Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1876-01-21
The Proposed Csntsnnila Extra Session.

Some Vermont papers feel bad that the
proposition is made to hold an extra session
Of the Legislature to take into consideration
the proper representation Of the state at the
centennial, without the usual expense to the
state of sic, 900 or sl2 600 tor the session,
and think it derogatory to the dignity of the
state to hold gratuitous session. The St
Albans Messenger is notably affected, and
INDUCES in tive columns of caustlc satire on
the whole scheme, denouucing it as dead.
head affair throughout, from President Smith
down to the priyates iu the militia, who it
assumes are to be taken to Philadelphia at
the expense Of the state.
1t is our misfortune to be SO constituted
as to take quite the contrary view. We
have opposed the project of an extra session
on account of its expense. But if the mem.
bers of the Legislature feel such a pat.
riotic interest in the honor Of the state that,
at the suggestion Of a centennial committee,
and to induce the governor to call special
session, aud to save the state the large ag.
gregate cost Of such session, they volunteer
to render gratuitous service it is difficult to see
how the honor or dignity of the state is 10.
fringcd by the acceptance for such gratuitou
service.
We are not aware that there is a general
sentiment in favor Of sending the militia to
the centennial at state charge. Ga the con-
trary the privailing opinion is adverse to
such use Of the public money by state of
which the MALTA would be no appropriate
representation.
We think that Instead OF abuse, Governor
Smith is deserving Of commentator for his
very liberal and patriotic offer to assume the
expense of free transportation Of members Of
the Legislature to and from the state capital,
for the sake Of securing legislative action
which will place Vermont in such an honor-
able position among her sister states in this
year Of jubilee that her sous who visit this
grand celebration Of the success aud perms.
neucy of the principle of selEgoverument,
will proudly claim the Green Mountain state
as their home.
The centennial, inaugurated in spite OF
opposition, neglect by congress- and indeffer.
ence of many Of our citizens, is now admitted
to be in all its features the most splendid
occasion which the world has ever seen.
Foreign nations which stood aloft 10 envy,
are taking liberal action by their govern
ments and people for full representation
Our own people join hands, aud the state
gov ernments give their support, to make it
every way worthy OF our glorious history.
If Vermont fails to do her duty, it will be q
cause Of regret and modification for a hun.
dred years.
There is no reason why the agricultural,
mineral aud manufacturing resources of Yer.
mont should not have such ropresen tation
as will give her industries high rank among
the states of the union and the nations OF the
earth The people OF the state should enjoy
facilities for visiting and taking part in the
exhibition, equal to those of any people. II
is necessary to these ends that the state ia ks
action. 1t sounds very plausible to hear
GROWERS say that those who wish to 20 can
60, TO show their wares aud their stock, OF
for their own instruction and pleasure. But
it is true that if the state is not Officially
represented Vermonters will not stand fai
chance as exhibitors or visitors. and will fee
as if they were out of place, and a century
behind the age.