Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-10-13
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

Gentlemen Of The Senate and House Of Rep
reSentdhUes:
In entering upon the legislative duties
and responsibilities imposed by the consti-
tuition, ii is flt and proper, especially in
this centennial year of our national exist
ence and nearly completed century of the
existence Of our state under constitution
al government, that our hearts should be
filled with thankfulness and gratitude to
the Author of all blessings, not only for
the general health, peace and prosperity
which he has graclously vouchsared during
the past two years, but also for the innum-
cradle blessings which have attended our
entire existence as n State. And especially
Is il fitting that we should remember with
gratitude and thankfulness at this time,
the mercies and goodness Of that Provl-
dence which led our fathers safely through
those peculiar and trying circumstances
which environed them In the year of 1777,
and which scarcely have their parallel in
the worlds history-when, though claimed
on the east by New pshire-claimed
and menaced on the west by New York
oppressed and warred against on the north
by Great Britain-unrecognized and un-
supported by the sister colonies, they, a
mere handful of sturdy yeomen, stood
manfully aud independently for the right I;
framed and adopted a constitution which
for the most part remains unchanged, and
under which they and their posterlty have
been protected in the enjoyment OF life.
liberty and property" and have been led
to that "frm adherence TO justice, modera-
ton, temperance, industry and frugality,"
which has made them and us an intelli-
gent, virtuous and happy people. May the
same Infinite wisdom guide us in all legis-
lative deliberations, that we mar not the
fair proportions Of the governmental struc-
ture reared by our fathers, but enjoy aud
transmit it improved, adorned and embel-
lished, to those who may como after us.
Standing on the dividing line of the CEN
turies, 1t is the part Of wisdom 10 consider
not alone the present, its comforts and priv
ileges, but as well the past, that we may
learn their costs, its lessons, and take warn.
ing from any mistakes by tho way, and
that we may plan broadly, intelligently and
wisely for the future.
The biennial reports Of the State officers
having charge in particular departments
of the ublic service, will fully inform you
of the present condition Of The important
affairs OF the State. The suggestions and
recommendations of these officers who have
become familiar with the necessities and
workings of their respective departments,
deserve, and no doubt will receive your
| careful consideration.
FINANCES.
1t is n matter for mutual congratulaton
that by wise legislation, and careful aud
honest management, the finances of the
| Stale are in n most satisfactory and pros
perous condition. When we call 10 mind
that ten years ago, amer having cheerfully
met the enormous taxation necessary for
the support of the war, the State was found
| to have funded debt OF 81 ,625 500, IL is not
a little remarkable, and certainly very graf
flying, TO find that at the close of the pres
ent financial year the treasurer had in hand
assets, mostly in ready money, TO the
amount of s72,907.1l in excess of all exist
| ing liabilities. Although portion of the
| State debt does not fall due for several
years, and is really due from the State to
the State, and a considerable portion of the
money then on hand will be needed to de-
fray the expenses which will accrue before
another State tax can be collected, we have
the proud satisfaction of having entered
upon the second century substantially free
| from debt, and with no State financial bur
dens for posIerity to bear.
| The treasuIer's report, 10 which you are
referred, will furnish a clear, definite and
detailed statement of the financial transac-
tions of the State for the past two years.
From the report it appears that during
the financial year ending August l, 1875,
besides meeting the current expenses, the
funded debt was diminished $50, 900, and
there was added 10 the sinking fund $780,
900. At the close of that year, the financial
condition of the State was as follows:
LIABILITIES.
Due towns, U. S. Safety fund Sl1, $40 9(
| Due on soldiers accounts l2,l7S q
Due on outstanding checks l,SS6 OF
| Due on funded debt:
Coupon bonds, 1876 100000
Coupon bonds, 1873 $4,000
Registered loan, 1873 1900
--$l67, 500 Ot
| Due Agricultural college