Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1863-10-13
Governors Message.

(CONriNUEp FRoB FOURTH PLGr.)
test Of political faith, but loyalty to the GOV.
ernment, and yet, in all this yielding up none
OF the great cardinal principles Tor which she
has for years SO faithfully contended. Hence it
was that when the proclamation for the emsn-
cpation oil the slaves was promulgated, she
hailed the measure with extreme satisfaction,
not only as a military necessity, but as har-
binger of the great work of ultimate destruction
to that institution, which has been the origin
and cause OF all our na ational troubles
The progress Of events within the past year,
in the struggle which now involves the country,
has been such as to call iCrth our devoted graf
itude to Him who controls the affairs and dcsti-
nies OF nations. We are permitted to enter up
on our labors at this time under brighter au-
spices and more cheering hopes than when we
met here as a legislature, one year ago. Then
the clouds hung portentously over our national
affairs. Since then, victories have taken the
place Of defeat, confidence has succeeded des
pondency and distrust, and the power Of the
government is being felt and demonstrated, as
one stronghold after another OF tho rebellion il
giving away, and its limits aud boundaries are
being narrowed and circumscrbed
But while we thus indulge JOY at the bright
ening prospects, let US not be unmindlul OF the
burdens yet to be borne, the sacrifices yet to be
made, and the work yet to be accomplished, be-
fore we are permitted to enter upon the full and
perfect realization oil peace, permanent IN lts
character, government restored to It's pristine
power and authority strengthened and purified
/ by the ordeal through which il has been called
to pass, and rendered dearer to the hearts OF al
its subjects, by the new and added cost OF treas
ure and blood, which have been expended 1t
redeeming it from the assaults oil treason, anC
the Vaccinations Of ambitious and designing
men.
Reposing with humble faith in the power o
an Almighty Ruler to work out his own plan
and purposes, aud earnestly entreating Him
that He will forgive all our great National SINS
and speedily re-establlsh us, as a nation, where
in shall dwell peace and righteousness, let u'
s,eadastly adhere to the great principles OF oul
fathers, and yield to the government all the ait
and encouragement which 1t is in our uower Il
furnish, whether by active aud material assis
tanco, or by tho no less powerful agency otloya
and hearty sympathy, Let Us guard 0urselye
against the lnsidlous efforts OF disoyal men 70
a dishonorable peace, aud firmly resolve TO en-
dure to the end until the las, vcstge of treason
Is ciIaeed, and the righuul authority OF tn
Federal arm is fully asserted and willingly cop
iessed throughout each rebellious district, an
the people thereof brought into complete sub
ordination to its power and rule.
Senator's and Gnfienlsa of the House
Upon YOU as the cxponents Of a free and SOY
ereen people will devOlvc the high duties Of COZ
tributing in a legislative form to the further an
more efficient support Of the national govern
menl, AS one of the great sisterhood OF Statc'
Vermont, has through you, - utter with sti
higher power her allegiance to the Federal Cox
ernmeni, to express her willingness to endure a
needed burdens, to lay upon tue sacred altar
our common country fresh sacrifices OF her nC
ble sons, and to declare 10 the world that she st
maintains, in It's highest devotion, her love TO
the great principles of " Freedom and Unity.
In no part1an spirit, therefore, and with
high resolve ~ admit OF no disturbing elements
lei us eacn enter upon our respective duties, AN
with mutual forbearance, as co-laborers in
great cause, discharge them with iaithiu
regard 10 the best intcrots OF our Commonwealth
J. q. SMITH.
Executive CuAanER, I
Montpelier, Oct. ., 1868.