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-Governor’s ‘Message. -
Fel/ozo-Citizens of the Senate and House of
Representatives : ' .
I feel myself deeply impressed with the
honor which has just been conferred upon
me; and l desire to express my gratitude to
those from whom _I have received that honor.
The trust which has been committed to
me, I shall endeavor to fulfil in such a man-
ner as to represent the will of the people,
through whose delegates,in General Assem-
bly convened, 1 have been placed in a high
and responsible office. Without any_ claim
to long experience in public affairs, 1 shall
necessarily enter upon the duties which will
-now devolve upon me, with- great diflidence.
The State for which you are called to
‘legislate, though limited in its extent, occu-
pies deservedlya proud position in the Union,
demanding alike, from all those into whose
-hands its destinies may be committed, the
-task of uiiceasing efforts to maintain its in-
- terests and its honor. . ' _
'.ln coming together again to legislate for
-the people of the State, it is impossible to
overlook the general prosperity. That pros-
perity is owing, in a measure,I have no
doubt, to causes which lie beyond the reach
-.of mere legislation. It is to be found in the
ma-tiveindustry, enterprise and perseverance
of the people of this country. Never have
we had greater reason to be thankful for the
blessings of a free government than at the
present time, or grateful to the God'of peace
and concord who has thus far held us to-
gether in the bonds of a glorious union.
The period at which you have assembled
is marked by the progressive spirit of the
age. In matters of legislation, our own
State has not been behind its sister States of
the Confederation. It is new but little more
than thirty years since the adoption of our
present Constitution ; that instrument has
undergone several important alterations.
Others, it is believed, are required at the
present time——and the demand for a Con-
vention to revise and amend the Constitu-
tion of the State seems to have grown into
a public sentiment. The subject will come
before you, at the present session, for final
action, so far as the Legislature is concerned,"
and, from the almost general expression of
opinion in favor of the measure, I cannot
conceive that it will be necessary for me to
press the subject upon your consideration.
A measure so just in itself, and called for by
the voice of the people of the State, cannot
fail to meet with your earliest attention.
Two other propositions to amend the
Constitution will also come before the Legis-
lature, at its present session ; one in relation
to the election of Judges of Probate by the.
people, the other the election of Justices of
the Peace in the same manner, and. each
embodying the principle of a wise reform.
Should. however,the Legislature, in the first
place, take favorable action upon the propo-
sition to call a convention for the purpose of
a general reform of the Constitution,-it may
perhaps be considered inexpedient ‘ to act‘
upon the remaining propositions to amend,
involving, as they do, questions of reform
which would be likely to come before such
a convention as, there is reason to believe,
will, in the course of another year, be as-
sembled in this State.
The actual expenses of the State, the past
year, have been $12l,720,84, which sum
includes the payment of $3,328,123 interest
(in the debt to the School Fund. The re-
«c_ei,pts, into the treasury, exclusive of the
.balan-cue of last year’s account, $20,2-11,96,
.-and the sum of $12,000, borrowed of the
‘School Fund, since the least session of the
Legislature, amount to the sum of $111,-
191,73, showing that the expenses have
-exceeded the current receipts, in the sum
of $10,529,11. -
The debenture and -contingent expenses
-of the General Assembly, and judicial ex-
.-"penses of the State, especially the latter,
constitute important items in our increased
‘expenditures. The judicial expenses alone,
for the year ending the 31st of March,
1850, «amount to the sum of ‘S-'1.9,00-1,89,
showing an excess over the expenses of
the same department for the previous year,
«of $7,630,05. The average yearlyincrease
-of -1ilri=e_j-2-Iivlicial expenses for six years past,-
Elias been at the rate of $2,997,139, or nearly
$3,000 per annum.
For seiieral years our expenses have
-greatly increased ; and, notwithstanding the
additional tax of -a half cent on the dollar,
which .has added to our annual receipts
since $847 an average nett amount of over
$18,000, it has been found impossible to
meet the current expenses of the fiscal year,-
without borrowing money for the pprpose.
The State is now indebted to the School
Fund for loans of money at differeiit times,
.10 the amount of $58,212,43. Thus situ-
ated, with a defective system of judicial ex-
,p-enses on one hand, drawing largely from
sthe treasury, and, on the other, an inade-
-quate system of taxation, the question will
again come before the Legislature, whether
the existing debt shall be carried forward,
increasing with each returning year, or
whether such measures shall be taken as
will be most likely to remove the burthen
of indebtedness.
it seems proper that some plan should be
.-devised to throw the costs of supporting
.-prisoners after conviction upon the coun-
ties. This would materially reduce the ju-
dicial expenses. Strong groiinds exist for
-requiring the adoption of such a plan. The
fact that several of the counties where the
-work-house system has been adopted, draw
tlargely from the State treasury every year,
Whilst they continue to have a large amount
of ‘what are called “surplus earnings,” on
hand, goes far to show that the State is
.tr'iade to defray the expenses of a system
which, by its own accounts, is able to sus-
-tain itself to a considerable extent. Pay-
ments made under such circumstances are
equivalent to special appropriations to the
counties thus favorably situated. The
counties should be made to defray the ex-
‘penses of the work-house system, to the
extent, at least, of their surplus earnings.
The State would thus be saved a considera-
ble sum, annually, whioh, with due regard
.10 economy, in contingent and other ex-
penses, would obviate the necessity of a
resort to any new loansto meet the current-
expenses of the State. ‘
It is stated in the report of the Controller,
which you will have before you,that the
law of the last session, imposing a tax of
one half of one per cent. upon the market
value of stock in Railroad Corporations in
this State, held and owned by non-residents,
has not effected the purposes for which it
was framed, for reasons which he has given
in-full.. Assuming that Railroad property
gsbould beara reasonable proportion of the
r':}I""": l.‘‘.‘'‘‘..''‘.'‘''‘ ‘in '''''‘'‘'*‘'*"""'~‘ that Rail-
~:.t.-."-jj -3 from
'discussed,you ‘will Be able to determine
local taxation, and that, in lieu thereof, a
reasonable tax should be laid directly upon
the same, and made payable into the State
treasury for State purposes only. Hi‘sisu'g-
gestions are entitled to much consideration.
For a review of our "system ofjudicial ex-
penses, with a plan for reducing the same,
also an enquiry into our present unequal
system of taxation, together with other
matters of importance to the State,I have
the satisfaction to refer you to the very able
report of the Controller. . i
The difficult subject of taxation has re-
peatedly been brought to the notice of the
‘General Assembly. It seems to be general-
ly agreed that the present system iS,1n some
respects, unfair. The principle that proper-
ty of every description, which is now taxa-
ble, should be put into the list at its true
value at the time—and that the holders of
property shouldbe taxed ‘in prop0rtion_to
their ability to share the burthens, carries
in the face of it both reason and justice.
Such a-revision is called for,I believe, as
will effect that purpose. At the same time,
the list of taxable property might, and
doubtless ought to,'be increased. No g00d.
reason exists why personal property, which
is necessary to the convenience, and even
support of the citizen, should be taxed,‘
whilst another kind of property which is
less needed, is exempted from taxation.
Neither does it appear just, that the large
amount of capital invested in navigation
should also be exempfed. Au equitable dis-
tribution of the burtbens of taxation would,
in time, proportionably lessen the amount
of the ’tax—or, at all even_ts, obviate the
necessity for an increased rate. The sub-
ject will, I have no doubt, receive from you
the attention it so truly deserves.
The report ofthe Quarter-master Gen-
eral will show you the expenses of. that de-
partment during .the year. The ordinary
expenses, embracing the Salary of the
Arniorer and the Quarter-master General,
amount to $628,853. The extra expenses
of the office, including cost of returning
old arms, repairing and transportation of
camp equipage, $279,18; repairing and
cleaning arms, which have been retuined to
the Arsenal as per resolution of the Gener-
al Assembly, $910,00; making a total ex-
penditure for the year of $1,S18,01—all of-
which, together with other mattors referred
to in the report of the Quarter-master Gen-
eral, you will bave before you for consider-
ation; . _ 1 ‘
The capital of the School Fund, at the
time of taking the inventory, Sept. 18-19,
\ the meansoi‘ defence, and the safe _'guard to
«ation and another, by those upon whom the
amounted to the sum of $2,076,602,75,,
viz.:
debts against individuals in Connecticut gm]
other States, $;§1,554,251,<l6 ; in baiil; stock
(4,128 shares in 25 banks,) $329,800;
cash in treasury and bands :,I- agents, $18,-
492,598; amount in cultivated lands and
buildiiigs, $66,723; and in wild lands,
$49,122 88-amounting, in all, to the above
sum of $2,076,602,75.
During the past year, the income from
the School Fund, amounting to $136,050,
has been distributed among the 1,653
School Districts in this State. The num-
ber of children remaining under the enu-
meration of August, 1849, after deducting
500, on account ofschools not kept accord-
ing to law, is 90,700, making the dividend
$1.50 on each child enumerated. The
number of children returned at the last
enumeration in August, 1849, shows an in-
crease o_ver the previous year of 1,789 in
one year. '
The creation of the School Fund is one
of theginost gratifying facts in our political
histoiy The loading idea of the system is
too striking to be overlooked. N0 society
can lave a fiiin basis, and no Sate
that union of» freedom with knowledge,
which constitutes the host _security against
the extremes of anarchy and oppression,
without the powerful support of a general
system of education. VViih the growth of
this fund, a system of Common School edu-
cation has sprung up and spread itself over
the State For a long time, however, it
may be said that the system languished, on
account of a too great reliance on the fund,
which had the effect to relax individual ex-
ertions. '
The present condition of our Common
Schools, at once the boast and the blessing
of this State, will be laid before you, in
the report of the Superintendant, a gentle-
man who has devoted his time and talents
to this great subject for many years. The’
laboring often under the most discouraging
circumstances, be has steadily pursued the
lofty purpose which he has had in view,
with an industry and perseverance, which
nothing short of a well-founded faith in the
justice of the cause could have inspired.
From his report, it will_, be seen that
while schools in connection with other in-
stitutions of learning, are making education
the cominon property of every child in our
midst, there is still left room in our system
of public instruction‘, to carry out and en-
large what our fathers so adniirably begun.
The suggestions of the Supreiiitendeut are
many of them worthy of the attention of
the Legislature.
The Report of the Trustees of the State
Nortnal School will show the progress
which has been madein locating and organ-
izingthis new institution. To the credit of
the enterprising village of New Britain, it
should be mentioned that the citizens of that
Society, have placed the sum of sixteen
thousand dollars at the service ofthe State,
in buildings, apparatus and library, for the
use of the Normal School. The object of
this school, you have had before you at a
previous session. Coming immediately
from the’ people, in whose primary assem-
blies the subject of our schools is so often
whether any thing remains to be done in fur-
therance ofthe great cause of publicinstruc-
tion, which has so often commanded the at-
tention ofthe Legislature.
The militia system commends itself to
the patriotism ofour fellow citizens. It has
come down to us from a period when it was
chiefly relied on for the acheiving the inde-
pendence of this country. The right ofthe
people to keep and bear arms, is the bassis
of an organization which should never be
abandoned. whilst we have liberties to
watch over and protect.
In our State,the law of 1847 effected a»
great change in the old system of organiza-
tion. How far it has answered the purpose
of its creation, I am unable to state; no re-
ports of any kind, or statistics, having come
into my hands to warra_nt any general con-
clusions on the subject. Some grounds of
complaint‘. have arjsen in regard to pay,
commutation money and prices, which call
loaned to the State, 5$e3S,212,43;l
for Legislative enquiry. Those who ‘per-
, . . ‘ r.~ -,
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_4. -. : ‘ta. L‘_‘I_-J:,__£{‘:'_’
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‘- ,-" ..._.. .-- ‘e'K -x-v‘r'."*-> ..
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form military service, and those who do, not,
complain ofthe new system ; the first,‘that
they do not receive, in full ~the,per diemsum
allowed them in the law, andgthose who are
permitted to commute for military service,
that the law bears heavily upon them. The
law may therefore be considered as still open
to revision and __correction. No efforts
should be spared to place the system upon
ajust and firm basis,so that we may con-
tinue to hand down to the latestgenerations
our institutions. \ .
The efforts which have been made to sus-
tain the system under one form of organiz-
burthen of the system mainly falls, Iregard
as an evidence of the patriotism which is
ready to make any sacrifice for the common
cause—a patriotism which l believe to
have been handed down through our militia
systein,_ in'a greater degree than in any oth-
er way. ‘ -
The lamented Maj. General Francis W.
Bacon having deceased since the last ses-
sion of the General Assembly, of which he
was a distinguished and useful member;
the office which he held in the Militia of
the State has become vacant. The duty of
filling that vacancy -will therefore devolve
on the l,,¢,egisl‘atui‘e at its present session.
Fi'eedom of enquiry into our laws has ex.
posed the statutes on usury. At the last
session of the Legislature of this State, an
important modification of our usery laws
was effected. The Statute that subject
was so far amended as to reduce the penal-
ty for receiving a greater amount of inter-
est than the sum fixed by statute, to a for-
feiture ofthe value of the -money or other
property taken, accepted or received for.for-
bearance. I submit to the Legislature
w hetlier theact of thelast session might not
with propriety be further amended by pro-
viding for a forfeiture of the excess of inter-
est only, over and above tlielegal rate—thus
clearing the statute of its most objectionable
-feature A still better reform, in myjudg-
V‘:
.
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, I
‘rt
those. which are specified in the statute. If,
as it is alleged, the traffic in spiritous liquors-
is immoral, and no distinction is to be made,
between the use and the abuse, of the sairie,
it is plain enough that stringent lavts in this
matter, may be.carried to almost any extent,
and made the instrument of oppression and
injustice, rather than of a wise and salutary
reform. '1 submit to the ‘Legislature wheth-
er the present laws do not present many
objectionable features, suflicient to justify
essential modifications.
Iask the attention of the Legislature to
the number of persons employed in business
of various kinds, in the State, and to an in-
quiry into the number of hours they are ex-
pected to labor during the ‘day. I would
suggest for consideration, whether it would
not be both just apd expedient to provide by
law, that in cases where no previous con-
tract has been made to labor for any speci-
fied time during a day, that ten hours shall
constitute a legal day’s labor. The pro-
visions of such a law might be extended to
all persons employed in or on works char-
'tered by law.
The condition of the unfortunate who are
suffering under physical or mental disability,
for whose benefit asylums and retreats have
been charitably set apart,will undoubtely con-
tinue to merit and receive the assistance of the
Legislature, to which source, even through
their human infii-mitics,they have been taught
to look for succor and support. The indigent
blind, the mute, and those more unfortunate
still, from whose minds the light of reason
has been cast away, are strongly entitled to
the protecting care of the State. The stand- 4
ing appropriations for their mental culture’
and necessary aid and comfort, belong ‘,0 ,;
class of expenditures the justice and phikm-
thropy ofjwhich is universally ar‘,m;ued_
At no time in our history” as 3 State and
nation, has the Legislaturrj, assembled under
more favorable circumg,ances__ Tj,0,,,,h bu,
lately emerged “Cm a war, which, was
5“PP°5ed by _m'".ny, would affect injuriously
ill? Valuablf‘ interests which -lie at the found-
atlo“ Of ‘our growth and power as a nation,
ment,would be the repeal of the law it-
self.
I cannot avoid noticing the fact that
much of the time of the Legislature is -43.
nually consumed in the considoratjon of
questions ‘ofa special nature, sur',, as relate
to applications for chartersnf V,,r;.,uS kim]5_
It cannot be denied that many of the pm-
lecis for Vfhlch l9£‘[l.slalii'e anactinents are
3_Sked: and 3lIl1t".{t_ demanded, at every ses-
5'0“; _l""-'~'l*‘li.<} often of the character of
SP9”-‘-ll ‘privileges, which, w hen brought be-
‘Ii-are the Legislature, it is difficult to separ-
ate from extraneous influences, so eagerly
arethey souglitfor at times by those who
are most intefested in such matters. Great
caution is therefore required in the exercise
ofsuch powers of legislatioii. In many iii-
stances, no doubt ajust regard for the rights
of the people requires that the Legislature
should abstain from the exercise of such
powers of legislation, as the only appropri-
ate boinage which can be rendered to the
well established principle of our admirable
Bill ofRights.
1 suggest for the consideration of the
tLegislature whetlier it would not be well to
provide for a system of Free Banking, by the
enactment of a general law. under which
corporations or associations for banking pur-
poses may be formed.
In the course of our Legislation, several
attempts have been made to abolishibe death
penalty. The subject has Within a few years
assumed a practical hearing, which is begin-
iug to be felt in our courts of justice. It is
there we see the great dilliculty which is of-
ten experrience in procuring a conviction at
trials for homicide, rendered reinarkable, of-
ten, for the. evident guilt of the accused.——
The reluctance to -render a verdict of guilt
in such cases, is undoult.-dly owing, in many
instances,-to the effect produced on the minds
of jurors bythe terrible nature ofthe punish’-
ment which requires blood for blood. On
the other hand, the sympathy which is so
often excited in behalf of those who have
been found guilty of the crime, and senten-
ced to death, has the effect to cast doubt and
suspicion on the law itself. Thus, too, hor-
ror ofthc crime is sonietirnes lost in sympa-
thy for the victim, and the punishment affix-
ed to the crime becomes an act of the gros-
sest injustice ; and thus, too, when a victim
has been launched into eternity, many find
it difficult to discriminate between premedi-
tated and legal murder. I submit to the
Legislature whether the time has not come
when we should blot from our statute book
that relic ofa barbarous age, and substitute
instead thereof, imprisonment for life.
No laws on our statute book are better
founded in reason and justice than those
which exempt from execution a certain
amount of necessary household furniture,
provisions for the support of a family, and
the iriiplements of trade. They are laws
suited to an age of progressive wisdom and,
humanity. The next step should carry us,
to the home of the citizen. A law is want-
ed to secure to the industrious citizen the
home which he has acquired by his indus-
try—and whidli shall at the same time en-
courage others to acquire a property in the
soil and a roof for shelter during life.
The exemption to a limited amount,
from forced sale on execution, of the home-
stead of every man who has acquired a little
property in the soil—-such a law as shall be
‘applicable to debts contracted after a certain
date~—\vould, I have no doubt, be productive
of lasting benefits to the community,
without affecting injuriously any class of
citizens. Such an exemption, by securing
to the industrious citizen a foothold in socie-
ty, would stimulate him to make greater ex-
ertions to maintain himself and his family.
lt is the dread ofimpending ruin and loss
of the homested which not unfrequently
paralyzes all the efforts of a man to save his
property from falling to the hands of another.
1 am not unmindful of the fact that this
subject has engaged the attention of the Le-
gislature within the last few years, nor that a
law designed to meet the case thus imper-
fectlypresented passed the Legislature at its
session in 1847, and that it was re-
peeled the following year, The fatn of
the act of 1847, which in some respects, may
have been defective, is not sufficient to deter
,me from inviting the Legislature to consider
the question again. Nor can I too strongly
recommend the passage of a law so just in
itself, but which in substance has already
been adopted by nearly one third of the
States of this Union. '
The existing laws in relation to the traffic
in spiritousliquors, have excited conflicting
opinions in this community. The course of
reasoning by which it is attempted to justify
stringent laws on the subject, would, if fol-
lowed out .to its legitimate conclusion, justify
the restriction of other articles of traffic than
‘-116 ‘country has .gone on its triumphant
Career of prosperity and happiness.
To this stability in our affairs, I cannot
bL1l.ll1ll”.l( we are indebted, in an important
manner,to the enlightened legislation which
has given. equal protection to the giant in-
terests of agriculture, manufactures and com-'
merce, and to that remarkable financial
measure, the lndependent Treasury system,
which has so well subservcd the purposes of
its creation, without wasting our resources
or depressing any branch of t_rade—'a mea-
tributed to give steadiness to the business of
the country, under all the circumstances of
the last few years of trial at home and
abroad.
The great system of free government,
which ou_r fathers established, is entitled to
our unfaltering attachment. Choosing rath-
er to be “happy citizens, than subtle dis-
putants,” they laid its foiindations broad and
deep in the affections of the people. All the
ditliculties which they had to encounter at
the time, growing out ofdiversified interests
and sectional purposes, they had the wisdom
to settle in a spirit of geiierous compromise.
Thus the Union was formed, and it is only
in that spirit it can ever be preserved.
Since the adoption of the Constitution of
the United States, various ‘questions have
arisen, involving often the exercise of doubt-
ful powers of legislation, whicli have serious-
ly threatened the overthrow of our institu-
tions. But the spirit in which the constitu-
tion was foi‘med—the spirit of compromise
and concession to tlie.i'ights of the several
States—has saved the Union when most
severely tried. The controversy which for
some time past has seriously endangered all
the best interests of this country, provoking
animosities and exciting feelings of jealousy
and distrust between difI'crei'it portions ofthe
same——a controversy growing out of the ac-
acquistion of territory, which is the common
property of all the people of this country—is
now, we have reason to believe, in a fair
way of adjustment.
The prospect ofa speedy seltleinent of the
several questions which have sprung out of
the extension of our territory, l i'egai'd as the
dawn ‘of a new and beiter era in our history.
Settled, as I trust they will be, on a broad
and liberal basis, extending over the Union,
one and indivisible, we shall have harmony
restored to all parts of thecountry. A
new State will be brought into the Union,
to add to its strength, increase the notional
wealth, and extend the blessings of the Re-
public—with no longer any disturbing
causes to threaten the overthrow of our ad-
mirable form‘ of government, we shall con-
tinue to be a free, a prosperous, and happy
people.
1 have thus very briefly laid before you,
several subjects for your consideration. In
the progress of the session, many questions,
it is probable, will arise, ofrnore or less im-
portance to the people who are represented
in the legislative body. That your pro-
ceediiigs will be soiconducted as to maintain
the best interests of the State, to establish
order, ensure tranquility, and promote the
general welfai'e—-and that through your
deliberations, without regard to those lines
ofdifierence in opinion or principles which
sometimes divide us, the iiitegrity and honor
of our ancient commonwealth will be fully
sustained—is a matter of no uncertainty.
Open to the eyes of the Ruler of the world
are all our actions, and in our feeble efforts
to raise human laws to ,tlie highest state of
perfection imperfect earthly wisdom and
kiiotvledgewill allow, we may Well, With
reverence, invoke the blessings of Divine
Providence. THOS. H. SEYMOUR.
New Haven May, 2, 1850,
A Ques/tion. Imleerl.-"—The following ques-
tion is said to have created tremendous ex-
citement before the Hardscrabble Debating
lnstitution: “ What is the difference between
there being conscience enough in all
women, and women enough in all con-
science?” ‘After three weeks’ discussion,
that “there was a difference, but wherein it
consisted, he was quite uncertain.”
;3@.'l‘he steamer Empire State of the Fall
River route, ran down a-. schooner off Hell-
Gate, on Thursday morning last. Consid-
erable excitement was created among the
passengers, One ladyjuinped from her berth,
half frantic,and seized hold of the .dusky
cbambermaid, asked what was the matter 2--
Dinah Snowball answered very seriously
“ We hab arribe at Hell-Gate little two ear-
ly,marm, and it aint open. De cap’n is a
knockin at de door to wake up do Deeble-—
date all marm.” The lady after this satisfac-
tory information, returned to her berth and
slept soundly till the boat reached New
York. '
. ,4-._.. -
sure which, more than any other, has con- -
—II\ .4 . , ~ ' _ ,-
‘\f.ilTlu ’ V in _. _
W1-:nm:sn.nr, May 1. C
In the Senate, Hon. Samuel lngham was
called to the chair, and Hon. Elisha John-
son was appointed clerk, pro tem. On bal-
lotting for Clerk, Edward Fuller, of Kent,
was ‘chosen on the first ballot.- .
Resolutions passed adopting Rules of '
the last session.
Hon. Mr. Catlin appointed a Committee «
to inform the House that the Senate is or-
ganized. Resolution passed appointed, Os-
born &. Baldwin the State Printers. ‘
Hon. Messrs. Catlin, Ferris and Johnson,
were elected the Committee on Contested
Elections. -
IIouse.—The House was called to order
by Jonathan Rose, Esq , the oldest‘. member,
and Noah A. Phelps, and Henry E. Peck,
Esqs, were chosen Tellers; After calling
the roll of members, the house proceeded to
ballot for Speaker, with the following re-
sult: ~
VVhole number of ballots, 214. i
For James '1‘. Pratt, Democrat, 104; for
John Hooker, Free Soiler, 15 ; and for He“.
ry Dutton, VVhig, 90 ;——Scatterii~r°- 5_
There being no choice on tb;, fir-srha]1ot.._
the House then continued their ballotings
through the day and evening, without
effecting a choice of Speaker. On the 14th
ballot, Pf-‘lit -l‘..id 92: Dutton 96; Hooker
153 3-'19 3’.-attering—‘.219 total. '
THURSDAY, May 2.
.\t 8 o’clock, the House again proceeded
to ballot for Speaker; whole number of
votes cast, 219; of which Origen S. Sey-
mour, a new candidate, had 110
Dutton, 95
Scattering, 14-109
Seymour receivingjust enough to elect him.
Mr. Seymour signified , his acceptance of
the office in appropriate remarks. -
The oath of office was administered to
the Speaker elect by Hon. Henry Dutton.
A ballot was then taken for Clerk of the
House, which resulted in no choice; after
which, Daniel B. ‘Vil.l'n€I‘, of East Haddam.t
was elected Clerk of the House by resolu-
tion.
The Committee appointed to canvass the
votes for State officers reported that there
was no choice.
The Senate having joined the House, the
Convention proceeded to ballot for State
Olficers, and the following gentlemen were
elected, viz.:
Trionas H. SEYMOUR, Governor.
CI-IARLlr.‘S H. Po;\"o, Lieut. Governor. *
I-lizxnr D. Siurrii, Treasurer.
HIRAM \Vi:i-‘.D, Secretary.
Rrrus G. PJNNEY, Controller.
Adjourned to afternoon.
\Ve learn that Seymour’s majority on
joint ballot for Governor was 14.
1 At about 3 o'clock Gov. Seymour arrived
in a special train from Hartford, accom-
panied by the military of that city, and the
Committee of the Legislature. He was re-
ceivcd by the Committee of Arrangements
and Military, and escorted through the prin-
cipal streets of the city, to the State House,
where he took the oath of office, and sent in
his Message.
The election-pageant was, we are in-
foi*ined,‘brilliant, and witnessed by an un-
usually numerous concourse of citizens from
various parts of the State.
FRIDAY, May 3d.
Mr. VVarner expressed his thanks to the
House for the confidence iriai'iif'csted by
their election of him to the 0 rice of Clerk,
and tendered his resignation.
hlr. Phelps moved that the action of the
f-louse on question of the acceptance of the
resignation of the Clerk be suspended for
the present.
Mr. Phelps’ motion having prevailed, he
presented resolutions for the appointment of
various joint committees. ,
M 1'. Deming presented the Quarter Master
General’s report and accounts, and moved
that they be laid on the table, and that 250
copies be printed for the use of the mem-
bers; carried.
Mr. Phelps moved to resume the consid-
eration of the acceptance of the resignation
of the Clerk.
Mr. Dutton remarked, that from the inan-
iiei'in which Mr. Warner had discharged
his duty,,the members must be satisfied that
the House ‘could sustain no injury" if his
resignation should not be accepted now.—
The members of the party would be better
prepared to vote for Clerks in the afternoon,
and ifthe election should be deferred until
that time, there could be no appearance of
unfairness. He moved that the election be
postponed until 3 o’clock. Carried unani-
inously. -
Petitions from the several Counties were
called for by the Speaker, in order, and sev-
eral were presented and referred to the com-
inittes.
Mi‘. Peck presented the report of the New
Haven Savings Bank.
On motion it was voted that the Clerk be
directed to procure 25 copies of the journal
of the last session for the use of the mem-
bers of the House.
Mr. Hamersley offered a resolution for the
appointment ofa select committee‘ on Con-
stitutional amendments, which akr a short
disscussion was passed. _
Mr. Deming moved that the report of the
Quarter Master General and the accompa-
nying documents, be referred to the commit-
tee on military afiiairs.
Mr. Hamersley presented the report of the
Hartford Savings Bank—referred.
Mr. Buitnhani offered a resolution for the
appointment ofa select joint committee to‘
whom shall be referred all petitions relative
to the sale of intoxicating liquors-—carried.
./lfler-noon.——The House met at 3 o’clock;
and proceeded to the choice of Clerks. Ju'
lius B. Harrison, of New Milford, was
chosen on the first ,ballot, by eight majority
and Edward S. Cleveland, of Hampton, was
chosen assistent clerk, by ten majority.
Several petitions were presented and re-
ferred. .
Mr. Phelps offered a resolution directing
the appointment of a committee to bring
forward the unfinished business of the last
session. -
Resolution passed, directing the clerks to
order the printing of 500 copies of the. Roll
of Members, Joint Standing Committees,
Rules of Order, &c., for the use of the
House. . _
Resolution passed, appointing Lodowick
Bill Judge of Probate for the district of
Lyme, until the 4th day of July next. _ _
Resolution from the Senate, that petition
of Sherman Barnes and others, praying for
the annexation of a part of Burlington to
the town of Bristol be granted—concui'i'ed
/
1!},
~
The Report of ' the Secretary of State, re-f‘
lating to Births, Deaths and Marriages, ac‘-‘
cepted and laid on the table.
Adjourned. _
. SATURDAY, May 4.
Petitions presented and referred.
Report of the Inspector of the Windham")
County Prison, referred.
Mr. Deming presented the report of the‘
Commissioner of the School Fund—i'eferred,
and ordered to be primed, ,
The Speaker announced the following
committees: . f- _ . y
.073 i/I8 .-7”d7:“.“7'?/-~Phelps of Middle-
town, Filly, Dutton, Stedm,ar_i, Vvamgp of
Newtown, Simons, Peet, Ruggles. '1
On Banks.——'l‘aylor of New -Milford,’
Humason, Elton. Fitch, Provost, Peek of
Chaplin, Plans of Westbrook, Russ. - .
On the Sc/tool Fuml.—-Pratt of Rocky
Hill,. Fl‘6I";:l1, Satterlee, Sanford of New-
town, P. Gallup of Plainfield, Northaway,
Robinson of’Durhain, Skinner. _
On Slate Prisons.-—Olnisted, Johnson of
Cheshire, Latham, Coe of Stratford, Gallup
of Brooklyn, Sanford,'ofNew:Milford, Lane,
Chapman.
‘On Edu.qa£zon.—Bissell, {excused,) Wells,
Doolittle of North Haven, Rodgers, VVeaver,
VVelch, T. S. Swan, VVhiie.
On Sale of La.mls.—~Osborrie of Fair-
field. Hall, Todd, Stark of Groton, Dean
of VVoodstock, Barbour of Torrington, VVhit-
more, Hill of Columbia.
On Raiiroads.—Burnham, Thompson of
Granhy, Beach, Roath, Judson, Alford,
Robinson of Durham, Dimock of Willing-
ton.
On New Towns, «.5-r..—VVildman, Hooker,
Peck of New Haven, Bishop of New Lon-
don, Douglass, Noble, Shailer, Foster.
On Roads and Bridges.———Cheetiey, Smith’
of Naugatuck, C. H-ull of North Stoning——
ton, Taylor of Danbury, Mitchel of Killing-
ly, I-line, Parker of Chester, Brooks of
Stafford. . '
On C'[aims.—Griggs, Fuller of SuffieId,.
Kingsbury, R P. Smith of Waterford,
Northrop, Robinson of Windhani, Good-
win, Coe of Mir.ldleiown.
On Military Aflai7'.s.—D. B. TVarner, Al--
len, Pardee, Downing, Banks, Balla=i'd,.
Cook of Goshen, Wlll(lB (excused)
;Oii Conlcslcrl Elect-ions-—A. P. Brown,
Phelps of \Vindsor, Lemon.
On Firza-7zcrz.—Poiiiei'oy, Barber of Sinis-
bury, Smith of Derby, Douglass of New
London, Grosvenor, Sherman, Taintor,.
Crane. '
On Coryiomlions at/icr than Ban/cs.——Dcm-
ing, lves, Stark of Lyiiic,,l3eard, D. llovey,
Lewis, Bunce, \Vo0ds.
Mi‘. Burnliam mo-zed that the House pro-
ceed to the consideration of the message of’
the late Governor. The message was read,
and the documents accompanying it were
referred to the appropriate committees.
Mr. Deming offered a resolution request"-
ing the Governor to procure a block of
Portland free stone for the \Vashington..
monument, and to furnish a suitable inscrip--
tion for the same. Laid on the table.
Mr Gallup moved that 500 copies of the-
reports of the commissioner of the insane
poor, deaf and dumb, blind, &.o., accom-
panying‘tl'ie message of the late Governor,
be printed. After a short discussion, the
motion was laid upon the table.
Adjourned to ‘.2 o’clock, Monday-.
_ _-__.__.a-'
“sorimL1{icm=rr.
-
TUESDAY, HAY 7., I850.
The Message.
In another column will be found the Mes-
sage of Governor Seymour. VVit‘h- regard
to its merits as a State paper, we have not.-
space for lengthy comment. lVe commend
it heartily for its brevity, and in the main.
for its clearness,and simplicity. Some of its.
suggestions are wholesome and’ deserve the
attention of the body to whom they are ad-'
A change in the Militia System is»
This is perhaps needful, at least
dressed.
hinted at.
its own drudgery. That provision of the
‘law which imposes certain duties upon Col-
lectors of Town and State Taxes should be.
repealed without delay. lt is an imposition
that the collector does not care to be saddleds
out subjecting himself to a heavy penalty._
The allusions of the Message to special le-
gislation are free from objection. General
acts to some extent would save much time
in legislation, and be preferable to the course.
now pursued in this State. On this subject,
other States are in advance of us. A revis-
Judges of Probate, Justices of the Peace,
and ifyou please,Judges ofthe ConntyCourt,
elective by the people, which come within,
we suppose, the Governor's “ progressive
spirit. of the age,” may be .looked upon as
causes for. Thejudicial expenses, the aug-
menting State debt, and the proper means to
lessen the general expenses of the State are
recommendations well put. Among other.
topics,the Governor recommends a free Bank-
ing Law, a law to exempt hdmestearls, and
the adoption of the ten hours’ rule, abolition
of capital punishment, anld in the traffic in
intoxicating liquors he is opposed to all strin-
gent laws. Some of these, we suppose, com-
mend themselves to the Governor’s mind as
they would to any man of tolerable locofoco
sagacity. VVith respect to the subjects which
have kept Congress iii such a terrible sweat,
his opinions are not remarkably clear. He -
would, probably rather dodge, than squarely
face the music. On the whole, we look
upon the Message as a very fair document,
considering its political paternity.
The Son of '.l‘e1npe1'ance.
It was our intention to have noticed with
‘reprehension, the course, of late, of this jour-
nal.” But we have, in a communication in
another column, the work; so well “done to
our hands, by one, who, as a member of the
Order, feels the odium, which such an organ
reflects upon the Grand Division, as well as
each individual Son of Temperance, that we
cheerfully give it a place, in preference to
any thing we mi-ght say on thesubject.
so far as to leave that system to- take care of"
with, but from which he cannot escape with-. .
ion of the Constitution, so far as to make.’
'\
Norwalk Chronicler