St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1916-08-30
In JOINT ASSEMBLY

On motion of Senator Locklin OF
Franklin, the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ap-
pointed committee of five consisting
of Senators Locklin of Franklin and
Hinsman of Rutland, and Representa-
tives Foster of Calais, Moore of Lud-
low and jackson of Jericho, to wait
on the governor and escort him into
the presence of the joint assembly.
The presentation of the governor to
the joint assembly by the lieutenant
governor was the signal for hearty ap-
plause.
The Governors Message
In his message Governor Gates said
in part:
I'VE have come together for reasons
known to you and for a cause which
appeals to your patriotism and man
hood. But in order that you may
more clearly comprehend and under
stand the true situation of our troops
and their dependents, I think it best
at this time to call your attention to
a few facts.
"As soon as the president called for
troops Vermont responded with old
time alacrity and patriotism. Adju-
tant General Tillotson says in speak
ing of our troops, They responded
promptly to the call, they were the
first troops to arrive at the border and
the first to be given responsible duty.
in the district in which they are sta
ton; in fact, they are the only Ma
tfonal guard troops at that point
which have, as yet, been put on actual
border patrol work. All reports show
that the Vermont regiment is recog-
nized as an efficient organization.
This condition is due entirely to the
character and efforts of the officers
and men of the regiment, and they de-
serve the practical as we'll as the NOR
al support of the state Col. Reeves
writes Vermont has sent a splendid
body of men to the front They are
well behaved. loyal and patriotic, and
the officers are proud of them. They
have created a splendid impression
here because of their good conduct
and soldier qualities
Gov. Gates in his message continued
to tell of the call for the troops, their
prompt response, the necessity of de-
lay in action by legislature because of
the uncertainty as to what steps the
federal government would take along
the same lines, the deservedness of
practical as well as moral support and
concluded as follows:
There are several plans upon which
we can work, and the question OF
which is the best to suit our present
condition I leave for your considera-
ton and good judgment. 1 believe
we should provide for the payment of
ten dollars per month for each en-
listed man who now is or who may be
enrolled in our National guard for SER
vice on the Mexican border, or such
other military service as the presi-
dent may demand in addition to the
regular federal pay, and that it be
limited in its operation to the period
between the date when the National
guard entered the federal service
(June 10, 1870 and the converting of
the next regular session of the legis-
lature, by which date the situation
may be cleared up so that further
action will not be necessary.
81 believe in addition to the above
we should provide for the families and
l recommend your very careful con-
sideration of plans worked out by the
committee above mentioned.
Having called to your attention the
business for which we are convened
the consideration of these important
matters is in your hands, and may
your action be commensurate with the