The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1876-02-08

cucnb MniOu,uuucr COTIupJ auulnlbSIh' |
ton, might drain tho treasury and bank.
rupt the government.
If congress has the power to vote this
money because the exhibition is designed
to, aud very likely will, promote and
stimulate commerce with foreign nations
and among the several states, then con-
gress may charter fairs and agricultural
shows in every county in the Union, and
appropriate the necessary money to ear.
~ them on.
The theory advanced that the money
appropriated by this bill is to carry into
effect treaty or compact made by con.
gress or the executive with those nations
who have accepted invitations to be pres.
ont at the exhibition hardly admits Of Sc
ricus consideration and, while il rouses
our mirth at its exceeding thinncss, it at
the same time oxcites our wonder that
any man should bring himself to believe
such palpablc and supreme humbug
and it seems to me that nothing but tho
most intense desire to be original and in.
dependent could have Matched out such
theory in the brain of any sane and
reasonable man. Besides, it is not true
in point of fact that congress or the exec.
utive ever made or attempted to mako
any compact or treaty with respect to
tho centennial with any foreign nation or
anybody else.
Congress merely chartered these two
corporations, gave them full and plonary
powers and privileges to perform all the
acts and carry out all the objects of their
creation and the government is no more
liable for their acts or their debts than it
is for those OF railroad or an insurance
company which it has chartered
Again, Mr.. Chairman, the record shows
chat those charters were passed by con-
gress under the most solemn and positive
assurances on the part OF those who sought
them that tho government should never be
called upon in any event to pay one dollar
or be asked to become in any way liable
for the debts or losses Of these corpora
tons. And so confident were these men
at that time they should raise all the
funds desired and never call upon the
government. that they incorporated, on
their own motion, this solemn promise
into both the act Of 1871 and Of 1872
and relying upon these assurances congress
finally with great reluctance consented tc
give them their charter
This reluctance and hesitation on The
part of congress grew out OF fear that
the very state Of facts which now exists
would transpire and that congress would
eventually be called upon 10 pay large
sums Of money, under the plea that is now
set up and urged by the advocates Of thii
measure, that unless the government comei
10 the rescue the whole scheme will fa
and the republic be disgraced and dis
honorod.
After what took place at the time these
charters were granted and what has since
transpircd | can hardly conceive how thu
friends Of this measure can now stand W
here and ask congress to give them mil
lion and half Of dollars Of the peoples
money, in the face and eyes of their OWL
solemn assurances that all they asked wa
the charters, and that the government
should never be called upon, either drec.
y or Indirectly, 10 pay a single dollar.
But, Mr.. Chairman, outside of all con
stitutional questions and scruples there ar,
reasons which are conclusive to my mind
and which alone would have determine,
me 10 vote against this APPROXIMATION.
In 1873 financial simoom swept ovel
THO country, destroying our commerce
prostrating our business, paralyziDg GU
industries, and driving our importers
merchants and manufacturers into bank
ruptcy and ruin
The primeval cause Of this terrible dis
as,er was deprecated and huc,uatinl
paper currency, which had led people int
all sorts Of wild schemes and rockies
, speculations and the victims needed NJ
voice of warning, until destruction cam
as whirlwind, and the groans of tn,
people filled the whole land
From 1878 down to the present tim
the people OF this country have bent ever,
, effort and strained every nerve to the worl
, Of repairing damages, the collection an,
gathering together of their scattered re
sources, and the building up of the bust
ness and industries of the nation Blu
, under the terrible incubus of rag none
and Auctuating values they have mad
J slow progress, and to-day the wall come
up from every section Of the republic tina
business is depressed and languishiug
the fires are cxtnguished at the FORCES
that thousands Of men are out of employ
ment and their wives and children suffer
, ing for bread.
Mr.. Chairman, the people of Vernon
r are awabiding, constitution loving
prudent, and economical people; they ar
in favor of frugality, and opposed to al
! schemes Of speculation at the expense G
the national treasury, and the voting G
gifts and subsidies to individuals or corpc
rations; but, sir, in the future, as in tn
q past, if the integrity Of the republi, an
. the honor Of the flag shall require ever
/ dollar of their substance and the last dro
of their blood, the sacrifice will be read
at the appointed time. Now, Mr.. Chair
4 man, while | oppose this bill because
seriously question the constitutional powe
of congress 10 pass it, and because | al
firmly convinced that it is incxpedient t
do SO at this time, believe | hagar
nothing when pledge you my word tina
. the people Of Vermont will be at that ex
hibition, aud that all her grand interest
will be fully represented that her cit
zens are ready and anxious to do thei
full share in this great enterprise, an
> that private energy will gladly furnish a
y the facilities which may be required
place her in honorable competition wit
her sister states and the world in tina
magnificent exposition
No people can join in this great nation
n al festival with more spirit and pride tina
/ the people Of Vermont, for none did NOR