The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1890-10-04
Governor Dillinsham'S Message.

my valedlctory message to conhne myself TO
discussion of the operation of such past legis-
lation as bade fair to be of unusual importance
to the state was somewhat experimental in its
character, and whose workings | have watched
with warm interest and had opportunity to
Judge. | shall. however. omit any reference
to the Vermont State Asylum for the Insane.
now in process of construction at W aterbury,
for the reason that by the terms OF the act
authorizing its erection was made, er-9ttcio,
a member of the Board OF Trustees. and hav-
ing acted with them and joined in their report
to this honorable body. ! prefer that my sue
cessor shall speak of the institution and its
needs as thev'represent themselves to his iudg-
ment.
AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE FUND.
have recently received a communication
from Hon. John W. Noble, Secretary OF the
Interior calling my attention to an act OF
congress, approved August 30, lSO, entitled
" An act to apply portion of the pro-
ceeds of the public lands to the more
complete endowment and support OF the col
leges for the benefit of Agriculture and the
Mechanic Arts. established under the pro-
visions of an act of congress- approved July I'd,
1867"
1t appears by the repoit upon the same, made
bv the Commissioner of Education. that though
passed and approved subsequent to the close of
the fiscal year l69O, the act appropriates to
each state complying with certain conditions
the sum of $1,000 for the year ending June
30 1880. and increased amounts for each sub
to be applied to support in each state and terri
tory of one College of Agriculture and the
Mechanic Arts, provided no distinction OF race
or color is made in the admission of students
thereto, and the First Comptroller of the
Treasury has decided that the insalment of
the fiscal year 1880 and that also for 1891
now due and payable to each state that is en-
titled to receive the same which installments
amount to S3l 900.
Inasmuch as Vermont. through its legisla-
t,,pa ta1 tha tapr1 pf he pf
and has since maintained College of Agricul-
ture and the Mechanic Arts which has received
the benefits of said act, and the state is there
fore entitled to the appropriations made under
the act of 1880, | have, in response to the re-
quest of the Secretary of the Interior. fur
nished him with copy of the charter of the
Vermont University and State Agricultural
College. with the rules and regulations of said
institution. both certified by the Secretary of
State. and have furnished him written evil
dence that there is distinction of race or
color in the admission of students thereto recog-
nized or made in the state law or i'll the regula-
tions or practice of the institution.
Inasmuch as said act provides " that pay
ment of such instaments of the appropriation
as shall become due to any state before the
adjournment of a regular session OF the
legislature meeting next after the passage
of this act shall be made upon the assent of the
governor thereof duly certified to the secre-
taIy of the treasury. | have communicated to
the department information that there has been
no regular session since the approval of said
act, and, as authorized by the act referred to,
| have assented in behalf of the state to the
purposes of said grants.
Since the transmission of said papers | have
received no communication from the secretary
and can not of course say whether the same
will be received as completed proofs of the
right of Vermont to the payment OF the in
stallments due. but | have no reason to
doubt that they will be paid to the treasurer of
the state at no, distant day. In the event OF
further legislation upon this subject these
instalments of said appropriations, and those
to follow in the future, will undoubtedly go to
the University of Vermont and State Agrlcu-
tural College under the provisions of its char
ter pom the question OF the right OF the
legislature to adopt measures for the diversion
of appropriation into other channels | express
no opinion; but, inasmuch respectable
number OF gentlemen, prominent IN agrcul-
tural circles, have indicated to me their pur-
pose to ask for the establishment of a separate
and distinct institution for instruction in agri-
culture and the mechanic arts, to be supported
by such appropriation, | have deemed ii my duty
at the opening of the session to call attention to
the probable early receipt OF the first two IN
stallments as before mentioned, that such ac-
ton may be taken in the premises as, in your
Judgment is deemed legitimate and wise
THE WORK OF THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRI-
CULTURAL AND MANUFACTURE
ING INTERESTS.
When the legislature of 1883 assembled
there was. as now, well-settled conviction
that the resources of Vermont, both a man
ufactunng and agricultural state too
little known to the world. and that means
should be devised to advertise the advantages
which the state offers to those seeking to make
new homes. Legislative thought finally took
form in No. 10 of the laws of 1SSS, entitled
An act providing for the appointment of n
commissioner TO investigate the agricultural
and manufacturing interests of the state, and
devise means to develop the same" Realiz-
ing the importance of selecting for the posi-
ton OF commissioners "A man OF sound Judgment,
experienced in business, of good general in
formation, | finally selected Hon A. b. Val
entine of Bennington, and after consldera bic
importantly induced him to accept the Posi-
tion. In the discharge of these duties he has
known no rest, and in Il pernsal OF his report
may be seen the evidence of his great industry
his good faith, and an honest purpose to ac-
complish something for the good OF the state
If he has failed to collect the statistical in
formation in regard to agricultural Interests
and productions of the state al therein pro
vided, it must be remembered that he has
faithfully employed the only machinery for the
collection of such statistics that provided
by law, and the fault therefore can not res
upon him.
His report, emLodyng the result of his owl
observation and stud is exceedingly valuable
and well calculated to arouse thought on tn,
part of those most interested i'll the states wei
fare and commend it to your careful con
sderation.
SWEDISH COLONIZATION.
You will observe that "a considerable portion
of his report pertains to the scheme maug
urated to induce the best class OF Swedish
emigrants to come to Vermont and settle upol
what are known as unoccupied or abandoned
farms, and you will read the same with liyel!
interest.
The question he presents to your considera
ton relates 10 the continuance or abandonment
of the experiment already inaugurated, bu
not yet fully solved, to induce good class O
emigrants TO purchase lands and make home
in our midst, thus ministering to the wealtl
and prosperity of our state. In considering tn
question it will be well to remember that for
good many years there has been constant de
probation in farm values. In every section o
md IN oil nf th .l.Il