Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1876-10-04

The Vermont Legislature.

The Vermont Legislature.
The centennial spirit which pervades the |
atmosphere reminds us that the present is
the ninety-eighth year since the first session
of the General Assembly of the state OF
Vermont, and that the next session, in 1873,
will mark an epoch in our history worthy of
especial recognition. Then will be the time
TO seek out our Centennial Governor, and
provide other things meet for so illustrious
an event. Meanwhile, the patriotic enthu-
siasm which characterizes the observance Of
our national centennial gives new interest to
our own rapidly eliminating history, and
and invests with additional dignity the in
situations which have contributed most es-
sentially to our independence and prosperity |
as a Commonwealth, among which stands
conspicuously the General Assembly The |
present generation as it scans the names OF
the founders of our government, both state
and national, well nigh venerates them as
saints. We cannot conceive Of their having
been actuated by any motive short of the high
est considerations Of patriotic duty and per
sonal integrity, And so the legislator of to-
day is making history to be scanned and hand
ing down names 10 be venerated 10y those who
come after him. Shall the power of blind
ambition or a selfish greed induce him to
forget, for moment, his high responsible
ity, and tarnish that record which he is
writing, as with the point of diamond
1t was with no false conception of the high
duties before them that the Fathers provided
that our legislatures should be composed
of men most noted for wisdom and virtue"
and we pity the man upon whom this re-
sponsibilty rests lightly
The present legislature meets under ex-
ceptionally favorable circumstances. Each
House comprises measure of ability far
beyond the average, with sufficient expert
ence to secure the safe and speedy transac-
ton OF its business. Gov. Fairbanks is a prac
teal business man, conspicuous for sound
sense and executive ability, and will dis
charge the duties of his high position in n
manner TO aid rather than to embarass his
legislative associates.
In the Senate, Observation-Disclosures Proc
tor, by his experience, both in the Senate
and as its President pro tempore, will be able
to keep the business well in hand, and give
both efficiency and dignity to the body over
which he is called to preside. The position of
Secretary will be contested between Mr.. +.
w. Baldwin, late incumbent Mr.. c. w.
Brownell, late assistant, Mr.. A. G. Stafford, of
st. Adams, and Mr.. II. NJ. Mott, of Brandon
with the chances, perhaps, in favor of a
change.
While there are unquestionably more than
half score of members Of the House who
would acceptably fill the bill for Speaker
the prevailing inclination seems to be, SC
far as we have heard the subject discussed
to cut the matter snort and proceed to thu
earnest work of the session by the election
of Ex-Governor Stewart to that responsible
position. His tried and proven ability il
the chair, it is said, will be of more valu
than the compliment of an election bestowe'
case, Mr.. Stewart will accept the position
while he would emphatically decline to ente
into contest for the election. As to tn
almost equally responsible office of Clerk, a
we stated some weeks ago, the choice lie
between the contestants of two years ago
Messrs. Camp and Chapman. If experience
which has demonstrated peculiar degree o
fitness and aptitude for the duties of tn
position, is to govern the choice, then MI
Camp will be honored with a unanimou
election but If the office is to be "passe
round" we doubt IL any new candidate wi
present higher evidences of fitness than MI
Chapman.
While there are upon the surface compal
atively few matters demanding legslativ
attention, doubtless the usual amount Q
business will come up for consideration q
the session proceeds. Should it prove othe
wise, it would be new experience in tn
history of Vermont legislation. The ne,
county question, originally confined 10 Wine
sor county, has latterly extended its ramii
cations so generally throughout the easterl
side of the state, and even across the Mour
tain, that it seems in danger of falling q
its own weight. While there is undeniabl
some cause for desiring change in til
locality where the movement originated, "
apprehend the legislature will be slow
enter, at least at present, upon a general r.
organization of the counties of the state.
While it is not desirable that the legisl;
tive business of the session should be at a
retarded or affected by general politics, sti
it will be impossible for our Senators an
Representatives, deeply interested as the
are in the great issues involved in the pen,
ing national contest, TO be wholly indiiferel
TO the campaign as it increases in intensity
and, at least, the social gatherings of Il
members will be well spiced with discu
sions pertaining TO the exciting contes
Were political parties in the state moi
evenly balanced, il would be almost imposs
BILE not TO follow the example of our la
Congress, and waste time and money
fruitless political discussion.
The State Prison.
The Annual Report of the Officers of Il