Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1888-10-11
THE MESSAGES.

the voters of the state. Gov. Orms-
bees message is sort of valedictory
that he is not obliged to give but which
custom leads the public to expect. He
| tells what he has done during his adj
ministration of state affairs, but does
not tender much advice to his successor.
His observations upon matters and es-
pecially upon the institutions OF the
state have their value as coming from
a man who has been placed in posi-
tion to watch public sentiment and note
public demands. Mr.. Ormsbee may
not be brilliant man, but he is clear
headed and possesses good measure
Of common sense. We have heard no
fault found with the appointments he
has made under special legislative acts,
and we believe he has carried out legis-
latiye directions in satisfactory man
ner. He states that he has visited the
Institutions, except one or two, where
our benefciaries are provided for and
finds things satisfactory. In regard to
savings banks, he thinks that if the
present policy is to be pursued by them
some legislation is needed to protect
the interests of poor depositors for whom
they were designed or compel the large
accumulations of the wealthy to bear
share of the public burdens. He ex-
presses great interest and some solicit
ude regarding the matter of education.
He recognizes the fact that our school
system is not good one, that the pres
ent condition of many of our schools is
deplorable. While in the villages and
wealthy districts the schools may be do
ing well. in the back districts they are
growing poorer. Under a special act
he appointed school commission to
report TO the present session, and this
report is now before the legislature
The report consists of new bill with
an explanation thereof and reasons for
it. AT his suggestion the
did more than the act Gre
,ting it required, but if there is any =
blame in consequence he takes it upon
himself. He approves Of the bill, as a
whole, which the commission presents.
Under joint resolution of the last leg !
stature a committee was appointed to
INQUIRE into the system of Normal |
chool instruction. This committee
las reported, and the state of education :
equires that the recommendations of ,
his committee be carefully considered,
md that there be such legislation as
hall make these schools efficient aids
n the Improvement of our educational |
ystem. He thinks there is healthy
sentiment on the temperance question,
md yet liquor is illegally sold in large
Quantities, and there is much crime in l
There is need of vigil
lnce in the direction Of safeguards to
,ublic morality. He touches upon the |
abroad commission and suggests such !
egislation as shall strengthen it and |
ring il into accord with the national |
The National Guard has |
,een supplied with new arms and equip |
nents as provided for by an act of the L
asst legislature. The Gettysburgmon- c
ment, Vermont's contribution to that J
historic field, is not yet completed but I
he work is progressing satisfactorily. ?
lie calls attention to Col. Hills gift to r
he state of battle monuments erected q
y him at Opequan and Cedar Greek, b
'irginia, and asks that there be suita- P
lie recognition of the gift. He treats lt
I the matter of the criminal and con-
let insane, also our penal an1 re- d
,rmatory institutions. He has been e
cry iudicious in the granting of par Ia
Ons. He has carried out the will of II
lie last legislature inthe matter of pro- e
ding a pedestal for the statue of Ja- Il
ID Collamer at the National Capitol. tt
acancies upon the Supreme Bench oi
ave been filled. In relation to the e'
aims of the United STATES against Vt. &c
iough they have not yet been adjusted e'
Iere is no cause for alarm. He touch SC
upon agriculture, the state board, ex-
sriment station. cattle commission, etc. sc