The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1912-10-04
GOVERNOR TAKES
OATH IN JOINT
ASSEMBLY
Lieutenant Governor Also In
Quoted Into Office
BOTH SPEAK BRIEFL Y
Chief Executive Advocates Careful
Rather Than Hurried
Legislation.

Nontnelier. Oct. 3.-Allen NJ Fetch
er of Cavendish is governor of the
state of Vermont He took the oath
of Office this afternoon in the presence
of a Joint assembly of the Legislature
held in representatives hall. Besides
the senators and representatives, who
occupied the main floor there was a
large assemblage of spectators In the
gallery. The proceedings were I'M
pressiVe.
When the hour arrived for the in
auguration of Allen NJ Fletcher to ad-
minister the affairs of state for the
ensuing two years, the big assemblage
chamber was crowded in every part.
Lieut.. Gov Leighton p. Slack of st.
Johnsbury, pending the swearing In
of Frank Z. Howe of Bennington as
lieutenant governor, was the presid-
ing officer of the general assemblage.
Senator Blanchard of Windsor, Gov.
Fletcher's county, Senator McCuen OF
Vergennes and Representatives Gage
of Weathersfeld, Orvis of Manches-
ter aud Mcdonald of Burke were APP
pointed a committee to escort the gov
ernor-elect to the speakers desk
AS the committee entered with The
governor-elect the presiding officers
gavel called all to their feet. In the
presence of the standing assemblage
Judge Rowell recited the solemn pied
ges of the governors oath, Mr.,Flet-
cher, with appraised hand repeating
them and ending with the admration,
so help me, God!"
The oath taken and duly subscrib-
ed to Gov. Fletcher proceeded to de-
liver his inaugural address. II was
almost impromptu because of circum-
stances attending the election; but
it was as incisive as it was concise.
Gov Fletcher said in part
Mr.. President and gentlemen of
the General Assembly,
Il will at this time briefly submit
TO you certain suggestions that may
possibly be of service to you in your
present deliberations; and | will at
some convenient future time commu-
nicate with you more at length"
ITO my mind, gentlemen, the para
mount issue in the state of Vermont
at this time, and the most serious
matter that you have to come before
you, and to consider is intelligent
legislation to the end of the invest
ments of Vermont money in the state
of Vermont; and by intelligent legis-
lation, mean such legislation as will
not interfere with our present general
system of taxation. but which will
give the relief desired without dis
turbing a condition which exists in
this state. and which, permit me TO
say, differs radically from any other
state in our broad land
81 wish ~ speak to you for mo-
ment relative to our court procedure
and our judiciary in this state. Some
six years ago a radical change was
adopted II was understood in so do
ing that we would economic and save
money. and that We would simplify
and expedite litigation. | think we
have accomplished something in ex-
pediting litigation, but | do not think,
gentlemen, that we have accomplish
ed that which we should, when you
take into consideration the increase
in the cost to the state OF Vermont
for the same. and ! wish to call your
serious consideration to that matter
Then ! would suggest, il ! may,
that in your municipal court proce-
dure IL in your jury trials a full jury
of II men were given and there was
no appeal from a judgment of fact
you would accomplish results: you
would simplify and expedite.
would like to call your attention
to the question of conservation of wa
ter power in this state | believe
gentlemen, the time has arrived in
Vermont when principle Of state
policy should be laid down in effect
thus: mo charters hereafter should
be granted carrying with them the
right of eminent domain, which do not
place the corporation within the con
troll of the public service commission
with the power to lay down such rules
and regulations as would give the peo
pie of Vermont the first right to the
use of that power, subject to fair and
suitable conditions.
Il should like to say this: IL is q
season when you hear from various
sources that the interests of the state
will be advanced by your early ad
journment and working hard and 60
ing home. You will also hear from
various sources that there is not suf
ficient money to reach certain ends
That's all very well, gentlemen that's
good state policy, but to my mind, the
only limitation you should know II
\ this: Is II for the interest Of tbs
state and is the state to get value re
ceived?
TN conclusion at this time, permit
me TO say that think this is my sixth
term up here. II the experience thsf
have gained during that time can b,
Of any service to you personally. gen
tlemen, wish you would command Il
/ should be glad to meet you all m