Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-02-26

dition to adopt the most efficient possible
organization of its own. Contending, in
Justification Of the course she was pursu-
ing, that she had the same right to assume
the powers of selfgovernment which was
possessed by the continental congress,
and that every consideration that could
justify the proceedings of that body might
be urged us 4 reason why she should en-
brace the present opportunity to throw of
a hated tyranny, and eilectually to secure
themselves against the oppression under
which. they had so long suffered. Vermont
steps boldly forth into the arena of states,
and plants herself squarely on the immu-
table principles of equal rights; and, on
these grounds, demands recognition and
respect as II new and Independent com
monwealth. Happy was it, says an
other, " for the new state that these meas
ures, so wise and so judicious in them
selves, were adopted and supported with
that lirmness and temperance which were
alone adequate TO secure happy result"
Fully persuaded that their independence
must now be supported with the same
lirmnesS and spirit with which it had been
declared, Vermont at once addressed her
self to the task of forming II constitution.
Meeting by adjournment ut Windsor, on
the first Wednesday of June, the same
convention which had declared the indie
pendence of Vermont, appointed Il com
mittee 10 make draft of Il constitution
for the state. They also adopted resolu-
ton recommending that the several towns
| appoint delegates to meet in convention at
Windsor, on the 2d day of July following,
for the purpose Of discussing and adopt
ing said constitution. In compliance with
this resolution the convention assembled
at Windsor, on the Cd day of July and a
draft of Il constitution was read, and after
due dolberation, adopted Having APP
pointed committee of safety to act
during their recess; and having ordered
| that the first election under the constitu-
tion should take place in December, 1777,
and that the delegates then elected should
meet at Bennington in January following,
the convention adjourned. Public attcn-
ton, however, having been so much en-
crossed by the advance of Burgoyne as
to prevent the election taking place at
the time appointed the convention was
again called together at Windsor by the
council of safety, on the 95th of De-
cember, when they revised the consttu-
ton, and postponed the day of election to
The first Tuesday of March, 1873, and the
meeting Of the assembly to the second
Thursday of the same month";
The legislature Of Vermont met for the
, first time on the 18th of March, I77S, at
Windsor, and the same day petition was
presented from sixteen towns on the east
side of Connecticut river, praying to be
admitted to u union with Vermont.
Hitherto the New Hampshire grants had
embraced simply what at present consti.
tutes the territory of Vermont, nor had the
young state the least ambition to extend
its domain. These petitioners, meantime,
represented that their territory had hilh-
erto been held in subsection to New Hamp-
shire solely By force of the royal commits
sions that hence, when, in consequence
Of the declaration Of independence, the
royal authority ceased in the colonies, their
allegiance to New Hampshire ceased, and
they were left to form separate govern
ment, or to unite with such neighboring
government as would consent to the union.
The legislature was seriously embarrassed
by this application. Many regarded the
contemplated union dangerous measure,
us likely to ombroil the state in difficulties
with New Hampshire. The legislature
was disposed to reject the application
but, after considerable delibcration it was
finally voted, March Is, 177S, to refer the
decision of the question TO the people.
Upon the re-aSscmbing Of the adjourned
legislature on the 4th of June, ut Ben
nington, it appeared that II majority of the
towns were in favor Of the union with the
sixteen towns from New Hampshire, and
June II, it was voted that the union take
place. Meantime, us WAS by many antici
pated, New Hampshire, justly incensed at
these proceedings, uttered loud complaints
and appealed to congress to interfere or
her behalf; while II rcmonstrance wa,
also addressed to Gov. Chittenden, urging
him to exert his influence with the legisla
ture of Vermont to dissolve connection
; which would probably ondanger theii
peace, il not, indeed, also their politica
existence.
Fully sensible. upon reflection, of The
impolicy, as we'll us injustice Of aiding il
the dismembermcnt Of New Hampshire
and quickened somewhat in the discharg
of duty by the earnest and positive re
: monstrance of congress, us we'll as of thei
sister state, the people of Vermont wer
wise enough to embrace the first oppor
/ tunity to retrace their steps in this regard
= and dissolve n connection hat thus threat
i cned their ruin.
: Events, however, were about to trans
e pire calculated to rouse the slumbern.
energies of this young lion, and to insti
t gate him learlessly TO dare all the state
g combined
Reference has already been made to tn,
J. troubles Of Vermont in consequence O
y the company of thieves into whose hand
'e she had the i'll lfortune to fall in the hou
J. Of her EXTREMIST need. Irritated by tn
V course pursued by New York, and subse
" quentIy by New Hampshire, in substan
g. tating their claims to her territory; an
J." worse than wounded, cXasperated, by tn
humiliating treatment which her agents
J and her appeals had received at the hand
n of congress. Vermont at length resolve
J. upon n policy which would enable her t