Year: 1860

IN THE SENATE, JUNE 9TH. THE BILL. RELATING TO DISEASES AMONG CATTLE BEING ulDER CONSIDERATION.

 Mr. President If my own sentiments with regard to the subject now under consideration are an index of those which other gentlemen entertain it is not too much to say that it is one of the most important-indced he most important, in view of the interests involved which has hitherto engaged our attention. will not say that the alarm and excitement upon the subject of the Cattle Disease is war ranted by the circumstances of the case But the fact surely exists, that they pervade the public mind and it is the duty of the legislature to do promptly all in it's power to allay those apprehensions however unreasonable and ground less they may prove to be in the end.

 Especially, should we pursue such course of action, as will commend itself to our consciences and to our constituency--provided the disease in question prevails among the cattle of the state--and becomes great public calamity.

 It is very probable, that at present there is unnecessary alarm created in degree by inter- ested speakers and writers upon the subject- and by our own action in disseminating written reports among the people.

 It is a question very much doubted by intel ligent men, whether there has been single case of Pulmonary Murrain ill Connecticut.

 But state of feeling exists, which seems to be daily increasing, which demands and should secure the prompt and efficient action of the General Assembly.

 In the district which I have the honor to rep. resent in the Senate very intense excitement on the subject prevails, and I have in my hand resolutions passed in Town meetings, requesting me to give my support to most efficient meas ures regardless of the expense to the Treasury.

 All things being considered, the sooner the bill is passed the better, both as regards our ac- tion in promises, and the interests of the State at large.

 I am of the opinion that if the Bill is passed, which is now before the Senate, it will avail much to tranquize the public mind which is so universally agtated with relation to the spread of the disease in question.

 The bill is by no means perfect, but includes many provisions, which are not free from obiec- tion and should if possible be corrected by fur ther legislation.

 It is nevertheless right in "the main" and am unwilling to attempt to amend it here, and thus assume the responsibility of sending it back to the other House, where it must encoun- ter new dangers in passing through the ordeal of exciting debates, and perhaps the passage of other amendments, which may radically change it's character, and in any event delay it's final passage which is now demanded without further delay.

 lam not apprehensiye of any abuse of the power with which the proposed Commissioners are to be invested. Much however will depend upon their wisdom in executing the provisions of the bill.

 The Governor, will without doubt select judi cious, practical and intelligent men to discharge so important trust.

 believe that the passage of the bill in it's results will prove that we have adopted wise course, and that it will in its operations entail but small expense upon the Treasury.

 Pass this enactment and the people of the State, who are now impatient from your delay, will be satisfied with the action of the legislature.

 By so doing you will act for the interests of all classes and especially for the interests of the farmers of the State, who are most directly interested in the subject now under consideration.