.*'
‘.-.-
.. .x..__ .._.
5, 6, or 7years, according to the nature of your
f .
Mb? This method will make poor land good.
and good better. Try and see-
CONNECTICUT LEGISLATURE-
lVednesday Morning. 1i‘ltl,7/ 2- _
This being the day designated by the Consti-
ution forthe annual convention of the Legisla-
ure. both Houses assembled in their respective
Chambers at 9 o'clock-
_’The Senate was called to order at 10 ()’(‘lllCk9
A. M. by the Hon. A. D. Bjilltlwlfl, ‘anti rir-_gaji-
"zed by the appointment of Hon. R. .5. lfuldrf-LII.
President pro tein.; Henry '1'. Hugzns, Esq.
Clem; Samuel Cook, Messenger. Charles \V.
Curries, Assistant do.; and Sc-ovill Hiuinan.
Doorkeeper.
A petition was received front John A. _Rock-
well, setting forth the facts in relation to his elec-
tion.which was referred to the Committee on
elections, consisting of Messrs. Goodrich, A. D.
Baldwin, and Bowers, who reportetl favorably.
and Mr. R. was admitted to his seat.
The Houses was called to order by Elisha
Stearns of Tulland, being the oldest member
present, and proceeded to the election ofSpea ker,
Messrs. Hooker of Farmington and Cleavclantl
of Hampton, acting as Tellers, which resulted
in the choice ofthe Hon. VVM. W. BOARDMAN
of NEW HAVEN.
For Wm. \V. Boardman 1-16
Chauncey F. Cleavland 37
Brockway 1
Trumbull 1
Blank 1 40
Boardman’s majority 106
On taking the Chair, Mi‘. Boardman address-
ed the House as follows :—-
GENTLEMI-:N—Sul‘fer me to make my at‘-
ltnowledgiiients to you for this tlistiriguishi-il
mark ofyour regard. To be selected by so large
amajority ofao enlightened an asseinbly, at
such an interesting moment, to preside over their
deliberations, is certainly a very high lionor—ii
demands, and will receive my most profound
gratitude. The best return in my power to
make, is an assurance that I shall devote myself
to the discharge ofthe high trust you have corri-
mitted to me, with a singleness of purpose and
an honest patriotism, which we hope is hereaf-
ter to prevail in the atlniinislratiiiii ofall the de-
partments ofthe State Government. \Vitli a
steady. eye to the promotion ofilie best good ol
the greatest number. and to the practical appli-
cation ofthose principles which now prevailso
decidedly throughout the state and nation, it
should be constantly borne in mind thatthe mi-
n_ority,have also their rights, which no benevo-
lentlegislator will wantonly assail or unneces
aarily abridge; and that no administration can
long maintain its ascendancv. which habitual-
ly disregards their rights antffeelitigs.
One ofthe first principles of republicaoism is
that the majority must govern. It is sound and
true in theory and in practice. Still a benefi-
cent Government. will carefully avoid the neces-
sity ofa reference toit by way of argument.
An honest, liberal, generous policy. is expedient
as well as just, and having ourselves felt the
iron ofoppression, now that we are relieved, lei.
us so exercise our power as to prevent the possi-
bility ofitsrecurrence. I take the Chair. gentle-
men, with but litzleconfitlencein my own abili-
ty, butl hope--I am sure, that the sortie kind-
ness which has called me to it. will assist and
sustain me in the discharge of its important and
ardousdutics.
III-INRY DUTTON of Bridgeport, was chosen
chief, and DANIEL P. Timon, of Brooklvii, as-
aistant Clerk, and took the oath of otiice. '
The oath was then administered to the room
hers ofthe House.
Message received from the Senate, informing
the House that that body was then organized;
and ready to proceed it: the business of the ses-
Iion.
Messrs. I).-\VlD H.CARR and Jr-zssi-J KNEEr
YALS. were appointed Messengers. and '.-VM. A.
WAKELI, Doorkeeper ofthe House
Resolution thattlie Speaker be authorized to
assign places to reporters. Passed.
Messrs. Stearns and Cleaveland were ap-
pointed a Committee to wait on the Senate. and
inform that body that the House was organized
and ready to proceed to business.
Resolution from the Senate, appointing Abm.
D. Baldwin, with such others as the House may
join. a committee to canvass the votes for State
Officers. and report to the House;
Resolution that Messrs. Dickson. Townsend
and T. '1‘. Merwin, be a committee to exainizie
credentials ofmembers, and prepare a roll of the
House—passed.
Resolution that 25 copies of the Conn. Regis-
ter be furnished for the use ofthe menibers—
legit,
Resolution appointing rt committee to inquire
into the best mode ofrepairiiig the State House
--passed.
Resolution requesting the Speaker to invite
the ordained and located clergyman ofthis city
to otficiato during the session—passerl.
Resolution that a committee oftwo persons be
appointed to superintcnd the printing of the
House. Passed.
l_?,eso_lution that the Messengers be authorized
to furnish 25 copiesof the Statiites of Connecti-
cut for the use of the House Mr. Hooker had
no objection to the resolution. if some means
could be provided for the s,e_c,urily ofthe books
afterthey had been attained. He would not cast
any reflections upon the integrity of the mem-
bers ofthe House. by supposing they ttroultl
find it necessary. in order to preserve them. to
do as they did in Massachusetts,—chaiu them
to the tables.
After some debate, the resolution was so a-
mended as to require that 12 instead of 25 copies
be procured from the Ollice ofthe Secretary of
State. and passed.
Resolution that Scopies of Connecticut Regis-
ter be furnished for the use ofthe House. Passed.
The Joint Committee appointed to canvass
the return of votes for State otficers. reported that
the whole number ofvotes returned for Governor
l950a101""0.f“’l.liCh. W. VV. Ellsworth has 27.-
115; for Lt Gtivert'lor5(),0(j3—tif wliicliClmr|es
Hawley has 27.076; fo_r Secretary 4E;).8l7——of
which Royal R. I-linrnan has 28,377; for Treas-
tirer 49.9I1—of which Hiram Rider has 26.826;
for Controller 49,9S7—-ofwhich lieury Kilbourn
hits 21,466; with a resolution declaringithe a-
bove otlicers legally elected. [A clerical error
having occured in the report of the Coiriiniiice
in the return ofvotes for Controller, that portion
ofit was recominitted.: '
Res ilution appointing a cotmnittee of three
persons to bring forward the upfiiiished bqsiiicss
of the last session. _Pas,se,d.
Resolution that 259 copies of the Rules ofthe
House be priiitedfor the use ofthe ipem'oe;s,.
Laid upon the table.
Committee of three appointed on contested
elections
Resolution furnishing‘ 12 copies ofthe private
acts of the State for the use ofthe House. Pass-
ed.
Messrs. Parsons of Hartford. and Chew of
New-London, in connection with the Hon. Rory
Starr, ofthe Senate, were appointed a Coinmit-
tee to waitupon his Excellency the Governor,
and inform him ofbis election.
Adjourned.’
J4_fl¢i'7l007h"~Tl‘le Speaker announced the ap
pomtrnent of several special committees.
Blank resolutions passed appointing various
Joint Standing Committees.
-Tlie House resumed the consideration of the
resolution oll'et'etl and laid on the table in the
morning, proposing a subscription for Busteed's
report. The resoltitioii set forth that George
\Vashi.,§;ton Busleetl. Esq. of Hartford, intended
to give a full and ample report of the acts, pro-
ceedings. &c. of the House, provided he had a
prospect of a fair remuneration for his services.
and the [louse woultl subscribe for 300 copies of
his reports. the price not exceeding50 cents per
copy. After some discussion, iti which the
resolution was objected to as creating unneces-
sary expense, and being unprecedented and
novel in its character, it was again laid on the
table.
Adjourned to 9o'clock to-morrow morning.
Thursday. Jiluy 3.
Journal ofthe House read.
Coiniiiittce appointed to wait upon the Go-
vernor and iiiforiri him of his election, reported
that they had performed the duty assigned them,
and that his Excellency would meet the House
at 1.0 o'clock.
Blank resolution raising a committee on State
Prison. Passed.
Bill for ptiblic act repealing the small hill law.
Re.-til first time.
Credential and Roll committee appointed.
Resolution for printing in pamphlet form 500
copies of the roll of the House and Senate.
Passed.
Resrfution that a committee be appointed to
invite the Senate to assemble in the House at
10 o’clocl{, to hear the Message of his Excellency
the Governor--Passed. Messrs. M'Curdy, and
King, appointed that committee.
Messrs. Doniiglie and Cleaveland. appointed
a committee to wait on the Hon. H. \V. Ed-
ward.-: and inforrii him tlint the House were or-
gaiiizcd and ready to receive any COl‘tln'ltll'llCZl-
tion which he might have t.o niakc.
Bill to amend the act disiricting the State.
Rt-rid‘first time.
Report received from Comptroller in relation
to ilie condition ofthe several Banks in this State.
Laid on the table.
At 10 o’clock ilie Senate assembled in the Hall
of Representatives. where both llouses were
met by his Excellency, Governor Ellsworth.
when the oath of ollice was duly sttlministered
by the Clerk, the 'l‘lirone of'Grace addressed by
the Rev. President Day, and his Excellency,in
person. in a tone of lofty. calm and dignified
eloquence, delivered the following
.41 J ‘
$95-..E-.;E,i:l=l.
Fellow Cilizcnsyrftlze Senate
and ofthe ffousc of lieprescrrlalivcs:
As we are about to enter upon the duties re-
spectively assigned us,in lcgislating for the peo-
ple of this state; let us with reverent senti-
ments, acknowledge that wise Providence, which
has hitherto sustained and blessed our nation.
The great ruler of all. justly claims such an ac-
knowledgcment, in our public, as well as in our
private stations. His government is universal ;
founded in the highest justice and '.vlS(lt)ll'l, and
enforced by sanctions of surpassing importance.
No people can prosper who disregard His will.
and no man is safely clothed with political power,
who does not endeavor to obey it.
Let the express to you gentlemen, and to all
my fellow citizens, my grateful acknowledge-
ments for the honor conferred upon me, by an
elevriiiozi to the office ofCltief Magistrate. Such
rt testimony of respect exceeds my humble
merits, and is more valued, from a conscious-
ness. that it has been conferred unsotight. May
we duly appreciate the responsibilities we have
assunied, and give our united labors to promote
the happiness ofiliose, who have for a time an-
trusted us with their public interests. Enlight-
cncd legislation is called for at this crisis, and it
will avail much, in dissipating the vagaries of
those theorists who have spread confusion and
distress through the land.
The recent election is an unequivocal declara-
tion. that in the opinion of the people ofthis state,
their own government, as well as that of the
I United States, has not been satisfactorily con-
ducted.
I.ii this. event. our National rulers are taught
the necessity of reviewing their measures, and
our iiiiiiiediate predecessors here. that the evils
of which they were forwariied, have actually
come tipon us. This election we hail as the
ll‘-‘ll'l)lflgel' of good. the signal of a tleteriniuetl
t‘ fl'.)rt for delivcraiice, \Vebelievea voiceliasgone
forth which has already been heard throughout
the Union, and will be echoed and reechoed
among the people. The time has come, when
experiments upon our dearest interests are no
loiiger to be tolerated; and when experienr-e,
that great and uncrring teacher in human affairs,
is<to resume iier lflfIUe(_J[:t3,fi,'tntI put to silence
visionary polit_icia_ns_. ~
Gkntletncn. we must not look at tltis great
change in public sentiment, as a triumph of
party, a victory over political .opponents,. It is
a l-riurnph of trittli. the acknowledgeirient of
error, a rcasscriion of the repiiblican principle.
that the people are parariiountin the.enac,tment,
and administration of laws; a principle, which
has o_f late received but little favor from those.
whose professions of its soundness have been the
loudest.
We behold a revolution accomplished by the
union of those who have hitherto s_oi;i_eivl_iat
differed, laying aside their partialities, to save ri
sinking, and suffering people. On every side
such a union has been ardeuily desired, and all
who have cooperated are entitled to participate
in the honor of the achievement; it was ini-
possible any longer to deny relief; and men,
forgetting minor dillerences. have riislied to-
gether to avert impending ruin. Let this union
be perpetuated, it is a ,vi_rlu.or/,9 one. 21 tritrzl one.
Tlié exeellerice of a repuhliczin govcrrrtnent,
consists in the ir:_fltience of popular feeling with
the government, and more iiiirnediately with
the representatives ofthe popular will; but who
w_ill say. that the people in the United States, or
their representatives in Congrtess, have originat-
ed. or approved, the leading measures of the
General Goveriimeut _? \Vlicre do we first (lis-
cover tlgie schemes of finaiace, and currency, now
the favorites ofthe goverumetit? Is it in Con-
gress? is it aiming the people iliomselvcs I
Have the merchants, the riiaiiuf:ir:tiirers. the
nicclianics, the farmers. or the day laborers.
solicited Congress to change the currency, and
modes of business? dothey urge it I do they de-
sire it? or have they not rernonsiratetl against
it? are they not now in bodies of thousantls,
with utzexuinpled importunity. imploriiig Con
grass to abandon their ruinous measures ‘.7
are there not among these ietitioners, many
“’_l|0 llilve been the friends, ant.llirines,tsupporters
ol_ the administration? Do not our rulers in
high places set themselves above, and against,
ll"? ll”_lJUl2.lt_' Will? dothcy not _turn a tlealrear to
our entrcaiies; and confident of their superior
‘V?IlIitfl!(():tll,sll'B|a‘|t):Ve"I‘Iljlll hazards to persevere, up.
lUll()IISY()f]lEill8 Cltzifllllc Hinged the deepmmed ms”-
.l'_v . Are nottbe people call-
ed to follow. and not themselves to lead the
“’".V_? if they have no voice in measures iii-
yolying the currency of the countiv, its business
"5 '“"‘l"~“l°”5v ‘ll What avail is tlie~.’orrn.or name
of a free government? _Il'C.,n_.,,-ess had been
duly Wnsulled. or ifthe sentiments ofthe coun-
try ltad been carefully taken, we should not now
behold the vast, and accumulating ruin on every
side ;.a.n uncalled for, and presumptuous re-
sponsibility has been assumed ; and one mcas.
tire has been taken after another, until we are
involved in distress appallingto its very authors.
Has the Ext-ciiiive of the United States any
right thus to experiment on the country? to
change the modes, and objects. of its pursuits?
The people only, or their representatives. llflV€
power ailrqiiate to such results; and doubtless
:liey will provide for such changes \\heti they
believe them to b.: necessary. Who is to an-
swer for the derangement prevailing tlirotighout
every employment, for the prostruiion of CrL’tIll.-
ilie overthrow ofinsiitiiiions, the breaking up ol
ftt:i:ilies,the loss of property, and the despair
seen around us in our itoininercial cities, and
rriztnufacturing villages? Let us. Gentlemen.
betake ourselves in good earnest, to work opt
some deliverance for our constituents. if_it be in
our power. It is time to discard the visionary
projr-cts of those who trample under foot all ex-
perience, and at-knowledge no wisduiii but li1"ll'
own: ‘let us rather preserve and as changes re-
quire, perfect what our ancestors have left us.
Improvements sliotild be sought for in ex-
isting iostitutions, and such security provided
against their abuse, as experience finds. neces-
sary; but the presumptuous politician, . who
would uproot our long tried institutions. so inter-
woven with the very fabric of society, however
honest may be his motivc:. should be regarded
as the enemy ofour prosperity.
The immediate cause ofour embarrnssnients,
is the want of a general currency, or nicdiurrt Ol
business; without at-urrency there can be no i_rt-
tercbangeofproperty; henccour business isdis-
appearing like the melting snow under a meridian
sun. Thestates in this Union are as effectually
sunderctl from each other as ifthey were parts of
distant empires, or seporatctl b __._'-‘vitlc oceans:
the fZl(:lllllt‘S of coniirierce with Iuurope even, are
greater than with the South and \Vt-st, our chief
markets; with them, though our conriexions are
most intimate. and important, we have no inter-
course. New England is as completely excluded
from them as if they were parts-of the empire of
China. it’ our citizens have property there, it is
unavailable, and must be exposed to loss. The
znrinufacturersofNewEngland.wlio have hither-
to soughta marketin States rernoie from them,
are bullied, crippled, and despoiiding beyond en
durnnce; they cannot sell what they have manti-
facturcd, nor obtain reiiiittaiiccs for that wliich
they have sold; hence their estalilislimeiits are
closed, their hands dismissed, their plans de-
ranged, and their losses, vcxations, and
<l‘‘f9al. 50 great, and of so long Cotltinuatlce,
that they are crushed to the earth; and too many
of the young and enterprising, dcserting their
native soil, are seeking occupatiuri in the West.
By the present course of measures, the water
power of New England, one'of the chief sources
of her wealth and prosperity, is depreciated to
an incalculable extent; years will not restore it
to its fortrier value. It will be your duty. Gen-
tlemen, to inquire ifany remedy can be provid-
ed for these alarming evils.
A few years since, we were blessed with the
best currency in the world, for an active and eti-
terprisirig people ; a currency combining the ad-
vantages ofgold and silver, and ofpaper redeema-
ble wiiii specie. \Vithout this, we should not
have made halfofour progressin business. intelli-
geiicc, and comfort; and deprived of whiolz,
we are ietrrigratliiig more rapidly than we
ever advanced. The banks, (with some excep-
tions.) have answered the purposes fir which they
were created ; they have (in the main) been con-
tluctcd honestly, szilely, and beiicficially to the
comrnunity. They are generally sound and
entitled tncredii. Before, and since the suspen-
sion of specie payments, they have exerted their
influence forthe preservation and atlvancemetit
of the htisiuc.-9. :;fourcoiuiriiiriiiy; and there is 9.3
tlotibt but thatthey are now doing tlit ir utmost to
sustain the wasting energies, and st iltiug spirits
of the people. They would have done inure.
had they not been paralyzed by the cvcr stiitiilng
policy ofthe Atllllltlistrutioll, autlthe virtilentat-
racks ofthe. itiisiiiforiiicd and prejudiced. Uti-
founded jealous-es have been created against
them; they have been arraigned as hostile to
the laboring classes, and favoring the rich;
while in truili they are great levelers ofrauk. by
extending aid to the industrious and enterpris-
ing; thus making their abilities and credit,
equal to the money ofthe opulent; and by put-
ting into operation capital which otherwise
would lie tinernployed.
I would !'CC()llll]:€ll(.i the repeal ofthose laws,
which prohibit otir banks from issuing bills
of less tlenomiiiaiion than five or three dollars;
the convenience of the people requires the circu-
lation ofsinall bills; and this necessity has often
intlucetl them to disregard the penalties of the
law, and openly violate its provisions; so that
foreign banks have not only taxed us for their
own benefit, but the moral sense of this corn
muiiity has been blunted and impairt.-d by an
open disregard of public authority.
lfrom the returns made by the banks in this
state to the comptroller of public accounts, show-
March last, it appears, that their indebtedness,
(exclusive of what they owe to stockholders
for stock.) is $3,543,000; their effects or means
of paying their debts are $12,293,000; this lat-
ler fund uitist be exhausted before any persons
holding ilieir bills can sustain a loss. An ab-
stract of these returns will be laid before you,
from which it will appear that these institutions
are solvent. and judiciously contlticted. Their
circulatioii is less by more than one half wli:-it
it was last year. Many are theories upon
currency, and banking. afloat in the com-
ti-unity. \VhaIever might have liccii jit-
dicious before private charters were granid, it
is now the part of wisdom to retain, and perfect,
what we possess, and not run wild in golden
dreams in pursuit of what cannot be realized.—-
.Currency should not be separated from tlic_biisi-
ness of the country; that is its congenial soil; it
shrinks from the touch of the mere politician.
and parishes in the reliircrrients of tlieiirists.
Doubiless there are evils incident to ilic existing
systexti of banking; banks will soineiimes fall
into the bandsofilisbo_nc.st men, and $()t_1lt:lil)_l€S
be coiiducted by holiest iiieu unniscly, but riot-
withstziiitliiig this, shall they be (ll_S.t3fIf(lCtl. and
hunted down as eneijrijes. and inailc i‘espoiis_iblc
for evils wliicli are chiefly altribtiluble to un-
wise lcgislatioti ? Shall we throw away the ad-
vaiitages ofsteam power, or the ele.-uiciits of tire,
because when niicoiitrolled these agents are
eminently destrur.-tive_?
Banks are so ideniifieil with the prosperitv of
their debtors, and ofthe whole cortiuiuuity. that
in self interest alone we have a pledge forjust
and honorable dealing ; but since their in-
fluence is great and their control coiiitnitted to
few persons. it is prudent that the General As-
sembly should by cuuirnissioners of experience
and judgment, carefully watch their operations.
and ofven, inspect tniiiutely their _L't)ll(llllU[l.
'l'hc l\ll()\Vl€Llge that they are thus under a can-
tions and jealous supervision will tend to prevent
fraud"aiid abuses. and inspire coufiilencc in their
honesty and solvency.
The history of banking and of commercial
credit in the United States is iriiiriiately cori-
uected with the history of her progress in wealth
and intelligence. Our public tinarit.-es early ex-
perienced the advantages of the United States
Bank. chartered in 1791, bringing order out of
confusion, and establishing the credit of the go-
vernment. Such too was the effect of the bank
af'l816. Tlzc charteretlinstiiutionsofthe States.
with a system of we_ll regulated credits, have.
from the first, given life and vigor to every ile-
pariment ofintlustry, to every meritorious pur-
ing their condition, on the last Saturday of
The energies of the people. under 111658‘
fostering influences, have changed the face of.
every thing around us; they have made tite-
forest fall—the earth yielded her treasures-
skirted our rivers with beautiful villagcs-—inter-
sectcd our vallies with canals. and raised enter-
prise to an equality with wealth; andiii a word.
filled our new and growing country With a busy.
virtuous population. They have carried our
commerce round the globe, and reared in the
Initial of us, ourniost valuable and iraisc-worthy
iristiiutioris. Are these act-.-tits then. deserving
only of oblnqtiy an-l reprozich Ll _
Every country itiiist Ct)n:~‘till its own pcctilari-_
ties, and not. of course. adopt the S3/slelna‘ Ul
finaricc,and political economy. ofotbcr govern-
ments. An exclusive metallic currency. or one
chit-fly so. may answer for non coiiiriierr-ial
aisles, or the governments ot tyrants. where
there is no credit, because tlicre is no
security; and so it may answer. to some
extent, for circumscribed kin_gdoms, as in Europe;
but ilic ct-onoiny ol China. or Turkey, or Hol-
land. or France, is no precetlcnt for us; and their
cutrencv is. no more than their laws, adopted to
a new gllltl enterprising nation, spreading like
ours. over a vast territtrry. There is not specie
enough in the world, for the biisiricss of the
Uiiitetl States, nor did the fraiiicrs ofotir national
constitution attempt to establish arty such ex-
clusive ciirrency. There is none in the sense in
which it is claimed. A. currency as such is itot
found in the instrutiieiit. The wise men who
made it, well knew that the business of this
country could not be conducted iii a metallic
currericv. At the time the constitution was
:idoptc..f, the country was afflicted with a depre-
cititetl Stole paper; this species of paper. the
cousiittiiioii does forbid, but no other. and in de-
claririgtlizit golzlaud silveronly, shall be the legal
tender, it provides merely a standard of value.
which no state can alter. and to which every
creditor may zitlhere if he will, but does not
create, or mean to create, a new currency ac-
tually supcrscding every other.
The framers of that instrutncnt, supposed that
business would be conducted as it was then done
in the iiiotlicrcotiittry, and to some extent in this,
by the association ofcapitalists, iricorporciicd, or
otherwise, as experience should dictate. It is ab
surd to suppose, that ilh exclusive metallic Cur-
t‘en.':y is cstziblislied by the constitution, while it
has ‘never existed in the country. and never can.
and did not when the constitution was forroed.
If our ll:-IDES are now to be crushed. and the
United States have no constitutional power or
willingness to provide a substitute; then we
are in a hopeless condition indeed; worse than
iliat of any nation in Europe.
Give this country but the opportunity, and
depressed as she is, she would, like a strong man,
burst the cords bind her, anti again put
forth her wonted energies.
power by the General Government, in superin-
tending the affairs ofthe citizen. cht-clt_ing his
activity because it is excessive, atinihilaiing his
credit. because it is somctiincs abused, and lay-
ing a heavy hand on industry, because some per-
sons areimprudent, is, Iliesitzttc not to say, a gro-s
offence agaiiist the constitution, alike pre-
sutiiptiiotis and rt.‘-iiioiis. By what clausciii that
instrument is the national Gt)\'el'l'llYl8fll, or its
Executive oliirers, inve-.-ted with power to, inter
meddle with the pursuits ofthe people '! to ile-
stroy the state banks ? close up our inarkets?
paralyze our energies. and force us into new erii
ployinents, and to new relations? The as-
sumptions of the federal bead. call aloud for de-
tcrrriinctl resistatice, or we are certainly swallow-
ed tip in the gigantic powtsr of Federal and
Executive '.'.;:i:§;ii-ori.
A clamor too, has gone forth against all
(:ll?lrlCt‘(.‘tI associations; they lint-'0 been pro-
nuuncegj n](p[u)jiolic$2 the _jf‘fll')USy Of the
p...mgtic projirrliccs of the wezik, the pride ofthe
unfortunate, antl it is to be feared, sortie times
the malice ofthe vicious, have been appealed to.
in order to break down such ciiterprises. Gen-
ilemen, it is written as with asunbeatn, that
ntanufzictures are mos: important in sustaining
New England. and that large and continued in-
vestinciits of capital. are essetitiul to their
success. VVitliout Iliese entployritents, we
cannot maintain our political Einportarice. or re-
tain otir sons on their native soil. Yet what
oilium is excited against lll(.‘Se chartered coin-
panies '! what obstacles are thrown in their way I
what alarm and anxiety are created in the
coiiimuniiy? what despair in the capitalists?
‘Vliy all this? Have not cliarteretl corti-
pniiies piiitl labor with proniptiiess, and with loss
default than private associatioiis of equal busi-
ness? have they particularly practiced fraudson
the comtniiriiry. or traiiipleil on tlierights of the
ciiizciii The reckless attacks, iridiscriir:iuale-
ly made on chttrtercd rights and corporate
fraiicliiscs. have filled capitalists with apprehen-
sion, and sliakcn the foundationoftlicsocial fab-
ric. No biisiriess which rt.-q*_‘ircs the investment
oflurge capital, and (3.‘{l(‘tltlt.'(l time foropcratiori
and perfection, can be conducted without an
association of many persons under it charter.
Corporations are nothing more than stich asso-
cizitiotis, partncrsliip with the attribute of per-
pettiity, am] such other powers as are given them
by the General Asscriibly. I am convinced.
that in many rninds, an uniieccssary jealousv
exists against the character and effects ol'assti-
ciatctl capital. lfclizzrters are granted in proper
cases orily,antl are carefully guzirtleti in their pro-
visioiis; and tlieoperaticiis tinder tliciii, watcli-
cd with vigilance. it is scarcely possible, that by
theiriulltierit-e, public interests should be injured.
An iiizliscriminate outcry against tiieni as nio-
nopolies. as excltisive privileges. as arisiocrtitic,
as combinations of the rich to iinpoverish the
poor, is niisciiievotis. is rtiiiious.
I do not wish to see artificial bodies unneces-
sarily created. Unless some appropriazt-.obj.rct
requires, it is safer to let individuzils conduct
their pursuits without legislative interference.
Uniiecessarv legislationis generally iiijnrious.
and liencel consider the law. passctl at the
last session ofthe General Assembly, exteitrliitg
chartered poxversto every kind ol lawful busi-
ness. under nearly all circunistuiiccs, while it re-
quires neither personal responsibility, on
till‘. part of the sluclt-li0ltler.~‘, nor residence
in the state, cxccctlirigly doubtful in its
policy. A sliortexperieuce will. 1 apprelieiirl,
CO"I\'lll[.'€ us ofiis evils. It is better in most iri-
stzirices, in so limited a territory as ours, for the
Gt-.neral Assetiilily to know the circtiinstanccs,
and the ob_jct.t, wliii-._h induce persons to desire
an act ofiucorporatioai.
Hostility to tried institutions, is the chief
cans-eofour present eiiibarrassments ; it is in vain
for those who have brooglit these troubles upon
us, any longer to cover their errors. by iinpiiiiiig
them to speculation. trailing, banking, paper
iiioricy, or foreign debt ; they have never
proved tliesepositions, and the recent elections
thronglioiit the country pronounce these charges
untrue; besides these evils are the natural con-
sequent-es of measures pursued, and were ac-
tually forscen and pointed out by our statesmen
in Cortgr-ss. and elsewhere, with uncrring cer-
tainty. The authors of them were forewarned
before a cloud had arisen in the horizon ; what
was their prophecy is now history; and the
golden visions ofthose who would heed no warn-
ing, have vanished like the dreams of the wak-
ing than,
' The patronage ofthe Executive ofthe United.
States has become vast and alarming; far ex-
ceeding tliefears of the most jealous friends of
the Constitution. By it. the Executive Depart-
suit.
The asstimptiori of
attained, a controlling ascendancy iu the Gov-
ernmertt; and it will. ere long. if no barrier is
erected to check its progress. become absolute
over boili branches of Congress. The daily re-
rrioval from otlice of virtuous and capable men.
for no other reason than independenceof opinion.
is a prostitution of Executive privilege incon-
sistent with virtuous principles, and true pa-
triotism. Besides, the natural conscquerice of
such a course, is to drive into retirement, the
I110”?-‘I and lit‘-‘elvitlg. and to bring into the
ranks of ilte Ext-ciitive, the noisy and obsequi-
otis: hence we behold the Executive troops
throughout the Union. standing foremost in eve-
ry poliiir.-ul struggle. The practice (which
of late has become niosi lrequeut,) ofappointing
Meitibers of Congress iooffices oftlistiiiction and
profit, calls also aloud too for reformation: it is
consuming the terry vilttlss ofthe Rrpublic.
The subject of the public lands has at several
times, crigiigctl ilie attention of otir predecessors;
it will agaiii reitirn; and peririit me to ask. whe-
ther ithas not become necessary for you, in a
suitablenianner, to express your decided opinion
on the subject I I know not why the inhabit-
ants nf the old states, should not pariicipttte
equally with others, in the avails of the public
lands. They are a common treasure, obtained
by the united sacrifices, valor, and blood. of tlie'
people of the old t'riirter-n states. and of Connec-
ticut in a pre-erriinent degree. We ought not to
remain silent wliiletliis extensive property, (stilli-
cient to bring arintially into otir state treasury
some linndrcds of tliotisaritls of dollars) is taken
away by grants to the new states,o.' pre-cmption
laws, wliiciz, in most instances. operate to re
ward those xxhoilesign plundering the piiblic.—
These new lands lie in the states and territory
north of the Ohio, cculetl by Virginia to the U.
States, in the year1783,on the groui:d,ihat they
were the fruitsofthe revolution; and in Florida
rind L~’ll.ll.~‘l2lllf), li.'iviii_g been piircliztscd. the for-
mer from Spain. in the year 1819. for the sum o_l
-:-E-5,000.(i0O, arid the latter, froiii France, in the
yerir 1803. for the sum of $l5(l00.0llO. This
douiaiii is ofincalciilable valut-,but tlzcrc is rca
son to apprclicnd it will be lost to the Atlantic
States, or worse than lost, by bccmoirig a bribe
in future Pi'("sl!lt"l‘!llill rlections. l rcconi:neiiJ
[his subject to your particular attention.
Our country is of great extent; embracing
various and conflictinginterests. The reprr-so ii
tzitivcs of these interests in the National coun-
cils are already involved in angry tlcbHlt’.S,atttl
ilnngerous collisions; we have, indeed, occa-
sion for anxiety rcspectiiig our fiittire dcsiitry as
a united people, but we have lived to seethe
darkest clouds arise, rest upon us for a period, their
pass away: we trust that a wise Providence has
not led our pious ancestors to this land, anti giv-
en tlierri these happy governments, and excellent
institntiorisiri vain: let. us then take courage,
anti confide in the God of nations.
If. however. otir territory should be extended
by the atinexzition of Texas If; the United States.
there would he alriiost ri certainty of our early
dissoliition; and more especially, as she has
voluntarily introduced. and is perpetuating, Al'-
riczin slavery; a crime of the tlr-r,-pest dic.—
Whatever may be our syntpathles for the people
of the slave states in this Union, with whom we
have euicrerl into solerriri league ofiiiutual friend-
respect for a nation adopting this nefarious traffic.
at this ailvaricerl period of the Clirisiian era,and
of enlightened reason; nor can we safely enter
into any national union with such a people.
In nothing has the institution of slavery so
much excited the attention of many persons in
the free states, as in its denying them the right
of free discussion. and unrt-straitit-tl applica-
iiori to their rulers. These rights are justly es-
teemed invaluable. never to be yielded. never to
he comproiriisetl: all claims totho t:onrrarv.will
be ll'eFllt'tl by corisislenl freeincn with intligfiaii -n
and resistaiit-e. \Ve must however agree. that
slavery at. the South. so deeply ititcrivoven as it
is, with their political, civil and ‘social relations,
is a subj-act full of diliiculty anil responsibility.
\Vc slitiuld approach it, if at all, with the kind-
est feelinustowards the South, and with candid
and liberal views of their pet-ulitir situation. and
our obligations to them as parts of this na'ion.
VVe cannot interfere with their state laws, nor
blot frotii the national constitution. asecniitig
concession, at least to slavery, as an existing in-
stitution in the States.
The subject of popular ediicniion, has fre-
quently been brought before the General Asst-or
bly by my predecessors; it still deserves atten-
iioii. its claims are urgent arirl pzirariioimt. Mitch
has been done by this state in providing a noble
and munificent fund for the instruction of child-
rm and youth; a bro id and firm foutirlotion has
been laid, for extending esseiitizil benefits to the
children ofilie poor. lint there is reason to believe
that this fund is for less useful than it might be
tirade, with proper legislzitioi). The present ca-
pital of the school ftinil, belonging to this state.
is $2,020,531 20. Front the revenue oftliis furiil,
there has been divide]. during the year ctitlirig
the 1st day ofApril. 1837, the soot of $95,862 85.
being otie dollar and fifteen cents for eiioli chilil
in the state. between the age of 4 and 16 ye-_2irs.
For the yeareniliog the 1stufApri|. 1838, there
has been divided, the sum of 899.746 -10, being
one dollar and twenty cents for each child.
All agree that pt:pular education is an obj:-ct
of the first importance; that in a {_'tIV\’eI'nlll€‘rll
like ours, where happily, the law ftfCt)glllZt‘$ no
distiiictions iii filllli. and where cliiefly there are
none, but what are the lruits of personal merit
anil elliirt. popularinstruction, next to religious
principle, is the seciirity of the state. \Ve can
never forget the efforts of our predecessors. and
the pecuniary aid our fathers have beqtieailietl
to secure general instruction to their descentlants;
they were -excellent inert. distinguished for their
religion antl foresight. and their strong attat:li-
merit to simple habits and republican institu-
tions; they knew well what were the trtic finit-
tlatiorisof social liappiiicss. But have in: not
relied too much on their labors. and left the great
subject itselfbeliiiid the advancement of the ago?
Our two sistcr states on each side of us, with
fewer advaritages. and beset with greater obsta-
cle:-, have surpassed our own, in the regulation
of common schools. A careful exatninntion of
their laws. and of the statistical facts brought to
light by their efforts, will aid yoti in your inqui-|
ries, should you think it important to legislate on
the subject. I do not feel inysell'cotnpcteot. nor
do I intend at this time. to suggest any specific
changes in the present system ; experience is our
stiliist guide. Nogreat cliariges ought to be de-
sired or attempted at once; but ift hose interested
in pritriary schools, can be cuiivinceil of the prac-
licability of improvement in the instruction of
their cliiltlren. we may expect that a change in
public opinion will follow, and a willingness to
attempt suchimproveinents be manifest. The
General Assembly at its last session, took mea-
sures to obtain information on certain important
points relating to public schools. Returns have
been made to the Comptroller of public accounts.
giving the desired inl'ormation.from 150 out ofthe
211 school societies in the state. These returns
disclosr-. interesting facts. and will very truch aid
you in further iiivesiigations.
It may be important, in the first place. to col-
lect and lay before the public, more statistics in
relation to iltis subject; should this be done, libe-
eral pmvision ought to be made for the purpose
by the state; ‘it will be seed sown for an ample
and generous harvest. I believeit will be found
that great ,improver,nents are called for, in the
consiruction and accommodation of our school
ship and assistaiit-e, we can have no fc.eli:‘.gs of
general im
lll0(It‘8 of instruction. the boolta used, and IIIQ 1
general regulations and auperintcntlancc of
schools. We have a public officer, whose apc- ‘
cial duty it is. to watch over the pecuniary inta-
rests of our common schools; would it not be
wise, if the General Assembly should, in some
suitable way. exercise a like supervision ovcrity
strnction in these schools, at least so far at it re-
lates to collecting information, and imparting
knowledge, while the power of acting in'vicw of
them. is left, as at present. with the parents and
guardians of those who are instructed. Large
sums are annually expended. in providing pri-.
vute instruction, which practice has an unhappy
etlect upon public tchools, by dividing funds,
which. if united, would produce happy results in
those schools where the children of the poor res-
ceive all the instruction they ever obtain. So
great and numerous are the duties of the com-
missioner of the school ‘{u‘n.l, that the life of one
man is too precarious hr its safe.-by and wise
nianagcment. The comtiissioner is oficn obliged,
:0 go into remote parts ofthe country in. attend-
ing tothe sales and exchanges of land. the in-
spection oft‘anns,and the security ofdcbts. besides
the loaning of large sums of money in this state.
I would suggest tiie proprigiy of appointing out
assststant coininissioncr. I _
The agricultural interest of this sraté, is man
extensive. and gives occupation to _a larger por-
tion of our citizens, than any othei pursuit. am!
is most intimately connected with the stability,
cotnfort, and hopes ofthe community :. it should
receive tlicrt:foicyoiir careful attention. From
our childhood, we have been taught to look"
among the culiivators of the soil. for the beau-
fruits of our political and social institutions.-—
llitlicrto the farrrier has rcct-ivt:d a grind reward
for his labor. and has escaped the ruin wlriclu
has overtaken rvr-ry other pursuit: it may. how-
ever. be tlotibtctl, if the farming interest of Ilia
:\ll.ttillC states, is not likely to i-xpi-ricncc some
tl(‘[il’t’S:lt)ll. If tiinntifacturing villages are to
be tlcscrlcd, incorporated roinpanies _ broken
drmn, credit and eiit.-rpii:c tirade ntiiius and
rt-i“:oiis. the \Vlt\‘t: of trouble will soon roll in
upon the pctict-fol and contt.-_utt-d Illlsbtllldlnltl;
But risido from these tcinporary revulsion: the,
policy ofthe General Guvernrnent. bits not been‘
calculated to advance the fariniiig interest of
-le.-triit-tion of her coiiiirierce, now she is throat-
ened with the zibandoninent of her mnnufiico
titres; while the rich, and cheap Ian-lo ofthe
\Vest, are held out as a lure, under preemption
laws and other claims of fnvor‘to new scttla.
tueiits. Such are the facilities for transportation
hv rail-roads and canals, that the farmer ofthe
\Vesi is about to conipete with the farmer of tho
East.
feel this cornpeiit-on, and it may reach us before
we are aware of its approach. Under these
circumstances, some ofthe old _S:atcs are labor.
ing to revive a spirit in favor of agriculture, ‘ay-
legislarive provisions, or bouutics,andtho fvniias
tion ufstrciclics. I recommend this subject 3131,
to your consideration, _
New England is not more d’,.r°:ngpi,},¢(| 5,,
the t-xct-llctice of her 3b’.'iCUIl|3_.'-'J,llpnpulfljogl,
Amortg this class v.c find ‘mind; 9;‘ high mag;
and striking getiiu-°. No nation stirpnsses_na in
the ingenuity of the wori:-shop. and none would
equal its in skill, iftht-re was this same settled
policy toward mcclianit-al labt.-fr in this ministry,
elm: !l'.'.‘!'0‘ is in Eiiglatitl. ~ For years past the
vacillating policy of the Gellefl-l Govi.-rnrneui
towards this brancli of industry. has prevented
turers. and artisans, been more depressed and
tlislieartcnetl, than by the next.‘ theory of a 'o--.
talic currency: perish credit. pt-rish nianii
rnrcs, perish arts, are the iris—ct’l'piitn:_is on
new coin. The most iridustriti-is mid ittgen;--or
can scarcely gain a subs-istaoce ; while in DLIIIWV"
ousiosiances. many have be: odiivt-"n by tho
necessities of their families front the-ir accustom-
ed eir:ployniciits. It is howcvc.,' a ‘chi-cring cir-
cumstance, that not a few ofthis rr’:v-zritorioos class.
who for inoniiispast have bccnl cceivt-tl by the
fnir pretensions of 3 golden era. .‘..avc_ tII.‘¢0\‘Or¢-I
the error oftbcir opinions, cliaiig ed their view,-
and are now seeking the most I lfccttiul modes
of relief. We hope their ellorts will in due-limo
be crowned with succes. '
VVe are greatly indebted to ll't‘ pefsevcring
and patient: philaiitlirnpists ainon
labored in tho noble cause or-_ tempera *-
may l.llt'y be checrv.-d by t_lic prospo :_ta of gin.
titre, and the conciousnvss of luv rtr:g""a ready
prevented the loss of many citizen 3'83 well at:
much crime, euffcripg and ruin. -..lf thero in a
diversity of opinion as to partictzltj F rncasureh,
objr.-ct, and the good that has been at compli.-bed.
The claim of this State on the G moral Gov-
ernment, for expenditures mitde du ‘t "2 the late
war, is yet unsettled. Congress ll#.!i, made an
appropriation of a sum, not cxgeeding one
hundred thousand dollars, as tl.t=- account
shall l)c.a(IjllS!etl and allowed under the super-
vision of the Secretary of War. Iii pursuance
of a. resolution passed by the Genen, l Asserti-
cd to obtain the necessary vouchers, 9 ‘HI aitcn
to the s«'.'ttlcmt:nt of the cl.-iitrr. I hav: receive
iriforuiation from Mr. Ingliain. that bviring
the illness of the Secretary of War, t |“‘?tI caou
is yet unsettled, but that it would be ‘attend
to at an early day, and that before your a
proceedings.
It will not be expected that without more ac-
quaintance with the subjcct,I should communi-
cate to this Assembly any thing of iiiiptrtanco
relating to the militia of the State; I iv i2lmero.-
ly observe, that the militia system fulfil: the
purpose for which it was designed ; Illdptflllt
this arm of our defence is highly meritoioau
and essential. I hope it will receive lionoable
notice, and attentive consideration.
A dcepiiiterest has been taken by many in
behalf of the insiiiie poor of our State. H
last General Asscmcly appointed I cominittug
of three distinguished gentlemen, to ascertan
their number and condition. and report the moat-
jiidicious plan for their relief. This duty hrt ,
been t'aitht'ully attended to, and mtichvaluable
statistical information has been prepared for
yottr consideration. I need only remark, that
in whatever light this interesting subject is view
ed, it commends itself‘ to your most serious
teiition, as philanthropists and legislato
" 'l‘lie poor you have always with you, i _
make suitable provision for them is a clina
duty of the first importance. . . , : ‘
The judicial expenses of the State have
creased, within the last eight years, i
twelve thousand dollars, and in the year en g
the first day of April, 3538, about two thousand
dollars. ’I'hr_-se expenses aris 3, chit-fiy,froni the
transportation of convicts to the State's prison ;
bills of costs taxed in public prosecutions ; jail.
ers’ bills for the support. of prisoners, gnd ceg.
tain expenditures for the Courts. For several
years post. the have regularly increased-., some
thousands of ollara, until the treasury in now
in debt about twenty thousand dollars. .
Large sums of money have been expended in
works of internal improvement. These facili-
ties for transportation and iotercomunication,
are deemed essential to the growth and prose,
Peril] of the State; and they are more called
for, since_no efforts are omitted by the surround:
' ‘‘ cure to themselves, what _ natal‘-
I_;s. Judicious and economical
, r; the advancement of at and
véments, are entitled to t'av.'°“l’l9
Q
meat is advancing toward. if it has not already
houses, in the qualification of teachers, the
-. .. .._...a-.a-2 -...
regard ,fron_1thia pssenibly. Of the charactef,
New England : once she liasbeen smitten in the -
The Southern Atlantic States already '-
thziii the talent and industry of her mechanics. .,
great lttlpl'O\'t‘.lllt‘lll ; but never 1 we m:mufait-- -
fa ,
us, who have '
there c.-tn bl! none as to the excell race of the‘
by, the Hon. Samuel Ingharn hash + n eInploy-
jtrt1l'nl'iiellt,llC will present you a report cfhiv ‘-s
l
,1
t
\
l
Norwalk Chronicler