Norwalk Gazette, Wednesday, July 4, 1838 · page 1

 

 

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VOL. XXI.

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NQREVALEK. CGNN. l5’Vi+]E)Nl.i?.‘S§}AY. JEILY 4., 1S38.

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Agents for the Gazette.

Brit/geporl, Charles Youngs
Bclhcf. Timothy B. Hickor-k, Esq.
Biroolg/iclrl, Lucius C. Northrop.
.BI‘i(lgC‘lL‘lll(.’T. Eli Morris.
Danbury, Francis Knapp
Grccnficlrl, Col. florace Banks.
1i’t'ct2'cfic:lrl, David Hnrlburt '
srmifonr. \Villiam H. \Vcbb
lrVcstport. Joliti \V. Taylor
I~Vcston. Bradford Wintori. Esrt.

0;‘;-The following address, which we have
now the pleasure to present, frorii a committee
of the \Vbig members of the Legislature, we
doubt not will he read with much iiiterest.—

New-Havcit Palladium.

A:B;Q:ltE$$
01‘ the \Vhlg Members of the Legislature to
their Coiistittients.

To the People of Conitccticut :

give bonds of $300, to obey the laws which have
long been in force. regarding the sale of wines
and spirituous liquors, particularly not to stiffer
any to he drank in the shop. and under a for-
feittire of fifty dollars. The intention is not to
prohibit the sale ofspiriluous liquors, but to sup-
press dram or grog shops. And a person keep-
ing a shop with wine or spirits in it, and having
the reputation ofa drain or grog shop, williotit
having given a bond as required by the act, may
be corivicterl upon evidence of sucl‘. reputation,
unless he denies it under oath, when he riiust be
acqui ted, unless the fact be proved by other evi-
rlence. The civil atitliority and select-meri
may by a majority of two-thirds prohibit any

he sells after notice, be forfeits fifty dollars.-
'l‘lie act contains no new prohibitions. and the
sanctions of the old law are quite as severe as
those of the one now enacted, The provis-
ions ofthe act do not apply to a taverner, apotb-
ecary, or a person licensed under the existing
laws.

The new law regarding taverners provitles
that no person shall be licensed as a taverner
unless he keeps two spare beds. and stabling for
four horses besides his own. And that no tav-
errier shall sell any spirits. wine or ale to any ap-
prentice or student ofcollege, academy, &c. be-
ing a l1'lltl0l',llfl(lt:‘l" a penalty of $10, and ifcon-
victed ofit he shall not be licensed to keep tav-
ern the ensuing year. These provisions were
copier] from a law ofa neighboring state, where
they have proved to be salutary.

The law of 1837, abolishing imprisonment for
debt, was found by experience to be exceedingly
defeciive—affording the means of great injustice
aurl oppression, in some instances depriving the
creditor of all means ofcollection, when the debt-
or was abundantly able-—at others, subjectiiig an
unfortunate debtor to more oppression than could
have been brought upon him under the old law.
ltnprisonment has never been regarded as a pun-
ishment for debt. its sole object was to coerce pay-
ment from the able but fraudulent debtor; and
to incarcerate a man who could not pay. was as
niucb an offence against thctlieory of the law as

(he .m.mh¢-_rs being about _o disperse. a majority
01 ih.-m, who fen-l responsible to you fortlie mati-
ner iu which they have discliargr-d their trust,
«lesjre to call your atzezition to that subject for a
few nioint-nts.wliile they present for yourconsid-
eration sortie of the prornnzent acts and purpos-
es of the session. Conscious. of having faith-
fully and inrlustriously devoted themselves tothe
discharge of tlir-ir public duties, they now clieer-
fully come forward with an account of their
stcwardsliip. The session comtnenccd on the
2d of May and closed on the 1st of .lune. crin-
vtinuiog thirty-onedays. and it is believed thatrlu-
tring the time, more business was done, notwith-
standing the eliirrtsof the opposition to embar-
rass and delay it. than was ever before acr:orn-
plished at (tilt: srsssion, by any Coniiecticut Le-
gtslature. Besides granting reliefin privateap-
,pli»carion~i, of which air unusually large number
were pt'x:sertteil.fi"l'ty-nine public acts were per-
fected and passed. The -condition of the coni-
llttrFl\V't‘81lll‘llUS been carefully exainined. and full
and iriterestirig reports prepared and presented
upon subjects ot"tlie utuiost importance to the
State.

Our people -possess in the school frinrl a treas-
ure of inestirnable valuc—an inheritance from
our sturdy ancestors, well Calculated to perpetu-
atethe-ir peculiar virtues» This fund amounts
to s.imetliing over two millions ofdollars. -and in-
sures to every child in the State the means of a
coriinion school education. of which poverty or
misfortune cannot deprive him. It has-, liow-
ever, long been manifest that orircrirninon schools
have not been trgaiiiited and conducted upon the
best plan. In this respect we are behind, the
people of despotic Prussia. as well asthoseofour
ucialiboring states. This sulijvct attracted the
early and ear, est attention of the General As-
‘5e;..[,|y_a ‘.4;‘H:_:;,,‘~t|l"l has been prepared and pub-
lished, and a bill passerl for the purpose of col-
lecting and rtisseritiiiatinginformation, wliicb we
doubt not will result in the great irtiprovetrietit of
our schools. _ , '

In conipliance with the public wish expressed
too plainly to be misunderstood, the General As-
sembly repealed the law which prevented the
banks of this State from issuing small bills, and
flooded us with those of the neigliboring states.
\Vliatever may be thought of the policy of pro-
liibitiugtbc circulation of notes of the srrinllr-fr
tlenoniiiiatious, the impossibility of enforcing arty
such provision, so long as the neighboring states
allow their banks to issue them, makes the at-
tempt inexpedient, Besides, in the preseutcon-
ditiou of the circulation ofthe country, indepen-
detitoftbe irnpolicy ofeiiacting laws which ex-
perience sliews cannot be enforced, it is unjust to
give to the banks of neighboring states the profi's
ofa circulation, which we deny to our own tax-
able institiitionsj. and toeiiculate among our peo-
ple a currency" ofthe value of which they must
be comparatively ignorant.

Much dissatisfaction has, for a length of time,
been manifested at the provisions of the attach-
tnent law. By an act passed at this ‘session re-
garding writs of replevin,some ofthe more ob-
jectionable features ofthat law are softened or
done away. In alleases.a bond may now be
substituted for the attachment. whatever be the
kind of property attached, and in cases of tort,
tliejudge may, on notice to the parties, fix the
amount of the bond, if he thinks the attachment
excessive.

By another act passed at this session, the
household furniture ofa family keeping house,
mortgaged or attached, may be left with the fa-
mily without hazard to the creditor or officer.-
Another act ofthis session protects from foreign
attachment, the wages oflabor and personal ser-
Vice, in the amount often dollars, and prevents
a creditor frotn taking them by that process, from

The Legislature having rzlosr.-d its session. and ,
I
l

These alterations materially soften the rigors
of the old law, though perhaps something yet
remains to be done to aecoirimodate it to the spi-
rit of the age.

A great number of petitions were presented,
praying the General Assembly to repeal the laws
licensing the sale of ardent spirits. The Legis-
lature were desirous of doing all in their powerto
suppress intemperance in the use of ardent spir-
its. They could not avoid seeing, however, that
any measure not sanctioned by public sentiment,
would rather increase than remove the evil.——
Public opinionis fast accomplishing, what legis-
lation‘ would in vain attempt, and in the effort to
follow. not to lead public opinion, they passed a
law disprnsing with the duty and license hither-
to’ required, and providing that persons who wish

against the principles of humanity. The act
passed at the present session repeals the law of
1837. and provides for an immediate examina-
tion of the debtor iiurlcr the witness’s oath, as to
the disposition of his property. and his ability to
pay; and if the court is satisfied from this or
other proper evidence, that he is honestly una-
ble to pay, he cannot be imprisoned for debt.-
This would seem to be all that hunianit_\ and
honesty pould require.

The important alterations which have been
made at the present session in the organization
and jurisdiction of the County and Superior
Courts, will, we are persiiaded, be attended with
the best results. and allorcl to suitorsjustiee more
speedily than formerly, and at much less cost.»
The Superior Courts have new concurrent iuris-
diction with the County Courts in all cases in
equity, and original and concurrent jurisdiction
in all actions on bonds or notes over $70, and of
all other actions which are appealable. Thus
those causes, which are sure ultimately to be de-
aided by the Superior Court, may be brought
there at once, and the delay and expense ofa so-

journ in the County Court. and the attending

fees of court, clerk and lawyer, are avoided.-

The ofiice of the Associate Judge of the County

Court is abolished, thejudicial powcrof the court

being vested in one judge, who is to sit alone

in the trial of causes. In certain cases, howev-

er. he is to be assisted by two County Commis-

sioriers, the three thus constituting a Court for
the exercise of the powers and duties of the

County Court, relative to highways and bridges,

to the appointment of clerks, state attornies and

deputy slie.-riffs, and to the care anti manage-

ment of the county property. Bythis arrange-

ment the treasury willsave almost the whole of
the pay heretofore given to associate judges. as
the duty ofthe County Commissioners will re-

quire their attendance but a few days each term.

The salary ofthe Judge is to be the same as the

average pay ofthe chief Judge for the last five

years-. The Judges appointed this year are, we

trust, as able and virtuous as their predecessors,

and they cannot increase their pay by unneces-
sarily extending the session-. The most impor-
tant result expected from this improvement will
be found in the despatch of business. and the
savinguf expense to suitors, witnesses andjurors.
OneJudge can preside as well in the County as
the Superior Court——an increase of number does
not necessarily bring either wisdom or integrity,
and the weight of responsibility can only be
made effectual when it is borne alone.

By another a-:t~, intended to prevent oppres-
sion, by confininglitigation in small cases to the
lower courts, it is provided that if the Plaintiff
in trespass or trespass on the case, does not re-
cover in the Superior or County Court over $35,
he is to have no more cost than damages, unless
indeed the defendant appealed, or the right of
way or water. or the title toland was in question.
The attention ofthe General Assembly was
called, by an immense urimberof petitions tothe
subject of slavery, and the various propositions of
benevolent persons, intended to ameliorate the
condition of the colored race. After careful ex-
amination, the Legislature have provided that
persons arrested as fugitives from l-ibor or ser-
vice, under the laws of another State, escaping
into this, who claim to be freemen, shall be enti-
tled to a trial by jury. The act prohibits under
severe penalties, any other proceedings for this
purpose, than that by habeas corpus before a
competent tribunal.

The law prohibiting the establishment of
schools for the education of colored persons be-
longing to other states, commonly called the Can-
terbury law, was repealed, by an almost unani-
mous vote, in accordance. it is believed, with the
general sentiment of the State.

The friends of the three great works of inter-
nal improvement, now in progress through the
State, milled in application for aid to complete
their rail roads. The subject was referred to an
able committee, who made an interesting report,
recommending a loan of the credit of the State
to the amount ofabout two millions of dollars—-
that being supposed to be_ sufiicieut to complete
the roads. The General Assembly went into the
examination with a strong disposition to do all
they could, consistently with their other duties, to
foster and encourage these great and important
enterprises. Most of the States of the Union
have in some form embarked in works ofinternal
improvement, and without burthening the peo-
ple, have immeasurably increased the public
wealth, and the comfort and happiness of their
citizens. \Vhcther such shall hereafter become

the policy of Connecticut, it will remain with

togsgll inqtiantities less than five gallons, must

 

To most of the members

the people to decide.

person from selling less than five gallons, and if

of the Assembly, however, the project was new.
It had never been agitated before the people. anrl
they did not feel themselves justified in pledging
the faith of the State. to so large an ariiohiit,
without more distinct indications of the pub';tc
will.tlian they had yet seen. The whole sub-
ject was therefore continued to the next session
ofthe General Asseinblv.

The aid of the Stalt; was also invoked in be-
lialfoftlie '\Vesleyan University, an excellent
and riiost deserving institution of learning at
Midrlletown. The General Assembly were nrg
ed by many forcible and persuasive considera-
tioos to make the grant. but with the empty and
indebted treasury left them by their predeces-
sors. it was out oftheir power, whatever might
have been their wishes.

Two amendments of the Constitution of the
State, have been approved by the requisite ma-
jority of two-thirds of boili branches of the Le-
gislaturc, and await now the approbation of the
Electors to become the law of the land. The
one provides for the. admission of the citizens of
other States to the privileges of electors, who
have resided in the State a year, and have the
other qualifications required of native born citi-
zens, without the necessity of first gaining a set-
tlement in this State. The other provides for
the election of Sheriffs by the electors of the se-
veral counties. '

For many years the General Assembly of
this State has presented the strange spectacle of
a Legislattire who annually appoint nearly one
halftheir own numher,to ofiicesofliouor and pro-
fit; and who thus possess, and at times exercise.
the means of the most debasirig corruption. The
people are_ beginning to feel the extent of this
alarming evil—and for the purpose of relieving
the Legislature from exposure to the dangerous
temptations. which now exist, a strong disposi-
tion has been manifested to place the appointing
power in other bands.

The House offlepresentatives, at the present
session have. by an almost unanimous vote, pro-
posed for consideration, two amendments to the
Constitution, by which if adopterl, the appoint-
ment of Judges of Probate and Justices ofthe
Peace, is to be made by the people. Appoint-
merits which can conveniently and safely be
made by them, ought never to be entrusted to
any other power. And when experience lias-
shown that in other bands, these appoiutinents
have atendency to corruption, it is wise to avoid
the snare. The question as to the propriety anti
expediency ofthe atiientlments now proposed is
one, which, ofcourse will be decided by the peo.
pie for themselves. The appointing power as at
present exereiserl, is one of great delicacy, and
constitutes the most embarrassing and vexatious
rlnty of the General Assembly. Every princi-
ple of propriety and expediency requires, that it
should, as far as possible be taken from their
lzaiirls.

The usual appointments have been made at
the present session, andwhile making them, we
have constantly bortie in mind that the minority
have their rights, which ought not to be disre-
garrlerl, and they have received their full share
in the distribution ofthe ollices. The previous
conduct oforrr opponents would havejustified, if
retaliation were ever justifiable, the most rigor-
otis proscription; they were treated, however,
with a forbearance, with a magnanirnity, even.
which we are sorry to say, some of tlierri do not
seem to appreciate.

It appears from the ollicial statements of the
ofiicers of the Goverurnent, that the state is in
debt to the amount of about thirty thousand dol-
lars. For the purpose of ascertaining the origin
ofthis surprising fact, and of providing a remedy
for it, several comuiittees were raised, and in-
structed to inquire into the expenditures of the
different departments of the Government. By
their reports it appears that the public expense‘:
have, for a number ofycars past, without ade-
quate causc, been constantly increasing. That
the annualjurlicial expenses. meaning the costs
of public prosecutions, support of prisoners, court
expenses, &c. amounted last year to 334.115
being an increase of nearly $12,000 within the
last eight years; and of about $2000 during the
past year. That the debenture and contingent
expenses of the General Assembly, for some
years past, have been unusually large, and
made out, particularly the year 1837, upon
principles which are believed to be not warrant-
ed by the Constitution. At the present session
the General Assembly have made provision for
the payment of the public debt, and done what
they could to reform those abuses. They have
instituted a commission to look after the cause of
the great increase of judicial expenses, and to
suggest some plan to the next Legislature, by
which those expenses may be regulated, made
uniform throughout the state, and restrained
within reasonable bounds.

A practice has prevailed for a few years past
for the Legislature to take_double the amount of
travel allowed by law, and pay, for from live to
eight days, more than the Assembly was ac-
tually in session. This General Assembly did
not feel tliernselvasjustified in following such ex-
amples. The Constitution and the laws are too
plain to be ‘mistaken. lftlie pay of members be
too small. it ought to be increased by law, not by
usuage or construction. By comparing the ex-
penses of the General Assembly of last year
with those ofthe present, it will be seen that the
tisttal annual expenses of 1838are nearly $7000
less than those ofthe year 1837.

We have thus alluded to some of the most
prominent and interesting acts ofthe late session
of the General Assembly. and we submit them
to the consideration of our constituents. confirlcnt
that they will dojusticc to our honest intentions,
and in the hope that the measures adopted may.
in sortie good degree. promote the public interests.
It is not to be expected, however. that much
can be done by a State Legislature, while the
General Government are trying experiments
upon the lifeblood of our commercial existence.
\Ve beg in this cgnnexion to be indulged in a
passing remark or two upon national politics.-
The state. of parties for the last few years, both
ofthe state and nation, are doubtless familiar to
you ; and we advert to it now, only for the pur-
pose of ascertaining the true measure ofour own
responsibility, and to show you where, and to
whom you ought to look for reform, which it is
not in our power to make.

Since the year 1828, the aduiinistration party
have had the entire control ofthe federal. as well
as most of the State Governments, and a full
opportunity has thus been aflbrded to the prople
totest, by experience, the worth of their meas-
ures. “ 'l‘ he ruin or prosperity ofa state.” says
an eminent writer, " depends so much on the
administration ofits Government, that to be ac-

quainted with the merit of an executive, we need

only observe the condition of the people.”-
\Vlien Mr. Adams left the adrninistration, the

paths; each rlepartrneut ofthe gcvernnient was
occupied with its just constitinioual powers;
every branch ofinrlcstry wasllourishing ; com-
nierce. agriculture, and the arts. were quietly
lttlttglrtg to us r.oml'ort and wealth ; we were at
peace at home, and respected abroad; our com
mercial exchanges and general currency \\ere
better than tlose of any other nation in the
world; the public tlebt was melting away. and
fast disappearing before the economical andjurli-
ciorzs measures oftheadmiuistration; indeedtlie
sun in all its course sborie not upon a people more
universally free, prosperous and happy. \Vlia'
is our condition now, the Govcriiment is bank-
rupt, putting offitsdebts—-truckling for an exteri-
sion and offering its creditors treasury notes.
Oftlie currency it may literally be said that as
a nation, we have none, for the dilfcrerice ofex-
change between the northern and southern
states, is greater than between New York anrl
most ofthe commercial nations ofthe old world.
The project to exclude credit from the operations
oftrade, arirl to force upon us an exclusive me»
tallic curreucy. is one ofthe most visionary and
mischievous schemes that was ever attempted.
and has already resulted in the banislinient of
all specie, a bankrupt treasury and a circulation
oftreasury notes and irrerleetnable paper. \Vho
is there among our immense multitude of busi-
ness men, that has not felt in his own private
concerns the heavy hand of power, darkening
his prospects, and crushing his energies. or at
least depriving him ofa good portion ofa just re-
ward of his enterprize. Trade, commerce and
manufactures are tlepresscrl and almost ruined-
our people are idle arirl rlispirited—consoniing
to-day the products oftheir former earnings. and
looking bitterly forward to the future. Amid
all this distress they have not rebelled-—tbey
quietly submit to the laws—they went up to
\Vasbingtou with respectful statements oftheir
grie'.ances——tliey besouglit the administration to
abandon their warfare upon the great interests of
the country—-to stay the destroying hantl while
hope isyetalive—to let them and their private
concerns alone, and not to sacrifice to the Mo-
locli of party. all that is excclleiit in our civil
and political itislitutions, and the tiiore invalua-
ble interests they were intended to protect. Brit
they were spurned from the footstool of power.
“The people,” said the ntinion, “expect too
uiuclt of the government.” The screw was
turned again, and measures. the disastrous con-
sequences of which were foretold with proplietic
eertairztv, were adopted and prirsiicrl, in the face
ofa suffering, petitioning p(‘f)ple, by a govern-
ment who iusulted their dislrcsscs, anrl drove
their messengers from the threshliold of the
palace. The people then rushed tothe balli.t
boxes, and their voices came up like thunder.
From the north and the south. the east and the
west, the land rung with the cry of instilled, in-
dignant freenien. ltwas not to be believed that
such unequivocal evidences. of public sentiment
would be disregarded, particularly by an admiri-
istratiori of such pure and spotless democracy.
But enlrericherl in a four year's olficc. the Presi-
dent had the elfrontery to say, that he saw no
evidence ofa change in public opinion ; that the
people were reprieved debtors, slaves who had
bartered their elective franchise for the favor of
banking institutions. He went behind the bal-
lot boxes, to tell the people that they were inca
pable of taking care of their own concerns; it
now remains for them to say whether they will
submit to the insult.

This warfare will not cease. the calamity will
not cnrl, the people will not be safe, until the
enemy are driven from the citadel. Deaf to
the voice of reason, of palriotisin and of truth,
the administration are struggling to hold on to
office. until they are so entrencliedin power. that
it will be impossible to dislodge them. The press,
the armed force. the post ofiice, and the appoint-
ing and removing power, those tremendous en
glues, are constantly employed to counteract the
influence of public opinion. and to break rlown
what political virtue and integrity there is left
among us. During the pastten years, the num-
ber of government otlicers and depeiirlants have
doubled; there are something over one /tzmdrerl
l/rousaml men who purchased place by subser-
viency, and retain it by continued liomagc; and
during the same time the annual expenses ofthe
government have gone up in the hands of this
reforming administration, from $12,000,000 to
$32,000,000 ofrlollais.

In fouryears the administratiori party appoint-
ed more mcmbers of Congress to ollice. than
had been done in all the previous history ofthe
government. The public patronage has been
extended. aiirl applied to purposes of corruption,
until we have lost otir confidence in human vir-
tue. as well as in the safcgtiards of liberty which
the forms of the constitution were intended to
establish. VVe have seen a powerfulopposition
in Congress dissolve anrl melt away in the brealli
of executive favor; and riiaiiy a Polonius, the
chnngling of an hour, ready to swear that a
whale was a camel ora camel a whale, in pliant
siibserviencyto executive caprice. ‘Ne have
seen the President assuming to himselfthe powers
of all the departments of government, executive,
legislative and judicial, and even now the eni-
barrassrnent and distress which are destroying
the energies of this great people. are the conse-
quence not of the acts of Congress, but of an
arbitrary despotic executive. The true standard
of political faith, is to be found only in the last
promulgation ll‘0'!’l the white house at \Vasiiing-
ton. We have seen, nay, we see, every ‘day.
the whole patronage of the goverrirrient brought
into conflict with the freedom ofelections. The

for party service, and an election is bin a conflict
between a free. brave people. and a discipliiied
band ofofficc holders and cxpectants, backed by
the immense power and patronage of both state
and national govcrnnieuts, and with the pledge
constantly before their eyes, that "to the victors
belong the spoils."

During the first session ofCongrcss, the power
ofthe President alone to remove from ollice. was
recognized by a small majority in the House of
Representatives, and in the Senate by the casting
vote ofthe President. \Ve veuttire to say. that
such a power would not have been entrusted to
any other bands than those of \Vashington.
The constitutional power ofappointmcut, by the
advice and consent of the Senate, gave the Presi-
dent a predominating influence in the govern-
ment, and witbiri the last ten years, he has dis-
covered how to make appointments. not only
without the advice but against the consent of the
Senate; during the same time a corrupt use of

the power of removal-has destroyed the balance

governrr.eiit aorl people were going on in the old I

office holders are constantly in the ticld, ready.

fof the constitution, and the liberties of the corin-
try are now at the mercy ofthe executive. A

\Ve' have anxiously watclicd the approach and
progress of this fearful power-—we have seen its
malignant influence in every section, in every
hamlet ofuiir widely extended territory. Asiri-
gle toricli ofthr. wire. and through all the ranks
of venality. front the great olfir-crs of state down
to the petty pos‘.inn.~:ir:-r ofa pelty village, a re-
sponse is returuegl with the rapidity ofliglrtnin_g.-
They are not the officr-rsoftlie law brit the crea-
tures of the Presitlcnl. Unwavering allegiance
to bitii istlie condition of their being, and in his
hand is the breath of their political existence.
Republics, it is saitl, are founded in the virtue of
the people, yet here is a prr r igative, iti full exer-
cise, wliileour institutions are yet in the gristle,
wliicli, if unrestrained, will not leave us a vestigc
ofliberty or virtue. The constitution willcitlicr
expire in the convulsions which are certain to
ensue upon the recurrence of every Presidcntal
election. or it will silently ‘rot and fall away.
leaving the people corrupted anrl rlebased. the
willing subjects of the nieancst (lC‘Spt)ll.~nl. Be-
lieving these consequences to be inevitable front
the presentstateoftliings. we have requested our
Representatives at '\Vaslriri,9,ton to rise tlzeir in-
fluence. so toariierid the constitution ofthe Urrireil
States, as to abridge the iriinicnse power and
patronage ofthe President. ‘

‘Ne have also solemnly asserted the right of
the States of the Union to the public lands, as
the (It-lnlrltltl property of all the states, and pro-
testing against preemption laws and grants made
unrler them, we have l’t'(i_llt'.‘SlCfl our Senators
and Rcprcsetitu:i\'es at ‘Nasliirigton, to use their
best endeavors to liavetlie proceeds of the public
lands divided among the states severally, as
soon as it can with propriety be done.

The pecuniary interest of this state in that
fund, is irnmensc, amounting to many niilliotis,
but it will avail us nothing unless dillerent prin-
ciples prevail at \-Vashingtoti. Already it is
fading away. \Ve have ourselves seen the pub-
lic domain. that splendid inberitage purcbasr-rl by
the blood of our ancestors, brought to the market
arirl trncklcrl for Presidential votes.

“To have set.-ii solemn treaties disregarded,
and the re-ptit.:it,iou ofour country shocked by a
breach of public faith, which has made us the
scorn and derision of foreign powers, and
bronghtablush to the check of every honest
American. \Ve have seen the sprcatl of the
reign of terror, corruption and violence, through
the land—thc frc-qzicnt occurrence of mols in
our large cities—-the halls of legislation become
the SCCIIU of unseemly brawls, of personal vio-
lence, and even of fatal afi'ra_vs—the olficial pa-
per at ‘tVasliingt.on lending its influence to these
acts of lawless outrage, l.-y countcrianciug the
project of :1 popular insurrection, to (l(‘Fil‘t':y by
violencr-ti public it'istiti.ition. and the iiidlfcrciiec
of our fcilow citizens to such a state of thiiigs,
whereby our rcput.-rt.ion as zi civilized people is
stained, and otir land is tlr-filcd with blood.

VVe now see the President struggling against
public opinion, and against the spirit ofiur
government and constitution, for the cstablisli_-
ment of an independent treasury. which shrill
give him the entire control over the revenue and
trcfasiires of the country. Should he succeed
in tliis-—sliould lie add to the power he already
poscsses, that. of crushing otir nionied institu-
tions, and coucentratiugin his own hands the
unlimited control of the currency, and with it
the business of the country, the civil liberty that
is left will not be worth retaining. \Ve shall
then be, and what is worse, we shall deserve to
be, a nation of slaves. On this suject there is
but little, if any, difference of S9I]illl1Pfll. in this
State, and "we have so instructed our Reprcsori-
tatives in Congress. They have hitherto pro-
fessed the utmost defcrenctz for public opinion,
and as that; now is perfectly understood, it re-
mains to be seen whether it will be regarded.

\Ve deemed it our duty to give utterance to
what we know to be the wishes of the people of
Connecticut. VVe are sorry to say, however,
that the decided party cliartieter of our delega-
tion at \Vasliington, and their votes already giv-
en, lenve us no reason to hope that the peoplo
of the State will be fairly represented by them
in the great party questions which are now agi-
tating the country. Oui'Senators, pa.rt.icularly. in
their votes and opinions on the subject of the
public lands, t.lie Sub-Treasury. the treasury,
circulars, and other matters of the greatest im-
prfrtance, have disregarded the wishes of our peo-
ple. as well as the safety and presermtjon of
millions of their property. The period for
which one of those gentlemen was appointed
expires with the present Congress, and it; con-
sequently became our rlt.‘y to provide for that
event. ‘Believing the public iiitorest did not re-
quire tliat the presentincumbent should be re-
tained in the public service, we have appointed
another to take his place on the 4th of March
next, who, we trust, will“ follow in the foot-
steps of his t:redecessor” only to the scat lit!‘
occupies. The Senator elect is a gentlernrin of
elevated and honorable standing, well known
to the p ‘ople, and who, instead of opposing, Wlll
nbly sustain the wishes and interests of his eon-
stitueuts. . _

This vi- w of public affairs, although cursory,
we believe to be quite sufficient: to arouse the
people to an increased tvatchfuliiess and_ ener-
gy in the perforriiance of tlicir public duties-—to
ti careful examination of the proceedings of
governnieiit, and, above all, to .'lflt‘ln determina-
tion, never on any account, to neglect; the duty
of votingzit every clection. To disregard the
call of our country in this fearful trial, is to
be recreant in duty to the sacred cause of free-
dom, to ourselves, t.o posterity, and to God‘

The party to which we belong are proverbial
for their independence of thought: and action,-
It. has hitherto seemed impossible to. Organtzr"
their force, or eoneetitrate their energies to any
great purpose. They are high _ml,n(le(l, i‘.-1r.
tous men, governed more by patriotic feeling
than party polic_v—-frank, manly and honest.
they go boldly up, every man to his purpose,
but acting without concert they are usually beat-
en by the disciplined oflice holders. It is per-
fectly apparent that the people, however brave
and patriotic, can never contend successfully
against the regular troops of the administra-
tion,'unless they are organized and united. It
has long been declared lawful to learn from an
enemy, and we should be very stupid not to
have learned something from our multiplied ex-
perience. \Ve must. combine our efi'oi'tS. and
unite firmly in support. of such men and meas-
ures as all our friends can approve, and which
:1 majority of them, although not all, prefer to
all others. It is better to yield to a. friend and

both beaten by a common enemy.

The election in April last. proves beyond con

jail in

triumph with him, than to differ from him and be «

trovcrsy, that a decided rnajori-ty of the people
are opposed to the measures of the present gag.
ministration, as well as to the dishonorable
Compact, by which this State was to be brought
in to support ihem, at the expense of her most
valued interests.

The policy of both the State rind national
gorveriiinents was fully discussed before tie
people, and the cause of truth prevailed. Yotr
secured the election of ll. pure and patriotic ex-
r-cntive, who has not hesitated" to speak plainly
of the wants and sufferings of the people, and
to point out the remedy they need. You secur-
ed to yourselves overwhi.-lming-majorities in both
branches of the General Assembly——their acts
are now before you for judgement-—their jour-

nals will show, tliat. tit. least they have not been

idle or extravagant. The benign influence of
that election was not confined to our own bot.
ders. It was hailed as it bright omen from the
furthest verge of the Republic, and re-
trieved the Cl]?:t‘i1Cl8l' of our State from a foul
reproach. The friends of the constitution
tlirorrghout the Union, cheered by the prospect
that the people are coming themselves, are eve.
ry wlicre rsrllyirig and marshalling theirstrength
for the great ctiiifiict.

Let it be borne constantly in miittl, that al.-
though touch has been done. more remains to be‘
done. W'e know, we feel the immenseinflttettcet

‘which Ill“ measures of the federal government

have upon the prosperity of all classes of our
people. The conflict has butjust begun. The
elections which occur during the_ year to come,
are vastly more irnportzint than those of the
your past.
our efforts cannot be remitted for a. moment,
until the enemy are driven from the capit;o1__
Our honor, our safety, our prosperity, our hop-
pincss. all depend upon it. Even those whose
patriotism never moves until the purse is touch-
ed, should be assured that; the most profitable
speculation of the times, is to attend faithfully
at the polls. The storm of public indignation
has forced the repeal of one treasury circular,
but it is only to give place to another, which
is the same in spirit and in essence. Every
l.lllI‘.g we see, evcry thing we hear, proves
that we can have no hope of better things
until the ni:ijoritie.s in Congress are changed.
We are strong in iitimbcrs, and still stronger in
tliejustiec ofour cause. The administration are
comparatively -weak—tlir-zy are stunned by the
rebukes of the people, and beggared by their
own folly and extrrivigancc. When they are
completely powcrlcs, and not till then, will the
people be again prosperous and happy.
OltA2\'GF._lVll£RWlN, ‘
Ronv S'r.\iin.
ELIJAH BALDWIN,
,Gini«:o-N Hicoitxs,
SA.\iUi;i. C. Siznni-IN.
Root-:n BALi)wiN,
AsA Fist-i,
V./M. W. llo.-irin.itAN,
Oi.ivi~:ii ll. KING,
Roitiizo LOWRY,
HENRY DU'l"l‘ON,
’ticiiAiin UUBBARD, ,
New Haven, June, 1838.

I
}Committee.

 
 

LA‘»‘VS on CONNECTICUT,
Passed, May Session, 1838.

An Act in addition to an act entited “An-Act for
forriinig and conducting the Military Force.-
Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and

House of Representatives, in General Assembly
convened, That whenever an appeal shall be
made to any General or Field officer from the
imposition of a fine incurred by virtue of any of
the provisionsoftlie act to which this is in addi-
tion, or any other act relating to the militia of
this state, it shall be lawful for the officer to
wboin the appeal is made to require the parties
thereto and their witnesses to be examined jun-r
rler oath in relation to the matterconlaiiieo in
such appeal, which oath the said oflieer is here-
by empowered to adniiniser. And if any per-
sriri when so under examination, shall, be guilty
of wilful false swearing, such person, shall upon
conviction thereof, stiller the pilinishmentby law
prescribed for the crime of perjury.

Sec.2 Be it further enacted. Tliatthe follow-
ing forms be. and the same are hereby prescribed
antl establislrr-.rl to be the forms of warrants to be
used by the officers therein named, lor the col-
lectiorfof military fines in certain cases.

Sec.3. A warrant for the collection of a fine
imposed upon a noir-commissionerl ofiicer, musi-
cian m piivate for non-appearance on day of
Company exercise and inspection.

To either of the Constables of the town of A
in the County of B. _ . Greeting.

\Vliereas C. D. of said town of A, a non-
cornmissinned officer (or musician or private as
the case may be) of the Company
Regiinenl of and liable to perform
military rluty as socli in said Company he hav-
ing been duly enrolled therein, and bad sit!
months notice cf said enrollment was on
the day of duly warned toappear
on the (here namethe place ofparade) in the town
of G. on the day of for company ex-
ercisc and inspection; and whereas the said C.
D. neglected to appear with said company at
said time and place for exercise and inspection as
aforesaid: and did not within ten days thereafter‘
present to me a satisfactory excuse for so neglect-
ing to appear : therefore on the day of
I. C. T. Captain, Lieutenant, or Ensign com-
mandant as the case be) ofsaid company imposed
upon the said C. D. for non appearance as afore-
said a fiueoffourdollars. and thereofgave notice
in writing tothe said C. D.and the said C. D. has
not made an appeal from the imposition of said
fine, nor has said fine been paid or abated; but
now remains wholly unpaid and unsatisfied.—
These are therefore by the authority of the state
of Ci)nn0c|j(*ul, to command you that of the goods
or chattels of said delinquent within your pre-
cincts, you cause to be levied, anrl (the same
being disposed of as the law directs) paid and
satisfied unto me, the said commanding officer"
the aforesaid fine of four dollars ; and also,- tbgt
out oftlie said goods or chattels you levy seven-
teen cents more for this warrant togetber_t_vit’li‘
your own fees, and for want of such goods. of
chattels of the said delinquent, to be by him
shown unto you or found within your precincts,-
whereon to levy as aforesaid. you are hereby
commanded to take the body of the said delin-
and him commit unto the keeper of the
C. in the County aforesaid, within said
prjsnn‘; who is likewise hereby commanded to
receive the said delinquent. and hi'rn safely keep
until he pay the said fine of four‘ dollars and
seventeen cents more for this warrant: and al-.

quent

so satisf y your fees, or until he be otherwise by