Year: 1862




in order would be the consideration of the Res
outIon offered by me, at our first session and
which is as follows, viz;


RsSOired, That this Council of CensorS
will limit It's action in proposed alterations of
the constitution TO the following changes, to
wit


!. To II proposition To abolish the Council
of Censors, and provide some more expeditions
and economical way by which changes in the
organic law may be accomplished when neces-
sary


,. To proposition for biennial sessions of
| the Legislature and the necessary changes of
| the constitution 10 harmOnize with such altera-
| tons.


In presenting TO the Council my views upon
| the resolution, have desired to occupy as lit
| tie time AS possible and have therefore con
densed into somewhat limited compass the
facts, figures and arguments which may be
| brought to the support of the Resolution have
offered.


Considered as a whole the resolution know
prescribe metes es and bounds and limits toour
action, which, on its face may appear to be ar
bitrary and unnecessary; but ! beg to assure
gentlemen with whom | am associated, that !
offer it with the utmost Difference, considera-
ton and respect for the individual views and
feelings which each may have or entertain.
Nor do | desire in its adoption to cramp or
| limit or curb discussion. On the contrary, its
intention is to call forth from the different To-
calities in our State a free and full expression
| of the people through their chosen representa-
! tives in this body. If my resolution shall be
deemed unwise or inexpedient, and shall be
| rejected, | shall bow to your decision as an
expression of your wisdom. If on the contra
ry it shall be adopted, shall look upon it as a
coincidence in the views of the Council, which
will give the most decisive promise of short
session and an early return TO our homes and
| ayocatIons.


am aware that in different sections of our
| State, and in the columns Of influential Jour
mails IN different localities, the opinion has
been expressed and urged, that although our
constitution did need amendment in some par
ticulars-athough changes might be made that
were desirable, and which under other circum-
stances would be called for and demanded from
the Council of Censors still our organic law
was not on the whole a bad one-we had lived
and prospered under it for years, and that the
old adage that we should "let we'll enough
alonen ought in these hours of national distrac-
ton and peril, to apply to our action.
| The conclusion of this course of argument as
applied TO our action has been an invitation, or
recommendation from different sources, that,
after having met in pursuance of law, and per-
fected our organization, we should unite in an
address TO the people, setting forth our action,
and adjourn without recommending any
changes of the constitution, and of conrse with
out calling a State Convention to consider
amendments or alterations. All such opinions
and the expression of all such views of public
policy come from a source and arise from, and
are prompted by motives of the most elevated
character.


Coming as they do from the people, the
source of all power, and the very heart of all
sovereignty, they are entitled to to our highest
consideration and respect. There is always
safety-there was never less than security,
| where public men listened to the whispers OF
the masses as expressed around the fresides
and hearthatones of the people. | take it, sir,
also that the journalist who hears this still
small voice, and through the Ipress reflects its
sentiments, holds in his hands the lever which
must move our Legislators in the right direc-
ton in the discharge of their trusts.


| The stability, dignity and perpetuity of our
| Government and country are guaranteed by
the great foundation principle of popular
government-the absolute sovereignty of the
people, And so long as this sovereignty is re-
spected; so long as its influences are known
and headed, and the beatings of its great heart
felt and realized by its servants, we can rest
assured that our honor will be preserved, our
existence defended, the rights of the States
protected, and the happiness and prosperity OF
all classes secured. ..


do not of course intend to state the whole
case, nor have time to give the whole argu-
ment of those who would have US do nothing
but adjourn. / merely state the main fact OF
the distraction and peril of our country which
is urged upon us, as an inappropriate time to
undertake to better our Constitution.


While portion of our people are urging
upon US the policy and propriety of inaction
land | yield to them the utmost sincerity J, an
other portion, equally honest and intelligent,
have felt that something ought to be done by
us, and for the very reasons that have been
cited upon the other side why we should do
nothing Between these conflicting conclu-
sions of course there is wide difference. What
is remarkable about it is, that while both agree
III tneil pfeHteSeS, III tuelT tyeftHCtS lfley are
as far asunder as the poles. Both base their
conclusions upon what they deem to be egpe-
dieat, and the difference of opinion arises from
| the want of harmony in their views of expe-
diency.


Il As the representatives of the people of Yer
mont, we have assembled here for a special
purpose. Our duties are made plain by the
very instrument which is intended to be sub
mitted to our criticism and review:


In order that the freedom of the Commonwealth
be preserved nvioate forever there shall be chos
by bollot by the freemen Of this State on the las
} Wednesday in March, in the year of our Lord one
thousand hundred and ninety -nine and on tn,
last Wednesday in March in every years thereaf
thirteen persons, who shall be chosen in the sam,
manner the Council is chosen except they shall not h,
out of the Council General Assembly, TO be caec
the Caufc Of Censors who shall meet together tn,
first Wednesday Of Juue next ensuing their election
the majority of whom shall be quorum in every case
except as to calling Convention in which two-third
OF the whole number elected shall agree and who's
duty 1t shall be 10 inquire whether the Constitution ha
been preserved nvolate in every part during the las
septenary Qncluding the year of their service)
| whether the Legislative and Executive branches o
Government have performed their duty as guardian
Il ad IN