The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1876-10-02
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

presenting a varied and unique history,
which, could it be grouped together and
presented at this time, would make an in
teresting sketch, ia view of the coming as
sembly. The first Legislature assembled in
177S; three sessions were held, lone at Wind
sor March 10Th, which continued fifteen
days; the second convened at Bennington
on the 4th day of June, and lasted fifteen
days; the third assembled at Windsor
again on the SIh day of October and closed
on the Gath, seventeen days. Thomas
Chittenden was governor; Joseph Marsh,
acknowledgements; Ira Allen, state
treasurer; Joseph Fay, secretary of state;
Nathan Clark, speaker of the first session,
and Thomas Chandler of the two remain
ing sessions; Benjamin Baldwin, Bezaeel
Woodward and Roswell Hopkins were
clerks of the respective sessions.
This first assembly was composed of
foundation the institutions and laws of
new commonwealth, which they deemed
the freest, purest and most independent of
the then organized states. Among those
who first made the laws for our govern
n ent and guidance were Moses Robinson,
John Burnhsm, Gideon Oln, Samuel
Fletcher, John w. Dana, Ethan Allen,
John Miiliugton, Joseph Hatch, William
Upham, Mathew Leon, and Asa Whitcomb
some of whose descendants are members
of the present legislature. The laws and
ordinances adopted by these fathers of the
then little mountain republic were equal 70
the emergencies which were constantly arts
ing and the principles embraced therein
have come down 10 us, but greatly adulte-
rated in come resp cts. The wisdom of
the fathers has scarcely descended to the
latter day Legislators. The primitive legs-
lator always met The demand Of the times
the moden legislator rather seeks to
avoid than meet the demand, which he
knows are laid upon him to eract such
laws as will bring the greatest good to the
greatest number, but Is oftenlimes led By
those who have particular and personal in
tClCoto W oSiNSs Ahe uiC PiouC W CT
the first clause Of the Vermons "Declara-
ton of Rights" which asserts that ''all
government ought to be instituted and
supported, for the protection of the COM
munity, as such, and to enable the indi-
" viduals who compose it to enjoy their
natural rights and the other blessings
which the Author of existence has be-
"stowed upon man and whenever those
great ends of government are not OBJ
tanned the people have right by COM
mon consent to change it, and to take
such measures as to them may appear
necessary to promote their safety and
happiness"
In this centennial period it would be
well for the legislator to review the acts
and drink in the spirit of the fathers es-
pecially in view of the Entertainments that
are being made upon the sovereign rights
of the people by the great and corrupt cor
porations of our state, and see "f the great
ends of government" haye been obtained,
and assert the right of the people to repel
some of the encroachments which surely
do not inure to promote the ''safety and
happiness" of the people at large. The
members of the present session of the gen.
eral assembly should ct least read the "bill
of rights and constitution of Vermont"
preparatory to the work before them, and
they will better appreciate the departures
&c 1a,y;ulottIra1 frNv, 10 c,nitit ,f
these instruments, and guard with jealous
care the rights and interests of the people
from encroachment and corruption that
may be attempted. The legislator should
also bear in mind the provision of the con-
stitutIcn which declares that government
ia instituted for the common benefit, pro-
lection and security of the people, and not
for the particular emolument or advantage
of any single man, family CT set of men,
and that the community have an indefeasi-
BILE right TO reform or alter government in
such manner as shall be judged most con-
ducive to the public veal. Another pro-
vision of our constitution should be studied
with care, which declares that every men,
Der of society,-and we might cay corpo
ration,--has u light to be protected in the
enjoyment of property, and as therefore
bound TO contribute lis proportion TO-
,oards tile expense Of that protectyca.
Another provision OF the constitution
should be made the subject of consider
alton: "Thst the people have right to
L1ll fha,r nc
"and possessions, free from search OF
seizure, and therefore warrants without
oath or affirmation first made, affordinp
sufficient foundation for them, and
60 whereby any officer or messenger may
be commanded or required to search sus-
pectei places, or to seize from any per.
g son or persons their property, not par
ticularly described, are contrary to tina,
"right and ought not to be granted" IT,,
law maker in these days should also Civ
strict heed to his oath of Office in which h,
obligales himself "to do equal right and
justice to all men,"
Attention Is called more specifically to
these provisions of the organic aud fund.
amental basis Of our form Of government
and the duty of the legislator to make then
his study and give he d TO their spirit
from the fact that perhaps no legislatul
within the century OF our exis ence hal
been called upC or pressed as will be til
plesen. one to enact laws contrary to tb'
spirit and rights of the people. Therefor
he who is commissioned OF the people Il
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