Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-01-14

Should an extra session of the Legisla-
ture be called, as there is at least some
prob ability that there will be, we sincerely
hope that the members will meet the re-
sponsibllity devolving upon them in a
proper spirit. While 1t is eminently prop
er and desirable that the Stale of Vermont
should in all respects maintain her position
in the Union of States, and particularly on
this centennial occasion, yet it must be
borne in mind that an appropriation of
money can result in no very great or direct
practical benefit TO the people as u body.
comparatively few of our people will, we
presume, feel that they can afford TO incur
the expense of trip to Philadelphia for
the purpose of attending the Centennial
Exposition. The number of exhibitors
from this State will, we imagine, be quite
small, and they will, as a matter of course,
expect TO derive profit TO themselves.
For our own part we are decidedly Of opin-
ion that the State of Vermont should be
provided with "headquarters' at Philadel-
phia during the entire period of the Expo
siticn, but we protest against any appropri-
alton of money for any purpose except so
far as may be ne cessary TO uphold the hon.
or of the State. We venture to suggest that
the members of the Legislature will first
possess themselves of all the information
necessary for them to act with a clear un-
derstanding upon this subject. The objects
OF the appropriation should beclearly point
ed out, aud then every guaranty imposed
against lavish or wanton expenditure of
the money appropriated. Let there be no
opportunity for private speculation. Let
the purposes of the appropriation be clearly
defined, and those who are TO be entrusted
with the expenditure of the money held to
a strict accountability. While we have no
doubt that the people of this State are quite
willing to contribute their full share tow
ards the success OF this patriotic enterprise,
and with a characteristic enthusiasm, still II
is due to them, and they have perfect right
in the outset to require, an economical and
proper management Of their contribution.
1t has been suggested as being inconsistent
with true dignity to ask the members Of the
Legislature to attend an extra session with
out compensation. However this may be,
we venture the suggestion that 1t would be
no more so for the Legislature to expressly
provide, by the act OF appropriation, should
such an act be passed, that the committee
whose duty it shall be to superlntena the
disbursement of the money also serve with
out compensation. This would be but an
other step in the progress of economy in
addition to that taken by the centennial
committee in their request to the members
Of the Legislature.
This question Of dignity, II it is an open
one, we leave to the determination of those
most concerned, but whether Vermont
shall be absent from this general gathering
of her sisters of the Union at Philadelphia
in 1875 is a question which has arisen in
spite of ourselves, and we trust that 1t will
ne heard and determined by those upon
whom the duty devOlves In such manner
As shall at least reflect no diseredit TO tho
Slate. Assuming that II is the general Wish