol-
lows the Senate, Lieut. Gov. Campbell pre-
siding, the organization as last winter; the
House, Dewitt G. Littlciohn of Oswcgo,
Ism alrnv M. e.I
clerk and Charles d. Easton of Albany, SER
geant-at-arms Gov Morgan transmitted bis
annual message on Wednesday 1t recon-
mends in its state policy, telling Of the rail-
roads during canal navigation no special leg
islation-meaning New York city railroad
/ bill law to correct the errors of last win
I ter and make capital punishment effective
sale of the Staten Island quarantine buildings
and their relocation some where else and
other matters of state concern On the imme-
date question of secession he leaves no room
to doubt what he regards to be the duty Of
the North. He says -
II the national government is to exist its power
must be adequate 20 The enforcement Of It's laws in amy
OF the states Of the Union, under any circumstances
no permit or To acniesce ~ reasonable conspiracy a-
gainst the national authorities is TO confess that
government rs an absolute failure The people " The
state oi new York IN my judgment, arc not prepared
Tor such an admission the contrary, they will give
the federal authorities, in the adoption OF all wise, just
ana necessary measures for the enforcement Of the laws
their earnest, faithful aud constant support
Let her stand in attitude Of hostility but
tending the hand Of fellow hin 10 ALL and yuu uD 20 the
strict letter of that great fundamental law the living and
immortal bond Of the union of the states, cordially unite
with other members Of the roufierscv i'm pocatpin,
and cntorcl the determination that the constitution shall
we'd"
/ After the reading Of the message, in the
New York legislature Mr.. Spinola Of Brock
/ Ign, Doug DEM offered resolution that
New York tender to The president the service
of the militia of the state, to be used as he
may deem best to preserve the Union and en-
/ force the constitution and laws also instruct
| ing the military committee to report bill
raising 100000 to properly arm the
state.
PENNSYLVANIA.
The Pennsylvania legislature meet at Har-
rsburg, on Tuesday, and the republicans or
ganized both houses the Senate eectng
Robert NJ. Palmer of Pottsvillo. president,
and Russell Errett of Pittsburg, clerk and
the House, Elisha w. Davis of Mercer, speak
err, and Edward II. Ranch of Carbon. clerk
The clerks of both houses are reelected from
last winter
Gov Curtin (roP.) was inaugeratod in Penn
sylvania, on Wednesday, and Coy. Packer
II
Gov. Packer considered the doctrine of seces-
sion erroneous. The constitution is more
than mere compact Organized resistance
is rebellion. He denies the right of state to
absolve itself from allegiance, but if good rea-
sons exist for dissatisfaction such should be
unhesitatingly removed and reparation made
for the past and security given for the future.
He recommends re-enacting the law protect
ing slaves while soiourning in the state with
their masters and suggests that the Missouri
line be extended to California lie closes by
asserting the loyalty of Pennsylvania to the
Union She will follow the stars and strpes
through every peril
Resolutions were introduced in the House
that Pennsylvania is willing to pass necessary
laws for redress of real grievances of her sis
ter states, and expressing an ardent desire
for friendly relations also avowng adhesion
to the doctrines Of Jdcksons proclamation, and
agreeing to contribute men and money to pre-
serve the Union. The resolutions were re-
ierree to special committee of FIVE. Copies
of the resolutions, if passed, are to have the
state seal attached and be sent to the presi-
dent and the governors ofall the states.
The committee promptly reported the reso-
luton as worthy to pass, but it was laid over
until Thursday Members of Congress from
the state have telegraphed to Harrisburg ad-
yising the legislature not to appropriate men
and money at present, as proposed
MISSOURI.
Gov. Stewart of Missouri, in his message to
the legislature, deprecates the action of South
Carolina, and says the people of Missouri
would feel more sympathy had the movement
= been original with those who, like ourselves,
5 have suffered severe losses and constant an
noyances from interference and dopredations
0 outside. Missouri will hold to the Union as
' long as it is worth the effort to preserve it.
, TEMPERANCE MEETINGS. IN WATERvIILE.
, The people of this town are fairly awake
4 and at work in getting up a temperance re-
formation. They have held two public meet
I ings, the last of which was on New Year
a Eve. Over 80 individuals have signed a
nladua of total ahstinence