Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1876-10-13
Bcl.ows falls Uimrs,
BELLOWS FALLS, OCT. ls, 1876.
Governors Message

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Representatives.:
In entering upon the legislative duties
and responsibilities imposed by the con
stitution, it is fit and proper, especially |
in this centennial year of our national
existence and nearly completed century
of the existence of our state under
constitutional government, that our
hearts should be tilled with thanktulness
and gratitude to the Author of all bless
ings, not only for the general health,
peace and prosperity which he has gra-
ciously vouchsaisd during the past two
wears, but also for the innumerable
blessings which have attended our entire
existence as a state. And especially is
it fitting that we should remember with
gratitude and thankfulness at this time,
the mercies and goodness of that Provl-
denee which led our fatherssately through
those peculiar and trying circumstances
which environed them in the memorable
wear of 1777, and which scarcely have
| their parallel in the worlds history
when, though claimed on the east by
New Hampshire claimed and menaced
ON the west by New York-oppressed
and warred against on the north by
Great Britain n-unrecognized and un-
supported by the sister colonies, they, a
mere handful of sturdy yeomen, stood
msnfully and independently forth right;
framed and adopted constitution which
for the most part remains unchanged,
and under which they and their posterity
have been protected in the enjoyment
of life, liberty and property" and have
been led to that &c firm adherence to jus
tice, moderation, temperance, industry
and frugality," which has made then
and US an intelligent, vlrtuous and hap
py people. May the same infinite wis
dom guide us in all legislative delibera
tions, that we mar not the fair proper
tions of the governmental structur
reared by our fathers, but enjoy an'
transmit it improved, adorned and EN-
bellished, to those who may come ate
us.
Standing On the dividing line of tn
centuries, it is the part Of wisdom to cor
slider not alone the present,zits comfort
and privileges, but as well the past, tha
we may learn their costs, its lessons, an
take warning from any mistakes by tn
way. and that we may plan broadly, II
teliigently and wisely for the future.
The biennial reports of the state oil
GERS having in charge particular depar
: ments of the public service will fully Il
form YOU of the present condition OF tn
important affairs of the state. The SUI
oestions and recommendations of the
officers who have become familiar vii
the necessities and workings of their r
spective departments, deserve, and
doubt will receive, your careful conslde
alton,
FINANCES.
1t is a matter for mutual congratul
tion that by wise legislation, and caref
and honest management, the finances
the state are in a most satisfactory al
prosperous condition. When we call
mind that ten years ago, after havll
cheerfully met the enormous taxati
necessary for the support of the war, t
state was found to have a funded debt
S1.625, 800, it is not little remarkab
n, and certainly very gratifying, to lind tt
at the close Of the present financial yt
the treasurer had in hand assets, mos
in ready money, to the amount Of 81
9O7.11, in excess of all existing lab
ties. Although a portion of the ST
debt does not fall due for several yea
and is really due from the state to
state, and considerable portion Of
money then on hand will be needed
defray the expenses which will accl
before another state tax can be collect
we have the proud satisfaction of havi
entered upon the second century subst
tally free from debt, aud with no st
financial burdens for posterity to bear
J. The treasurer's report, to which J
are referred, will furnish clear, detir
and detailed statement of the tinanC
transactions of the state for the past
years.
From the report it appears that d
ital ing the financial year ending Angus
1875, besides meeting the current exp
-. ses, the funded debt was diminished S.
nee 600, and there was added to the sink
the fund $4,000. At the close of t
year, the financial condition of the st
5.94 was as follows:
GOc LIABILITIES.
Due towns y. S. Safety s.
/. ns,..o