Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1892-10-13
PAGES FAREWELL.
REVIEW OF THE WORK OF THE PAST
TWO YEARS.

Ways-SCme improvements Suggested
.Sug estiOn for the Passage ofa Weekly
Payment Bill Corporation Tax LAWN,
or. sssi Prosperity in tn. state-The Mes
ssge In Pull.
Gentlemen Of the Senate and House Of
Representatives.
The constitution of our state has wisely
made it the duty of the governor to prepare
and lay before you such matters Us seem to
him to demand your consideration.
Whether the retiring governor should so
far trespass upon the prerogatives of the gov
ernor-eect rs to attempt to mark out your
course Of action is a debatable question. The
administration of public affairs for the next
biennial period is his administration; its sue
cess or failure, its popularity or unpopuarity
depends in no small degree upon his advice
and his recommendations.
Prior to 1876 retiring messages in Vermont
were not common, but, inaugurated by Gov.
Fairbanks and continued by Gov. Proctor
and his worthy successors, the custom has
come to be honored to such an extent that
do not feel that may properly depart from
it. But in what l have to say | shall contine
myself to a few of the more important mat
tiers suggested by events transporting during
the two years of my administration.
The governor-elect has, during the past
month, made the examination of our several
state institutions his special work and will
make such suggestions with reference thereto
rs he deems advisable and deem it only an
act of courtesy to him to omit any recommen-
datiOns concerning these institutions. You
will have before you the reports Of the heads
of the several departments, which, with such
special recommendations as the incoming
governor may offer, will serve to guide YOU
in such legislative action as you will be called
upon to take.
1t is, however, but Just to the officials with
whom have been associated during the past
two years to say, in passing, that our rela-
tions have always been the peasantest and
recall no single instance of remssnes, or de-
reelection In duty. If anything has occurred
in any department which in any way reflects
discredit upon the state it has not come to my
notice.
An examination Of the various official re-
ports will show, believe, that, with hardly
an exception, the different institutions of the
state have been conducted upon basis of re-
duced expenditure and that, too, without in
the slightest degree impairing the efficiency
OF the service.
The school law of 1890 was the result of a
compromise between widely differing factions
which, during the last moments of the ses-
sion, brought forth piece of patchwork so
ambiguous that | felt compelled to call upon
the supreme court 70 say WnaL tue lslatuTe
did and did not design to enact. You will
doubtless be called upon to rectify such of its
provisions as two years experience has dem
Onstrated to be unwise, unless, as some of
the best educators of our state insist should
be done, you conclude to start from the bot
tom and build new system based upon the
idea, fast being adopted by our sister states,
that the only true plan is that predicated up
on town rather than district supervision.
The general trend of thought in all adj
vanced educational work seems to favor the
town system of schools and believe that the
time is not far distant when it will be adopted
In Vermont. Although involving greater
outlay, it certainly means better teachers and
better schools.
especially urge that this is the most i'm
portant of all topics which will come before
you for consideration. Early in the session
it should be placed in the hands of commit
tees made up of the abest and strongest of
your respective bodies, to the end that hasty
legislation thereon be avoided and the best
possible results reached. With foreign ee-
ment pouring In upon us at the rate of 500-
600 per year, the safety of our institutions
will be endangered unless that eeme mt can
be assimilated. Patriotic men everywhere
are looking upon this great subject with
alarm. This heterogeneous mass can only be
made homogeneous by education, and, unless
we are willing to make great sacrifices in
order that the second generation may by
education become imbued with the spirit of
republican institutions, the time is not far
distant when we shall be compelled either to
maintain standing army to suppress anarchy
or to close our doors to the emgrants of the
world.
You will have before you the report Of the
superintendent Of education. 1t contains the
results of the experience not only of the
superintendent himself, but also of the county
supervisors Of the state.
Deaf and Dumb. Blind and Feeble Minded.
md bo >f III g.,
made commissioner Of the deaf and dumb,
the blind and the feeble-minded. The appro-
priatiOn for these beneficiares is $11 900 an
nualIy and although every application in be-
half OF deserving children has been granted
the total annual expense comes within
$4,000.
Refundins of Direct Tax.
One Of the most important acts of the 5lst
Congress was the passage of a law refunding
the direct tax collected of the states to supply
the pressing necessities of the national gov
eminent in the war of the rebellion.
Under this act Vermont was entitled to
$179 ,407.S0 and on the Goth day of August
1891, the legislature, having been convened
for the purpose, complied with the require
ments of the act Of Congress by passing an
act authorizing the acceptance of this sum in
full settlement Of Vermont's claim This
sum was paid to the state In due course and
has been used as provided by law in paying
current state expenses.
The adjustment of this matter involved the
prior consideration of large claim for arms
furnished to Vermont at the time of what is
known as the st. Adams raid. That matter
is still unadjusted, but there would seem to
be little doubt that in due time justice will be
done our state and this charge wiped out on
the books of the department. Vermont has
already placed herself in an honorable position
with reference to this claim by providing for
acOmmissiOn to act in conjunction with a
commission to be appointed by the national
congress to adjust the whole matter. should
come short Of my duty were l to omit to
accord large measure of credit for the favor
able outcome Of this matter to E. Henry
Powell, who, as state auditor, gave TO its ad-
iustment large amount of patient, painstak-
ing labor.
Weekly Payments.
In my inaugural message, l urged the pas
sage of law compelling corporations and
individuals employing help in large numbers
to pay their employees weekly. l again urge
upon your attention the ACCESSIBILITY Of the
enactment of such a statute.