Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-10-11
Prom Montpelier.
MONTPELIER, Oct. 5, 1873

MONTPELIER, Oct. j, 1878.
To the Editor Of the Free Press and Times.
The Governors reception, last evening,
was one of the most elegant parties ever Civ
en- at the State Capital. The large and
handsome parlors of the Pavilion, and the
adjoining halls, were thrown open and were
beautifully decorated with flowers. The
chandeliers and columns were wreathed with
the graceful smilax, elaborate floral decora-
tions, several of which showed the excellent
taste Of Mr.. j. V. Babcock, OF this village,
were disposed where they showed to the
most advantage, and with the brilliant tints
of the flowers and the bright greens of the
ferns were mingled the rich hues Of Autumn
leaves. The larger part Of the flowers shown
in such profusion came from the Governors
gardens in St. Johnsbury, supplemented by
supplies from Boston and from Montpelier.
Gov. Fairbanks and his estimable wife re-
ceived their guests, and Gov. Proctor and
Mrs Proctor received with them. This en-
sbled the retiring Governor to present to his
successor the members of the Legislature and
his other guests, and was a most thoughtful
and appropriate courtesy from the old to the
new Executive. Hon. George Nichols, Sec
retary of State, and Colonels Hastings and
7. S. Peck, of the Governors staff. assisted
in the presentation of guests. Several young
gentlemen of Montpelier acted as ushers.
An elegant entertainment was provided in
the large dining hall, which was
also elaborately and tastefully decorated
with flowers. The rooms were thronged
with the Senators and Representatives, some
of whom were accompanied by their wives
mos, of the State officials whose duties call
them to the Capital at this time, and large
number Of prominent gentlemen of the State.
and of citizens of Montpelier and other
towns. of both sexes. The Montpelier band
was in attendance in one OF the outside
balconies, which were hung with Chinese
lanterns. All the arrangements were of the
most ample, generous and tasteful kind, and
the occasion passed off most successfully.
and brought the excellent Administration Of
Gov. Fairbanks to graceful and pleasant
close
Governor Proctor took the oath of Office,
administered by Judge 7. P. Redfeld of the
Supreme Court, and delivered his message,
this afternoon, to full Joint Assembly and
a numerous audience oil ladies and gentlemen.
The straightforward statements and strong
points of tn. message had appropriate pre-
sentation from the Governors full voice and
distinct reading, and were listened to with
unusual interest. That it is a good plan for
the Governor, if he be good reader, to de-
liver his message, rather than to entrust it
to the Clerk Of the Joint Assembly, cannot
be doubted.
The President of the Senate has appoint
ed as legislative reporter in that body,
Robert Roberts, E,q., Of your city, who has
had experience in the duties and will fiji the
office with excellent capacity. The reporters
for the House are not yet named. The
clerk of the House has probably found it
difficult to sllot the two or three assistant
clerkships in his gift among the thirty or
forty applicants fer places under him. and
has not vet announced his assistants
Yours