National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1869-10-29

ficiently important to justify delib-
ate examination of the subject and
judicious action. The expenditure
for the support of schools each year
is alb It five hundred thousand dol
lars; and this assumption and per-
6rmance by the State of its duty
to provide for the education of all
its children imposes a correspond
ing obligation, that those, for whom
this provision is made, shall avail
themselves of its advantages. The
State has as good right to require,
for it's own protection against an
archy and misrule, the results of
ignorance and idleness, that the
children shall be educated, as to
require allegiance as the correspond.
ing duty to the obligation of pro
lection. Yet very large number
Of the children in the State, both
native and foreign born, Go not at
tend any school; and the present
law is insufficient to compel them
TO do so. [ recommend, that more
practical and stringent provision be
made i'll this respect.
MAIITIA.
The present condition of the Mill.
tia is shown by the Report of the
Adjutant and Inspector General,
which will be before you. A posi-.
tive requirement, that the companies
composing the several regiments
shall be brought in competition with
each other each year by regimental
parade, would very greatly promote
its drill, discipline, general et1icien-
cy, and consequent value for the pur-
| pose for which it is maintained, and
would tend greatly to the compile
ton of the organizations now au.
thorized, by stimulating the forma
ton, by voluntary enlistment, OF tn.
additional companies required fol
that purpose.
ANNUAL REPORTS.
The remaining Annual Reports
to which | have not alluded, will b,
laid before you for your considera
ton. | have not yet had opportuni
ty to give to them that careful eX
animation which their importanc,
requires. Should find it necessary
to do so, will call your attention
to them during your session.
LAW REGULATING RATE OF INTER
EST.
There is one matter of existing
legislation, which regard as of sut
liclent Importance in its present bear
ingS to Justify nay calling to it You
7 special attention. The certaint.
that an existing positive law canno
be violated with impHnity,- tia
transgrcssion, If known, will surel,
: be followed by puniShment,--has a'
much influence III promoting reSpec
for the law aud preventing its VIC
lation, as the example of visible ac
tual punishment. And the contin
ued existence upon the statute bool
of IA positive law, which has becom,
SO far obsolete as to be wholly dis
regarded and openly violated Will
entire impunitv, has a tendency t,
+ weaken respect for all law. The Law
OF this State prescribing the lcga
rate OF interest f'r money loaned
+ and positively prohibiting the taxi
ing, either directly or indirectly, {
a greater rate of interest than TIN
rate prescribed, is now in this cor
ditiou. 1t is daily and openly vi,
; lated by banks and by individuals
+ and its violation is entirely disr,
garded. 1t serves only as a chcc
upon those. who are too consciel
t tious to knowingly disregard an
I positive law, and operates as an il
duccmcnt to them to send their cal
+ ital abroad for investment, instca
of investing il in the State for tn
/ promotion Of its industrial, manu-
4 featuring and mechanical intercst'
4 1t is thus a direct element of NOR;
and practical mischief. The onl
i remedy for its enforcement is give
= to those, who consent to borro
q money at a rate ecceding the lawll
y rate, and involves the necessity I
: their bringing suit to recover bac
!, money, which they have paid i'll pu
. suaucc of their voluntary agreemeI
Il 1t thus operates mischievouSly DO,
II WAYS. Ii allowed to be violate
!, with impunity, it wcakens respe'
i iol all law; and remedy for It's ,
/; olation can only he obtained |
!, sanctioning the violation of Il
=, promise, in reliance upon which Il
. loan was effected.