Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-04-07
WHAT OUR NElGHBORS SAY
A Glance at VermOnt's First Legislature
One Hundred and Twcnty.Six
Years Ago.
Of ON the Windsor Journal)


the state of Vermont held its first session
In the meeting house in Windsor. and this
anniversary is worthy of more than pass
Ing notice. This important fact should
not be forgotten by the people of Windsor.
ut least. 1t is no small honor to be the
birthplace of state, the history CT which
has been so rich and important. The
declaration of Nermont's independence
had been made at Westminster, hut the
constitution had been formulated and
adopted by the convention which assem-
bed at Windsor on July 2. III, and the
name OF Vermont adopted. The centennial
Of that event was observed by large
md enthusiastic gathering in Windsor
July Z. 1877. The meeting house in which
this first Legislature assembled stood
southcriy of the "Old South" and part
of it has been Incorporated into the Epis-
ropal rcctory.
In pursuance of the provision of tho new
constitution, members of the general AS
temby had been elected by the several
towns, and the frcemon of the State had
cast their votes for a governor lieutenant
governor, treasurer and for Il council
prs. These representatives,. having as
sembled as above stated, formed them
selves into a House. and chose Joseph
Bowker as speaker. and Thomas Chandler
as clerk. Then they listened to n ser
mon by the Rev. Mr.. Powers founded on
Matt. 2SlS
election of Thomas Chittcnden of Willis
ton as the first governor of the free and
Independent state of Vermont was de-
clared, and he was inaugurated in due
form. No choice having been made by
the freemon of "A NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. or
treasurer, the House proceeded to elect
Joseph March of Hartford ieutcnant-gov-
ernor, and Ira Allen of Colchester as
treasurer. The votes for the T. councillors
were canvassed, and that body known as
the governor and council were organized,
but it is not known in what building they
held their sessions. This body was com
posed of the governor lieutenant-gover-
nor ami the Il councillors. Their pow ers
were presented by the constitution, and
they remained a constituent part of the
State government until the creation of the
Senate of 80 members.
The first general assembly remained in
session in Windsor until March 2e. and
then WAS adjourned to meet IT Bennington
ON the first Tuesday of June, 111S. The
general assembly ieassembled at Windsor.
oct. s. 1',S \ Journal of the proceed
inus of its members was entered upon its
records. and there was no full record
made in the journal nor in the office of
the secretary of State of its enactmcrts.
These laws were published in Il phamplct
form in the fall of 171S. but no copy is
known to exist Provisions were made by
B committee to furnish each town with Il
copy; hut this was no small task. mas
much as no printing press was in opera
hon in the new state
This general assembly had an important
task. They were in the midst of a war,
and were not recognized by Congress,
and were under the ban OF the state
of New Work and were vet casting their
LOT IN common WIN the 10 colohlcs III on-
position to Great Britain. These council
prs. representatives and State officials
were patriots Of the highest typo, fearless
.nu ni"'l'' nucnt, me sop VI men
Journal and tho journal of the council.
shese h'u,C"te .,at 'l'se 'ho" were u
They proceeded to enact such laws as
Eere essential tn an establishment Of a
free ana independent state Courts were
established Judges elected, four r"gi'
mcnts of militia provided Tor. and gem
fra officers elected. Bills were passed,
ia establish a listing law, to reEuiat" at
- tnrncys.. pIoSluiug ior raising tundS Tor
the common defense, To regulate town
meetings, relative to catching fish in
White river, and to provide punishment
for high trea 1.-Two acts were passed
las said act stands on Connecticut law
book ana the fees of the probate court
were established as three times as much
ms cS'apllsheu ny inc CONNECTICUT INV
tnmnornrv character
Let due honor he given TO the memory
ri Vermont
GOOD ADVICE FOR ROAD COMMITS
cIoNEPc
(From the Springfield RcpOrtcr)
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PURE WATER a DEMAND.
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we are pleased to learn mat Governor
In investigate the, impure condition of tn,
water Ill Lax 'h"ihl''al',' W" "o" III
tenn 10 d"N'''iSc t''t' Wv Vail 10 :,
present udheeI"uS' uu' we "" ""l' :" -"
Nocalc tu'l 't'c piuPcl In ~ "N"'
inns cohuitol Is ~ NAM" II. I'M ia
also artiN'u ~ NV ''s"'e ''o VIZ
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III 10 ~ ~ i'f'NH'
Rlltldnd 81