Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1878-10-02
The Centennial Legislature.

tht
The most striking fact respecting the leg
islature now assembling at the State Iious'
is that il begins the second century of it
existence as legislative body. At Wind
sor, on the 10Th day of March, 1878, Assem-
bled the first legislature of Vermont, "wher
and where says Ira Aliens history, tn,
votes Of the freemen for Governor (Thoma'
Chittenden), Lieutenant Governor (Josepf
Marsh) twelve Counselors and Treasurer
1ra Allen), were sorted and counted, and
the persons who had the majority of votes
for the respective offices were declared duly
elected"
1t is utterly impossible to properly contrast
the circumstances and surroundings of the
two legislatures. The representatives OF
our now peaceful, prosperous and happy
commonwealth can have no just conception
of the privation and suiIerings of the little
band of pioneers who gathered at Windsor
to lay the foundation of a permanent state
government to take the place temporarily
supplied by the Council of Safety. With
New York claiming their territory upon the
West, and New Hampshire similarly plot
ting upon the East with internal dissen
sions incident to their chaotic and exposed
condition; with unkind and disheartenine
treatment at the hands of Congress, and
with the smoke of their homes, pillaged and
D.,N,,h ;Avaa;O,, pfi11 ocpapIipp
to heaven-they gathered in this first legis
lative assembly to carve out a system OF
government for themselves and their de-
scendants forever. Now how all is changed
In view of the considerations already
named, we do not doubt the present legisla.
ture, in the course of its session, will take
some action to suitably commemorate the
events recalled by this anniversary, that
shall serve to brighten and strengthen the
links which connect us with the past and
fifty recognize the selfdenial, wisdom and
heroic manliness of our fathers.
There was one practice adopted by the
early legislators of the state which seems to
have been lost sight of in later years, and
which might be renewed with both pro-
priety and profit. The roll of members was
called each morning, and the names of alb
sentees were checked off, and all compensa-
ton deducted for the day
But alas men were human, even in those
days, and the whole truth might as well
come out. Aliens History has this record 4;
"There was one Cor more) in each town
who courted the honor of being a member
in the first General Assembly of the new
state of Vermont 1t was, therefore, their
interest to induce their friends to attend the
meeting and take the freeman's oath" 1t
is gratifying fact to know that these little
weaknes;e s were long since crowded out by
the sterner virtues of the descendants
That both Houses will be promptly and
efficiently organized and well prepared to
enter upon their legitimate work, there can
be no question. While Governor-elect Proc
tor leaves the chair of the Senate to obey
the popular voice to ego up higher" his old
position will be acceptably filled by Lieuten-
ant-Governor Cotton, who possesses both
natural fitness and the benefits of legislative
experience to aid him in the discharge of his
duties. For Secretary, Mr.. f. w. Baldwin,
who has previously held the position, will
be very strong and worthy candidate-al-
though we understand that Mr.. A. g. SAT-
ford, of st. Adams, very competent gen.
tleman, is disposed to try titles with him.
Mr.. Brownell will doubtless be reelected
Assistant Secretary-as he should be-
In the House, with three such candidates
for Speaker as are presented in Messrs. Mar
tin, Camp and Sprague the chair can but be
acceptably filed, and we trust no sufficient
contest will arise to prevent speedy organ
ization. Mr.. Henry n. Newell, who has
been long and favorably known in con-
nection with the duties of Clerk, will doubt
less be promptly chosen to the responsible
position.
When thus efficiently organized and Off.
cered, the responsibility will rest upon the
members of the two Houses to grid them
oSi'No uP W.
charge of the duties committed to their
hands.
OF the several subjects more especially
demanding consideration at the present ses-
son-aside from the election of a United
Senator-will be the divorce and tramp
questions, both of which have become NUS
ances too grevious to be longer borne; the
listing laws imperatively demand re-adjust-
ment the food of special charters should
be effectively checked our savings banks
require additional safeguards ; the state
finances need intelligent and prudent con-
sideration; while the " fish and game law
will by no means be allowed peaceful con-
tinuance, Then, our insolvency laws,
state prison, insane asylum, reform school,
and new work house, with many other sub
jects of like Importance, will not fail to fur
nish abundant material for long, laborious
and profitable session.