The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1865-10-20
Letter from the Capital.
MONTPELIER, Oct. l6, 1865.

O->AA ILiLh, wi. III, 1OOo.
MIR. EDIroR:-The organization of the
House was effected more speedily than was
anticipated by some. The canvass for
speakership between Mr.. Stewart and Ma
Jor Rounds was quite spirited. 1t was
carried on with kindly feelings so far as l
could observe, and with no attempt to
bring in question the character or ability
of either candidate. Major Rounds had
the support of the military, and the oppo-
sition to Mr.. Stewart from Chittenden
county by reason Of some by-gones, made
supporters for him in other parts of the
state. All admit that Mr.. Stewart dis
charges the duties thus far with credit to
himself and the state Against the pres
ent popular clerk no opposing vote was
cast. His impartiality and gentlemanly
bearing last year made friends of every
body.
The senate were equally expeditions in
their organization. Mr.. Henry Clark,
who has otficiated as clerk of the senate
for the past four years, received the vote
of every senator. The senate re-elect ed
their chaplain of last year, Rev. p. H.
White. The house made chaplaincy
of all the ministers in that body, five in
number, who perform that duty in rota-
ton. Once organized, Governor Smith
sent in his closing message, which is de-
voted mainly to the financial condition of
the state, and what the state has done in
support of the general government for the
closing up of the most wicked and cause
less rebellion the sun ever shone upon. 1t
shows proud record for the state. and
will be valuable document for the future
historian.
The committee for canvassing the votes
for governor, lieut.. governor and treasurer,
dispatched their business at once, showing
that each received greater majority in
votes, than was necessary for their respec-
tive elections. The governor transmitted
his message to the two houses at 3 o'clock
of the second day. 1t is short, terse,
pointed document, which will pay every
person in the state well to peruse. His
statement that IS cents on the dollar of
the grand list would defray the current
expenses of the year, and leave Sl5O,OOO
to be applied in purchasing in the out
standing bonds of the state, | think, was a
pleasurable surprise to most. The further
statement that 4Oper cent. per year for
the next six years would meet the proba-
hle current expenses of the state and ex-
tinguish a large proportion of the debt.
was an equally agreeable announcement
The governor, filled with the kindly
feelings for unfortunate youth with which
his heart is ever known to beat, strongly
recommends the establishment of house
of correction for Juvenile offenders Every
one acquainted with the facts respecting
that unfortunate class. who has the inter-
ests of the state at heart, will cordially
respond to this recommendation. But all
will, hope, read carefully the message.
There seems to be considerable interest
centerng upon the question Of taxing gov
eminent bonds or their income. Three or
four bills are already introduced relating
to that subject, and select committee of
fourteen has been raised by the house to
inquire into the propriety of such a tax
The old Essex railroad man. Isaac r.
Houston OF Victory, succeeded in obtain
ing his seat to the exclusion of his Oppo-
nent, who has retired from the contest as
| understand,
The speaker announced part of the
committees to-day, and there is a
prospect that the house will settle down
to the work of the session in earnest as
soon as the elections are over. which take
place mostly this week. Gen. Foster of
your county is canvassing quite busily for
secretary of the state, against DR.. Nichols,
of Mortified, who holds the office by APP
polntment from the Late governor The
doctor made very favorable impression
upon all who were present at the organi-
cation OF the house. Yours, &c,