St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1876-10-13
Governors Message.
Gentlemen of the Senate
and House OF RepreSentntireS

ana House OF representatives:
In entering upon the legislative duties
and responsibilities imposed by the
Constitution, it is fit and proper, es-
peclally in this Centennial year of our
National existence and nearly complet-
ed century of the existence of our state
under constitutional government, that
our hearts should he filled with thank
tulncss and gratitude to the Author of
all blessings, not only for the general
health, peace and prosperity which he
has graciOusiy vouchsafed during the
past two years, but also for the innumer-
able blessings which have attended our
entire existence lis Il state. And espe-
clally Is 1t fitting that we should re-
/ member with gratitude and thankful
ness at this time the mercies and good
ness of that Providence which led our
fathers safely through those peculiar
| and trying circumstances which en-
vnoned them in the memorable year of
M. and which scarcely have their
parallel in the worlds history,-when
though claimed on the east by New
! II . i,shire, claimed and menaced on
the west by New York,-oppressed and
warred against on the north by Great
Britain, in,-uurecOgnized and unsupport-
ed by the sister colonies, they, Il mere
handful of sturdy yeomen, stood man
fully and independently for the right ::
framed and adopted a constitution.
which for the most part remains un-
changed, and under which they and
their posterity have been protected in
the enjoyment of life. liberty and prop
erty," and have been led to that "tirm
adherence to justice. moderation. tenn
perance, industry and frugality." which
has made them and us an intelligent.
virtuous and happy people. May the
same Infinite Wisdom guide rs in all
Legislative deliberation, that we MAJ
not the fair proportions of the govern
mental structure reared by our fathers.
but enjoy and transmit it improved
adorned and embcllished. to those who
may come after us.
Standing on the dividing line of the
centuries, it is the part of wisdom to
consider not alone the present. its COM
forts and privileges, but as we'll the
past. that we may learn their cost its
lessons, and take warning from any
mistakes 10y the way. and that we may
plan broadly. intelligently and wisely
for the future.
The biennial reports of the state
officers having i'll charge particular de
partments of the public service. will
fully inform you of the present condi-
ton of the important affairs of the state
! The suggestions and recommendations
of these officers who have become ta-
mlllar with the necessities and work
ings of their respective departments.
deserve. and no doubt will receive. your
careful consideration.
FINANCES.
1t Is a matter for mutual congratula-
ton that hv wise legislation. and care
ful and honest management, the finances
of the state are in a most satisfactory
and prosperous condition. When we
call to mind that ten Years ago, after
having cheeIfully met the enormous
taxation necessary for the support of
the war, the state WAS found to have n
! funded debt of one million six hundred
and twenty five thousand five hundred
dollars, it is not a little remarkable. and
certainly very gratifying, to find that
n the close of the present financial wear
/ the Treasurer had in hand assets. mostly
! III ready money, to the amount of
! seventy y-two thousand nine hundred and
seven dollars and eleven cents. in en-
cesS of all existing liabilities. Although
Il portion of the state debt does not fall
due for several Years, and it is really
due from the state to the state. and Il
considerable portion of the money then
on hand will hc needed to detIaN the
expenses which will accrue before an
other state tax can be collected. We
| have the proud satisfaction of having
entered upon the second century sub
! Stautially free from debt. and with no
state financial burdens for posterity to
bear.
The TrcasurcI's report, to which You
are referred, will furnish Il clear. definite
and detailed statement of the financial
| transactions of the state for the past
/ two Years.
From the report it appears that dur
ing the financial year. ending August
lSt, 1873, besides meeting the current
expenses. the funded debt WAS dimin-
ishcd tifty-ninc thousand dollars. and
there was added To the sinking fund
one hundred and thirty Thousand dol
lars. At the close of that wear, the
financial condition of the state was as
follows:
LIABILITIES.
Due towns. United States Safety Fund slI.5I99t
Due soldiers accounts l2I7- y
Due on outstanding checks 60,
Due funded debt
Coupon bonds, ls16 Sl02 900
Coupon bonds, ISIS "A 600
Registered Loan, ISIS ri 500
flor 50O.O