Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1861-04-25
VERMONT LEGISLATURE.

State House in Montpelier, on Tuesday morn
ing last, in pursuance of the Proclamation of
His Excellency the Governor. The greatest
unarimity seems to prevail among the mem
bers thereof All are agreed that the most
prompt and vigorous measures are necessary |
on the part of every free State to meet the
alarming crisis now upon u.s. and all are equal
" agreed that Vermont must and will do her
full share in the work of sustaining the general
government in coping with rebellion and trca-
son. Work, sober, vigorous, systematic work
is necessary and it will be done without any
waste of words or of time.
Three subjects, kindred in their nature and
of equally pressing Importance are to be con-
sidered by the Legislature. First the ways and
means are to be provided for putting the troops
already called for in motion, and for preparing
to meet future acquisitions Second, the regi-
ments are TO be organized, differed ard set in
motion. THIRD, the militia system of the State
should be entirely changed, or rather, a system
should take the place of the present chaotic
condition of military matters in this State The
militia must and probably will be put on a war
footing, all able-bodied men not properly ex-
empt being compelled to do active military du
ty under the instruction of properly qualified
officers.
The Executive Address was delivered in Joint
Assembly Tuesday morning at eleven o'clock.
1t was brief, sententious and brstling with pa
triotism. The Governor commences with a
brief rccapitulation of the causes and events
which have destroyed the peace of our country
and imperilled our national existence. We have
only room for the last half of the document
which contains statement of his doings to the
present time, and his recommendations for pres
ent and future requis tons, as follows:
From every part of the Country, in all the loyal
States there is united voice for sustaining the
Union the Constitution and the integrity of the Uni
ted States Government All part zan differences are
ignored and lost in the higher principle of patriotism
In this patriotic enthusiasm, Vermont emnenty
participates Her citizens always loyal to the Unon
WILL in this hour of peril, nobly rally for the protec-
ton of the Government and the Constitution.
On the 18th inst, the President of the United States
issued his Proclamation 'calling forth the Militia of
the several States of the Unon to the aggregate num-
Der of 10000, in order to suppress reasonable comb-
nations, and cause the laws to be dnly executed"
The quota required of Vermont for immediate SER
vice, is one regiment of $50 officers and prvates.
On receiving the reguson from the Secretary OF
War, for this regiment ordered the Adjutan and In
specur General to adopt the proper measures for call
ing into service such of the volunteer companies as
are necessary to make mp the complement; and the
QuarterMaster General was directed to procure, with
the least possible delay, the requisite outfit Of KNAPP
sacks, over coats, blankets and other equipments,
which duty he has performed.
Having adopted the foregoing preliminary measures
for responding to the call Of the President awaited
myself Of the constitutional provision for convening
the General Assembly in an extra session, not doubt
that you, gentlemen, representing the universally eX-
pressed patriotism Of the citizens of this State, will
make the necessary appropriation and provisions for
detrlving the expenses already Incurred, and carry
ing into e. ecutiun further measures fer placing our
military quota at the service Of the Generl Govern
ment.
Conceving it nminently probable that at early
da :, further calls will be made upon this State for
troops respectfully call yonr attention TO the mpor-
lance Of adopting immediate for II more eff
fcient organization Of the military arm Of the State.
During the long interval Of peace which we have en-
loved. while our citizens have been uninterrupted
in their lawful industrial pursuits, the importance OF
military organization and discipline has been lost
sight Of Our laws in relation to the militia have been
subjected, during nearly quarter Of century 10 nu-
merous isolated amendments aud alterations, until rs
Il code, they disioned, complicated and aogeth-
too cumbrous for the basis OF regular and effect
i've organization.
| therefore recommend that the Legislature should
promptly remedy these defects, and adopt such enact
Is shall provide, efficiently for organizing, arm
ing and equipping the militia of the State and iol
reasonably compensatirg the officers and prvates
when required to meet for exercise and drill.
desire also to urge upon You the duty Of ma6inf
contingent appropriations Of money to be expended
under the direction Of the Executive, for the outfit
any additional military forces which may be called
for bv the General Government.
The occasion is an extraordinary one. Intelligence
reaches Us that the Virginia Convention of delegates
elected under the express provision that any ordinance
adopted by them, should be submitted to the peopt
for their approval rejection, has, in secret session
passed an ordinance Of secession and that the Gov
/. | Of
of the United States forts, arsenals and vessels within
the limits Of that State.
The Federal Capital is menaced by an imposing anC
well armed military force and the Government itself
and the national archives are in imminent peril.
Such is the emergency, in view of which invoke
your immediate action The Legislature Of othe
States have made liberal appropriations and extensive
military arrangements for aiding the Government ant
their citizens Fastening 10 the rescue of our coun
rys flag. We shall discred onr past history SHOULD
we, in this crisis suffer Vermont to be behind her sis
ter States in her patriotic sacrifices for the preserva
tion of the Union and the Constitution
feel assured, gentlemen, that you will reflect TN
sentiments and wishes Of your constituents, by emu
ating in your legislative action, the patriotism an'
p beraty of the noble States which have already re
sponded to the call Of the Government.
1t is devOutly to be hoped that the al ambition
the secession leaders may be restrained. and the i'm
pending sanguinary conflict ayerted. But hc.a
ting half way policy on the part Of the administra
ton or the loyal states, will not avail to produce sue
, | a result
h The United States Government must be sustained
and the rebellion suppressed, at whatever of me
aud treasure; and II remains TO be whether IL
: vigorous preparations that being made, and tn
.s immense military force called into service by III
President not the most probable and certai
for speedy and successful solution Of tn
n question.
:, May that Divine Being, who rules among the ma
ii lions, and directs the affairs OF men, nerpose by N
n mercu Providence, and restore to again the BILE
- sings of peace under the egs of national Cor
=, ERAsTUS FAIRBANKS.
lie During the morning session Mr. Garfield
IN Arlington introduced bill making nm apprc
nj praton for organizing, arming and equippin
ne the volunteers raised and to he raised in til
IN State. This bill was referred to a select con
mittee consisting of one member from eaC
ut county. In the afternoon this committee r.
ne ported the hi back to the House with sundl
- amendments. The bill appropriates the sum
II one million Of dollars for the purpose abo,
FIR specified, one half of which the Treasurer
Mt authorized to borrow Immediately on bonds /
II sued by the State, and the other half wheney
u in the opinion of the Governor and Lieut.. Go
Gu ernor the exigeDcies of the service demand
On In this form the bill passed the House una