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

| uudnCe, anu IcCOlltneuuo tiidI tilo law
limiting and restricting the investment
of deposits be so amended as to meet
the recommendations of the inspector.
The subject of education is discussed
at length. The opinion is expressed
that the colleges and higher schools of
learning compare favorably with like
institutions elsewhere, but Governor
Ormsbee finds that the common schools
are far below the standard they should
occupy. He thinks the trouble mainly
lies in the great number of small
schools-there being one hundred three
schools in the state with not over six
scholars each and four hundred seventy
having more than six and less than
twelve. Notwithstanding the adverse
expression of the majority of towns, it
is his earnest conviction that "ade-
quate and lasting relief can come only
by an adoption of the town system, or
some other system by which the same
end can be accomplished or arrived at"
The condition and management of
the penal and reformatory institutions
of the state and the insane asylum are
regarded as generally satisfactory, and
the suggestions of the officials in charge
of them are generally endorsed. Brief
reference is made to the state library
annex and the need of making pro-
vision for properly furnishing the
building.
Governor Ormsbee's discussion of the
subjects of prohibition and intemper-
ance will attract general attention.
Prohibition has become the well settled
policy of the state, but it appears that
the law fails to accomplish all that was
expected and hoped. If it is the sem
timent of the people at large that this
law should be treated and made to
operate as prohibitory law in fact as
fact as well as in name, rather than to
operate as license law" the governor
thinks that 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 Imprisonment as well as fine"
In reference to the promotion of the
agricultural interests of the state, while
it is suggested that something can be
done by state legislation, yet "the
greatest grievances can be redressed
and the heaviest burdens removed only
by national legislation;" and this ap-
plies to other industries as well. So
far as he is aware, no legislation is de-
sired in the way of giving the Board of
Agriculture greater efficiency. The sub
iect of the fisheries is commended as of
particular importance. The governor
devotes some attention to the subject
of highways, and suggests the propriety
of imposing a liability for damages upon
towns which neglect to construct bar
riers or safeguards at points and places
of special danger to travellers. What
the governor says in regard to the work
ings of the much-discussed act of two
years ago, deserves special considera-
ton. Legislative aid is advised in
keeping up the efficiency of the militia;
and the needs and requirements of the
State Agricultural College are COM
mended to the attention of the legis-
lature.
Concerning railroad matters, Gov
ernor Ormsbee takes conservative and
iudicious ground. While it is evident
that he does not believe that railroads
should be treated with more considera-
ton than other important interests of
the state, yet he would have them
dealt with fairly and Justly. 1t will be
seen that he makes no concessions to
the ultra views of demagogues on this
question, but advocates such needful
and practical measures as will promote
the public good.
In conclusion, the message advises
further legislation in regard to the trus-
tee process; aid for the erection of
suitable monument at Gettysburg, to
commemorate the valor of Vermont
troops; endorses the suggestion of Gov
ernor Pingree in reference to fastening
the erection of the Bennington battle
monument; and gives timely counsel
to our legislators in regard to the evils
of frequent adjournments and crude
legislation-that while avoiding undue
haste and incomplete deliberaton they
should perform their work with all rea-
sonable despatch.
The Free Press is not happy over the
suggestion of republican legislative