The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1886-10-13

ana hoped by the Sangulne promoters OF III
will hardly be questioned by any. But,
that it has had, and now has the effect to
prevent, or at least to correct, the evil in
large measure, outside the centers of our
larger towns and villages, and to greatly
regulate and control it generally, fully be-
lieve. That the laws of the state on this
subject are in many places openly violated
and flagrantly disregarded is an open Sc
cret; and that in some instances-too nu-
merous to be contemplated without con-
cern-those upon whom has been ana Is I'M
posed the sworn duty of its faithful execu.
ton, are its volators, and are blind and
Indifferent to its violation by others, is also
but too well known. This is indeed u sad
commentary upon the law and subject un-
der consideration, and deinoralzing to the
citizens generally, as tending to lessen
proper regard, if not to create contempt for
all laws By some it is claimed that the
penalties provided for the violation of the
law are too severe by others that they are
not severe enough; by others that the adj
minstration and execution of the law is
lax; and by others, that the trouble lies in
the subject, and that the law does not have
the support and approval las prohibitory
ineasure) of the people. do not assume to
myself that degree of wisdom requisite to
solve these questions, or to point the way TO
a solution of them, further than to call your
attention and consideration to the distance,
the shifting, the maneuvering, the display
of ingenuity and the escapes between first
and second conviction under the law; and,
to say, if it is the sentiment of the people
at large, that this law, or the laws on this
subject should be treated and made to ope-
rate as a prohibitory law in fact as well as
in name, rather than to operate as license
law, the end desired would be much nearer
reached by so amending the law that the
penalty provided for a first conviction
should include short term of imprison-
ment as well as fine There is no occa-
sion for apology for calling your attention
to this subject at such leugth. Its para
mount Importance cannot be oVerstated;
and there is no subject about which the
thoughts of the people are so much exer-
cised, and upon which so much depends the
public veal or which will more demand
your attention and consideration during the
session. The treatment of this subject is
especially within your province, and any
proper legislation in the direction of curing
or abatng the evil of intemperance will
have my personal approval and official
sanction.
AGRICULTURE.
1t has well been said that upon this inter-
est all others largely depend. And, with
the fact before me that very large portion
of this presence have been lifelong students
in the school of practical husbandry, may,
/ assume, be justly excused from advising,
or even suggesting, what ought, or what
ought not to be done for the advancement
of this subject. While it is true, as to this
state at least, that upon this all other inter-
ests and industries largely depend, it is
as true, as general proposition, that what
ever tends to truly and permanently aid or
advance the one will have a prosperous eff
feet upon the Others And while the agri-
cultural interests of the state have many
and varied just demands upon you, by way
of providing and disseminating instruction
and information, by furnishing various aids
to progress and advancement, and by re-
moving and preventing the growth of OBJ
stacles and hindrances, all of which | trust
will be acceded to and provided for; yet the
greatest grievances can be redressed and
the heaviest burdens removed only by ma
tional legislation. And this applies to other
industries as well as to this, and naturally
suggests the propriety of a Legislative re-
minder and appeal to our congressional
delegates to strengthen their hands and in
crease or encourage their zeal in their eff
forts to secure relief through the enactment
of what is known as the interstate COM
merce bill, and in their resistance to the
further modification or repeal of the tariff
laws, by which several of the industries of
the state have already suffered severely,
and by which their existence is now jeop-
ardized. Although commented upon else
where, | desire here to call your atten-
ton to the report of the trustees of the
Stare Agricultural College, and especially
to the subject of providing for this depart
ment of the State University and expert
ment station. Such department properly
equipped and literally sustained would if
/ Judge correctly, meet and provide for a
want of long standing and of vital conse-
quence to the agricultural interests of the
state. The tillers of the soil of the East, in
their competitive race with those OF the
West in their efforts to live and thrive are
at great disadvantage in many respects
and may well call to their aid the service of
intelligent and scientific experiments. |
feel assured that you will find the report re-
ferred to of great interest.
BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.
The report OF the Board of Agriculture
has not come to my hand and therefore |
am unable to speak of its work. 1 am not
aware what, if any, legislation is desired or
desirable in the way of continuing the work
of the board, or of giving it greater eff
cheney. The importance of the matters it
has in charge, and is intended to promote,
is so vital that you cannot fail to give its
consideration prominent place. l ask
your careful attention to the suggestions of
Governor Pingree on this subject. His IA
miliarity with the doings of the board
during his term of office, and the manifest
interest he has in the subject made his re-
firing words of such value as to secure
from you that attention 1 have asked you
to give to it.
Impressed as / am that the propagation
and protection of fish is a subject of great
and growing Importance to the State, and
that it is an interest deserving and requir
ing legislative aid and protection, / conf.
IDENTIFY call your attention to it, trusting you
will give it such fostering care and oversight
as will best promote the public good.
HIGHWAYS.
This is subject of such general interes,
that l feel more than warranted in calling
your attention to it. The means provided
for maintaining and repairing the highways
of the state are liberal, and, if properly ex
pended, would undoubtedly be ample.
venture to say that greater abuses and
shortcomings have existed, been practiced
and in a measure submitted to in connee
ton with this department of public duty
than of any other. This was the natural
and perhaps unavoidable, result of the so
called labor tax practice-an easy way tC
pay or avoid payment of the tax, but
grossly inadequate in results The public
generally are to be congratulated that this
inadequate way of performing a public
duty has no longer the sanction of law.
am pleased to be able to say as result o.
observation, extended inquiry and com
mon report that the present condition o.
the highways throughout the state is, as &
whole, very satisfactory, except, as shown
by very general complaint, that the duty o.
erecting or constructing barriers or safe
guards at points and places of special dan
ger to travellers is very generally disre
garded, Should your understanding of tn,
matter be in accord with this alleged fact,
suggest the propriety of so amending thu
law in that respect as to impose liabilit,