Litchfield Enquirer from Litchfield, Connecticut • 2

awful fire in charleston. Augusta, Ga. Saturday Evening, 6 P. M. April 28.

We learn with the deepest regret, by here this evening by the Caroline Rail Road, that city of Charleston has been visited by one ol the most awtul and destructive fires tiiat has ever visited any city in the United ONE THIRD OF THE CITV WAS LAID IN ASHES at the departure of the cars this morning at 6 and the fire was raging as if it would consume at least one third more. The fire broke out last night at a quartei past 7 in a paint store on the western side of King street, corner of Beresford street. The wind blowing strongly from the south-west, blew the flames diagonally across King street, nnd at the time of iho of the cars the whole city above Beresford 6treet, up to Society street, nnd East of King street to the Bay, was burnt down oriburning. From Beresford to Society, are four from King street to the Buy about us many more. The fire had also extended four or five blocks West of King street, and was still progressing with terrific rapidity up that street in the direction of Boundary st.

when the cars left. Our informant believes It impossible to calculate what will be the ultimate extent of the fire, as itseemed in no way checked at six this morning. Among the buildings consumed are a number of churches, the new theatre, the splendid new hotel recently erected, and the whole market except the fish market. Nearly all the large merchants in the centre of business on King street were burnt among them Parish, Wiley C. H.

Kesley Boraem and all in that neighborhood and the large storehouse of Miller, Ripley on the corner of King and Society streets was catching the flames when our informant left. The i i UliUlll 0 IV'I IIIVIIJ 11UU nut caught, but it was believed to he impossible to save it. At Hotel, still higher up King street, and on the West side, they had removed all the furniture and bedding, in almost certain anticipation of being burnt out. A large number of houses had been blown up, but to no purpose. All the powder in the city was exhausted, and all the water in the pumps, and the people were exhausted with a whole incessant and unavailing toil, found themselves, this morning, able to make but a feeble resistance to the still raging and devouring flames.

A number of persons had been killed by the blowing up of the houses and throwing the furniture into the streets. The steamboat Neptune, lying in the Bay, caught on fire, but it was fortunately extinguished. This is indeed a mournful catastrophe A flourishing city laid in people burnt out of home and substance, and millions of propsrty destroyed in a single night! The Insurance Companies of Charleston, we learn, are of small capitals, and will every one no doubt be ruined, and still be able to make good but a small portion of the losses. Hundreds of families must be utterly ruined by this general cannot make Charleston what it was. A virtual injunction on Male case was recently tried before the co.

court at Rutland, in which a Miss Munson recovered $1425 of a Mr. Hastings, for a breach of marriage contract. The principal feature in the case was the charge of the judge, which tends to show that no explicit promise was necessary to bind the parties to a marriage contract; but that long continued attentions or intimacy with a female, was as good evidence of intended marriage as a special contract. Although it is not so set lorth in the charge of the learned functionary, we suppose the same legal interpretation is to apply to long continued attentions or on the part ot a female as a male. A different application of the principle would be diametrically the opposite of even-handed Y.

Sun. Tnt Growing are gratified to learn, from all quarters, that with the exception of two or three instances the growing crops of wheat and rye have come through the spring well, and bid fair, unless prevented by some unforeseen and untoward circumstances, to make handsome yields. We are pleased too, to learn that the scedings in general have been large, so that if present i expectations and prospects should be real- ized, very fair average crops may be expect- ed. On the Eastern shore of this State, we understand from several sources, though more grain has been put in than last year, still the quantity of wheat is considerably less than in 1835. This arises from the failure of the wheat crops since that period, i having induced most of the wheat growers to I turn their attention more to the cultivation of 1 rye and oats, they having proved more cer- i tain than the former in their yield.

Balt. Farmer. In view of the glorious results to the Whig eause that are pouring in upon us from all quarters, we would direct the attent ion of the Sub-Treasury men generally, and of the President in particular, to the following passage from the letter of Mr. Van Bures to Sherrod Williams. In the press of present disasters, they will read it with unusual interest: The supremacy of the popular will is the foundation of our government.

If we it to be by corruption or fraud, the republican principle which life and character to our system, will broken down. It is only by rigidly and manfully upholding that supremacy on all that we can hope to resist the efforts of a spirit which is inherent in all which has never ceased to a powerful foothold in these States, and which is ever at work to sub. vert those features of our system which place the political rights of the people on equal The Hudson River Chronicle gives an account of a bloody fight which took place between the hands of several sections, about one hundred and fifty in number, near the head of the Croton Works. The parties were Corckonians and Fardowns. It lasted near two hours and ended not till one man was killed, another ftad leg broken, and in short, the account sqysabournalf the number engaged' are now laid up in ordinary, some blind, some with broken all disabled to be unfit for work for sometime to come.

Eight of them have been Jail to take their trial for the riot and murder. Mere big Praia of the Courier Enquirer, to strike off 8000 per hour, has arrived and will he set in operation. 8000 an hour, when'the old hand Praia could only go 390, ia rather an increase of power and expedition. Some papers, instead ofwishjog they bad Preae to strike off 0000 per hour, might desire 8000 aubscriberi, for whom benefit thev WPOU like to strife pff that CONNECTICUT LEGISLATURE. Wednesday Mornjno, May 2, 1838.

This being tbs day designated by the Constitution for the annual convention of the Legislature, both Houses assembled in their respective Chambers at 9 clock. The House was called to order by Elisha Stearns of Tolland, being the oldest member present, and proceeded to the election of Speaker, Messrs. Hooker of Farmington nnd Cleaveland of Hampton, acting as Te.lers, which resulted in the choice of the Hon. Wi. W.

Boardman of New-Hsven. For Wtn. W. Boardman 146 Channcey F. Cleavland 37 Brockway 1 Trumbull 1 Blank 40 Bnnrdmrm's majority 106 On taking the Chair, Mr.

Boardman addressed the House as follows me to make my acknowledgments you for this distinguished mark of your regard. To be selected by so large a majority of so enlightened an assembly, nt such nil Interesting moment, to preside over their deliberations, is certainly a very high demands nnd will receive my most profound gratitude. The best return in my (tower to make, is an assurance rhnt I shall devote myself to Hie discharge of the high trust you have committed to me, with a singleness of purpose and an honest patri- otisin, which we hope is hereafter to prevail in the administration of all the departments ol the State Government. With a steady eye to the promotion of the best good of the greatest number, and to the practical application of those principles which now prevail so decidedly throughout the state and nation, it should be constantly borne in mind that the minority have also their rights, which no benevolent legislator will wantonly assail or unnecessarily abridge and that no administration can long maintain its ascendancy, which habitually disregards their rights and feelings. One of the first principles of republicanism is that the majority roust govern.

It is sound and true in theory and in practice. Still a beneficent Government, will carefully avoid the necessity of a reference to it by way of argument. An honest, liberal, generous policy, is expedient as well as just, and having ourselves felt the iron rod of oppression, now that we are relieved, let us so exercise our power as to prevent the possibility of its recurrence. I take the Chair, gentlemen, with but little confidence in my own ability, but I am sure, that the same kindness which has called me to it, will assist nnd sustain me in the discharge of its important and arduous duties. Henry Ddtton of Bridgeport, was chosen chief, and Daniel P.

Tyler, of Brooklyn, assistant Clerk, .1. uuu iwia me vi The oath was then administered to the members of the House. Message received from the Senate, informing the House that that body was then organized, and ready to proceed to the business of the session. Messrs. David H.

Carr and Jesse Kneevals, were appointed Messengers, and Wm. A. Wakely, Doorkeeper of the House. Resolution that the Speaker be authorized to assign places to reporters. Passed.

Messrs. Stearns and Cleaveland were appointed 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. T. Merwin, be a committee to examine credentials of members, and prepare a roll of the passed. Resolution that 25 copies of the Conn.

Register be furnished for the use of the Resolution appointing a committe to- inquire into the best mode of repairing the State House, passed. Resolution requesting the Speaker to invite the ordained and located clergvmen ot this city to officiate during the Resolution that a committee of two persons be appointed to superintend the printing of the Resolution that the Messengers be authorized to 25 copies of the Statutes of Connecticut for the use of the House. Mr. Hooker had no objection to-the resolution, if some means could be provided for the security of ihe books after they had been obtained. He would not cast any reflections upon the integrity of the members of tne House, by supposing they would find it necessary, in order to preserve them, to do as they did in them to the tables.

After some debate, the resolution was so amended as to require that 12 instead of 25 copies be procured from the Office of the Secretary of State, ana passed. Resolution that 8 copies of Connecticut Register be furnished for the use of the House. Passed. The Joint Committee appointed to canvass the return of votes for State officers, reported that the whole number of votes returned for Governor is which, W. W.

Ellsworth has Lt. Governor which Charles Hawley has Roval R. Hinmnn Treasurer which Hiram Rider has Controller which Henry Kilbourn has with a resolution declaring the above officers legally elected. clerical error having occurred in the report of the Committee in the return of votes for Controller, that portion of it was Resolution appointing a committee of three persons to bring forward the unfinished business of the last session. Passed.

Resolution that 250 copies of the Rules of the House be printed for the use of the members. Laid upon the table. Committee of three appointed on contested elec Resolution furnishing 12 copies of the private acts )f the State for the use of the House. Passed. Messrs.

Parsons of Hartford, and Chew of Newvondon, in connexion with the Hon. YVin. Starr, of i ho Senate, were appointed a Committee to wail his Excellency the Governor, and inform him of his lection. Adjourned. 1 May 2, A House resumed the con- .1 ideration of the resolution offered and laid on the ta- in the morning, proposing a subscription for Bus- eed's report.

Adjourned to 9 to-morrow morning. 1 Thursday, May 3. Committee appointed to wait upon the Governor and riform him of his election, reported that they had per- ormed ihe duties assigned them, and that his Excel- ancv would meet the House at 10 o'clock Bill for public act repealing the small bill law. Read irst time. Resolution that a Committee be appointed to invite i he Senate to assemble in the House at 10 o'clock, to tear the message of his Excellency the McCurdy and King apponted that Committee.

Messrs. Donaphe and Cleaveland, appointed a Committee to wait upon the Hon. H. W. Edwards, and inform him that the House were organized and ready to receive any communication which he might have to make.

Bill to amend the act districting the State. Read nm lime. cnmtofni frort! Comptroller in relation to the the table Bank8 State. Laid on At 10 the Senate assembled in the Hall of Representatives, where both Houses were met by his Excellency, Governor Ellsworth, when the oath of by the Clerk, the Throne of Grace addressed by the Rev. President delivered the folE ECU.

Fellow Citiaens of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives: As we are about to enter upon the duties respectively assigned us, in legislating for the people of this State; let us with reverent sentiments, acknowledge that wiso Providence, which has hitherto sustained and blessed our Nation. The Great Ruler of all justly claims such an acknowledgment, in our public, as well as in our private stations. His government is universal; founded in the highest justice and wisdom, und 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 me express to you, Gentlemen, and to all my fellow citizens, my grateful acknowledgments for the honor conferred upon mo, by an elevation to the office of Chief Magistrate.

Such a testimony of respect exceeds my humble merits, and is more valued, from a consciousness, that it has been conferred, unsought. May we duly appreciate the responsibilities we have assumed, and give our united abors to promote the happiness of those who have, for a time, entrusted us with th ir public interests. Enlightened legislation is called for at this crisis. 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 declaration, that in the opinion of the people of this State, their own government, as well as that of the United States, has not been satisfactorily conducted.

In this event, our National Rulers are taught the necessity of reviewing their measures, and our immediate predecessors here, that the evils, of which they were forewarned, have actually come upon us. This election we hail as the harbinger of good; the signal of a determined effort for deliverance. We believe a voice has gone forth which has already been heard through the Union, and will be echoed, and re-echoed, among the people. The time has come, when experiments upon our dearest interests are no longer to be tolerated; and when experience, that great and unerring teacher in human affairs, is to resume her influence, and put to silence visionary politicians. Gentlemen we must not look to this great change in public sentiment, as a triumph of party a victory over political It is a triumph of truth; the acknowledgment of error a reussertion of the republican principle, that the people are paramount in the enactment, and administration of laws; a principle, which has, of 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 somew hat differed, laying aside their partialities, to save a sinking and suffering people. On everv side such a union has been ardently desired, and all who have co-operated, are entitled to participate in the honor of the achievement; it was impossible any longer to deny relief; and men, forgetting minor differences, have rushed together, to avert impending ruin; let this union be perpetuated, it is a virtuous one, a vital one. MW WMWWIAWMWW I V. VI ment, consists in the influence of popular feeling with the government; and more immediately, with the representatives of the popular will but who will say, that the people in the United States, or their representatives in Congress, have originated, or approved the leading measures of the general government Where do we first discover the schemes of finance, and the favorites of the government Is it in Congress Is it among the people themselves! Have the merchants, the manufacturers, the mechanics, the farmers, or the day-laborers, solicited Congress to change the currency, and modes of business! Do they urge it! Do they desire it! Or have they not remonstrated against! Are they not now, in bodies of thousands, with unexampled importunity, imploring Congress to abandon their ruinous measures! Are there not among these petitioners, many who have been the friends, and firmest supporters of the administration! Do not our rulers in high places, set themselves above, and against the popular Do they not turn a deaf ear to our entreaties, and confident of their superior wisdom, resolve at all hazards to persevere, until they shall have changed the deep-rooted institutions of the country! Are not the people called to follow, and not themselves to lead the way! If they have no voice in measures involving tKe currency of the country, its business, its of what avail is the form, or name of a free government! If Congress had been duly consulted, or if the sentiments of the country had been carefully taken, we should not now behold the vast, and accumulating ruin on every side; an uncalled for and presumptuous responsibility has been assumed and one measure has been taken after another, until we are involved in distress, appalling to its very authors. Has the Executive of the United States any right thus to experiment on the country! to change the mode and objects of its pursuits! The people only, or their representatives, have power adequate to such results; and doubtless they will provide for such changes when they believe them to be necessary.

Who is to answer for the derangment prevailing throughout every employment; for the prostration of credit, the overthrow of institutions, the breaking up of families, the loss of property, and the despair seen around us in our commercial cities, and manufacturing villages! Let us, gentlemen, betake ourselves in good earnest, to work out some de- i liverance tor our constituents, it be in our power, it is time to discard tne visionary i projects of thoso who trample under foot i ill experience, and acknowledge no wisdom their own; let us rather presreve, and is changes require, perfect what our ances- ors have left us. Improvements should be i ought for in existing institutiors, and such ecurity provided against their abuse, as ex- lerience finds necessary but the presumpuous politician, who would uproot our long- i ried institutions, so interwoven with the very nbric of society, however honest may be his notives, should be regarded as the enemy of iur prosperity. The immediate cause of our embarrass- nents, is the want of a currency or medium i if business; without a currency, there can ae no interchange ot property; hence, our ausiness is disappearing like the melting inow under a meridian sun. The States of his Union are as effectually sundered from aach other, as if they they were parts of dis- empires, or separated by wide oceans facilities of commerce with Europe even, ire greater than with the South and West, aur chief markets; with them, though our i connexions are most intimate, and important, i we have no intercourse. New England is as i completely excluded from them, as if they were parts of China.

If our citizeus have 1 property there, it is unavailable, and must lie exposed to loss. The manufacturers of 1 New England, who have hitherto sought a i market in States remote from them, are baf- i fled, crippled, and desponding beyond' endurance they cannot sell what they have manufactured, or obtain remittances for that which they have sold hence their establishments are closed, their hands dismissed, their plans deranged, and their losses, vexations and defeat, so great, and of so long continuance, that they are crushed to the earth and too many of the young and enterprising, deserting their native soil, are seeking occupation in the West. By the present coarse of measures, the water-power of New England, one ot the chief sources of her wealth and prosperity, is depreciated to an incalculable extent; Years will not restore it to its former value. It will be your duty, gentlemen, to inquire if any remedy can be provided for these alarming evils. A few years since, we were blessed with the best currency in the world, for an active and enterprising people; a currency combining the advantages of gold and silver, and of paper redeemable with specie.

Without this, we should not have made half our progress in business, or intelligence; and deprived of which, we are now retrograding with more rapidity than we ever advanced. The Banks (with some exceptions) have answered the purposes for which they were created they have (in the maid) been conducted honestly, safely, and beneficially, to the community. They are generally sound and entitled to credit. Before end since the suspension of specie payments, they have exerted their influence for the preservation, and advancement of the business of our community; and there is no doubt but that they are now doing their utmost to sustain the wasting energies, and sinking spirits of the people. They would have done more, had they not been pnralizcd by the ever-shifting policy of the Administration, and the virulent attacks of the misinformed, and prejudiced.

Unfounded jealousies have been created against them they have been arraigned as hostile to the laboring classes, and favoring the ricli; while in truth they are great levellers of rank, by extending aid to the industrious, and enterprising; thus making their abilities and credit, equal to the money of the opulent; and putting into operation capital which otherwise w'ould be unemployed. 1 would recommend the repeal of those which prohibit our banks from issuing bills of less denomination than five or three dollars the convenience of the people requires the circulation of small bills; and this necessity has often induced 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 community has been blunted and impaired, by an open disregard of public authority. From the returns made by the banks in this State to the Comptroller of public accounts, showing their condition on the last Saturday of March last, it appears that their joint indebtedness (exclusive of what they owe to stockholders for stock,) is effects or means of paying their debts are, this latter fund must be exhausted before any persons holding their bills can sustain a loss. An abstract of these returns will be laid.before you, from which it will appear that these institutions are solvent and judiciously couducted. Their circulation is less by more than one half what it was last year.

Many are the theories upon currency, and banking, afloat in the community. Whatever might have been judicious before private charters were granted, 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 the business of a country that is its congenial soil; it shrinks from the touch of the mere politician, and perishes in the refinements of theorists. Dou btless there are evils incident to the existing system of banking; banks will sometimes fall into the hands of dishonest men, ind sometimes be conducted by honest men, unwisely; but notwithstanding this, shall they be discarded, and hunted down as enemies, and made responsible for evils which ire chiefly attributable to unwise legislation 1 Shall we throw away the advantages of steam power, or the element of fire, because when uncontrolled these agents are eminently destructive 1 Banks are so identified with the prosperity of their debtors, and of the whole community, that in self-interest alone, we have a pledge for just, and honorable dealing; but since their influence is great, and their control committed to few persons, it is prudent that the General Assembly should, by means of commissioners of experience and judgment, carefully watch their operations, and often inspect minutely their condition. The knowledge that they are thus under a cautious, and jealous supervision, will tend to prevent fraud and abuses, and inspire confidence iri their honesty and solvency.

The history of banking and of commercial credit in the United States, is intimately connected with the history of her progress in wealth, and intelligence. Our public finances early experienced the advantages of the U. Stutes Bunk, chartered in 1791; bringing order out of confusion, and establishing the credit of the government; such too was the effect of the bank in 1S16. The chartered institutions of the States, with system of well regulated credits, have, from the first, given life, and vigor, to every Jepartment of industry, to every meritorious pursuit- The energies of the people, under hese fostering influences, have changed the 'ace of every thing around us; they have made the forest full, the earth yield her reasures, skirted our rivers with beautiful Ullages, intersected our vallies with canals, enterprize to an equality with wealth, ind, in a word, filled our new and growing with a busy, virtuous populationrhey have carried our commerce round he globe and reared in the midst of most valuable and praiseworthy institutions. MA AAA A MAmAa AUaM AaIv, A 1 a iv I11VVV I'jy biav.

uvvvi 1 viiiy and reproach 1 Every country must consult its own pecularitics, and notj of course, adopt the systems finance, and political economy, of other An exclusive metalic ourreny, or one chiefly so, may answer for the overnments of tyrants, where there is no red it, because there is no security and so may answer, to some extent, for circumcribed kingdoms, as in Europe; but the conomy of China, or Turkey, or Holland, or is no precedent for us; and their is, no more than their laws, ndapted a new and enterprising nation, spreading ike ours over a vast territory. There is not pecie enough in the world, for the business if the United States, nor did the framers of lur national constitution attempt to establish iny such exclusive currency. There none, the sense in which it is claimed. A curency ns such, is not found in the instrument, rhe wise men who made it, well knew that he business of this country could not be coniucted in a metallic currency. At the time he constitution was adopted, the country was ifllcted with depreciated State paper; this species of paper, the constitution does forbid, mt no other and in declaring that gold and lilver only, shall be a legal tender, it provides nerely a standard of value, which no state alter, and to which every creditor may id he re, if he will, but does not create, or mean to create, a new currency actually superseding every other.

The framers of that instrument, supposed that business would be conducted ns it was then done in the mother country, and to some extent in this, by the association of capitalists, incorporated, or otherwise, as experience should dictate. It is absurd to suppose, that an exclusive metallic currency is established by the constitution, while it has never existed in the country, and never can, and did not when the constitution was formed. If our Banks are now to be crushed, and the United States have no constitutional power or willingness to provide a substitute; then are we in a hopeless condition indeed; worse than that of any nation in Europe. Give to this country but the opportunity, and depressed as she is, she would, like a strong mnn, burst the cords which bind her, and again put forth her wonted energies. The assumption of power by the General Government, in superintending the affairs of the citizen, checking his activity because it is excessive, annihilating his credit because it is sometimes abused, and laying a heavy hand on industry, because some persons are ira is, I hesitate not to sar, a gfott fence against the constitution, alike presumptuous and ruinous.

By what clause in that instrument is the national government, or its executive officers, invested with power to intermeddle with the pursuits of the people to destroy the state banks! close up our markets paralyze our and force us into new employments, and to new The assumptions of the federal ftMUl, call aloud for determined resistance, or we are certainly swallowed up in the gigantic power of federal and executive dominion. A clamor too, has gone forth against all chartered associations; they have been pronounced monopolies and the jealousy of the poor, the prejudices of tho weak, the pride of the unfortunate, and it is to be feared, sometimes the malice of the vicious, have appealed to, in order to break down such enterprizes. Gentlemen, it is written as with a that manufactures are most important in sustaining New England and that large, and continued investments of capital, are essential in making them successful. Without these employments, we cannot maintain our political importance, or retain our sons on their native soil. Yet what odium is excited against these chartered companies What obstacles are thrown in their way What alarm and anxiety are created in the community What despair in the capitalist? Why all this? Have not chartered companies paid labor with promptness, and with less default than private associations of equal business 7 Have they particularly practiced frauds upon the community, or trampled on tha rights of the citizens 7 The reckless attacks, indiscriminately made on chartered rights, and corporate franchises, have filled capitalists with apprehension, and shaken the foundation of the social fabric.

No business which requires the investment of large capital and extended time for operation and perfection, can be conducted without an association of many persons under a Corporations are nothing more than such associations; partnerships with the attribute ol perpetuitv, and such other powers as are given them by the General Assembly. I am convinced, that in many minds, artunnecessary jealousy has existed against the character nnH pffects of nmnpintntt nonitaf Tf granted in proper cases only, are carefully guarded in their provisions, and the operations under them watched with vigilance it is scarcely possible, that by their influence, public interests should be injured. An indiscriminate outcry against them as monopolies, as exclusive privileges, as aristocratic, as combinations of the rich to impoverish the poor, is mischievous, is ruinous. I do not wish to see artificial bodies unnecessarily created unless some appropriate ob-' ject requires, it is safer to let individuals conduct their pursuits without legislative interference. Unnecessary legislation is generally injurious; and hence I consider the law passed at the last session of the General Assembly, extending chartered powers to kind of lawful under nearly alF circumstances, while it requires neither personal responsibility on the part of the stockholders, nor residence in the state, exceedingly doubtful in its policy.

A short experience will, 1 apprehend, convince us of its evils. It. is better in most instances, in so limited a territory as ours, for the General Assembly to know the circumstances, and the object, which persons to desire an act of incorporation. Hostility to tried institutions, is the chief cause of our present embarrassments; it is vain for those who have brought these troubles upon us, any longer to cover their errors, by imputing them to speculation, trading, banking, paper money, or foreign debt; they have never proved these positions, and the recent elections throughout the country, pronounce these charges untrue. Besides, these evils are the natural consequences of measures pursued, and were actually foreseen and pointed out by onr statesmen in Congress, and elsewhere, with unerring certainty.

The authors of them were forewarned, before a cloud had arisen in the horizon; what was then prophecy fa now history and the golden visions of who would heed no warning, have vanished like the dreams of the waking man. The patronage of the Executive of the' United States, has become vast and alarming; far exceeding the fears of ihe most jealous friends of the constitution. By it, the executive department is advancing toward, if it has not already attained, a controlling ascendancy in the government; and it will ere long, if no barrier is erected to check its progress, become absolute over both branches of Congress. The daily removal from office, of virtuous and capable men, for no other reason than independence of opinioh, is a prostitution of executive privilege, inconsistent with virluoiiR true patriotism. Besides, the natural consequence ofsuch a course, is to drive intoretirement the modest and deserving, and lo bring into the ranks of the executive, the noisy and obsequious hence we behold the executive throughout the Union, standing-foremost in every political struggle.

The practice (which of late has become most frequent) of appointing members of Congress to offices of distinction, and profit, calls aloud for reformation it is consuming the very of the republic. The subject of the public lands, has at several' times engaged the attention of our predecessors it will again return and permit me to ask, whether it has not become necessary for vou in a suitable manner, to express vour decided opinion on the I know not whv the inhabitants of the old states should not participate equally with others, in the avails of the public lands. They are a common treasure, obtained bv the united sacrifices, valor, and blood, of the people of the old thirteen states, and of Connecticut in a pre-eminent degree. We ought not to remain silent while this extensive property' (sufficient to bring annually into our state treasury, some hundreds of thousands of dollars) is taken awav by grants to the new states, or pre-emption In we, must instances, operate to reward those who design plundering the public. These new lands lie in the states and territories north of the Ohio, ceded by Virginia to the United States, in the year seventrenhundred nnd eighty-three, on the ground that they were ine trims or me revolution ann in rionaa ana Louisiana, having hern purchased, the former from in the year eighteen hundred and nineteen, for he sum of five millions of dollars, and the latter fromFrance, in the year eighteen hundred and three, for he sum of fifteen millions of dollars.

This domnin is if incalculable valne hut there is reason to apprehend will he lost to the Atlantic States, or worse than ost, by becoming a bribe in future presidential elecions. I recommend this subject to your particular ittention. Our country is of great extent; embracing various ind conflicting interests. The representatives of hese interests in the national councils, are already nvolved in angry debates, and dangerous collisions we have, indeed, occasion for anxiety respecting our 'uture destiny ns a united people, but we have lived see the darkest clout's arise, rest over ns for a periid, then pass away we trust, that a wise Providence ias not led our pious ancestors to this land, and given hem these happy excellent instiutions, in vain let us then take courage, and conide in the God of nations. If however our territory should lie extended by the innexation of Texas to the United States, there would ie almost a certainty of our early dissolution and core especially, as she has voluntarily introduced, ind is perpetuating African slavery; a crime of the deepest dye.

Whatever may be our sympathies for people of the slave states in this Union, with whom we have entered into solemn league of mutual friendship and assistance, we can have no feelings of respect for a nation, adopting this nefarious traffic at this advanced period of the Christian 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 sxcited the attention of many persons the free states, as in its denying them the right of free discussion, and unrestrained application to their These rights are justly esteemed invaluable; never to be yielded, never to be compromised; all claims to the contrary, will be treated, by consistent freemen, with indignation and resistance. We must however agree, that slavery at the South, so deeply interwoven as it is, with their pojitical, civil, and social relations, is a subject full of difficulty and responsibility. We should approach it, if at all, with the kindest feelings towards the South, and with candid and liberal views of their peculiar situation, and our obligations to them as part of this nation. We cannot interfere with their state laws, nor blot from the national constitution, a seeming concession, at least, to slavery, as an existing institution in the states.

The subject of popular education, has frequently been brought before the General Assembly by my predecessors: it still deserves its efaims ire urgent and paramount. Much has been done by this State in providing noble and munificent fund for the instruction of children and youth broad and firm foundation has been laid, for extending essential benefits to the children of the poor; but there is reason to believe that this fund is far less useful than it might be made, with proper legislation. The present capital of the echool fund, belonging to this state, ia two millions, twenty thousand, five hundred and thirty-one dollars and twentv cents besides the part which lies in wild lands. From the revenue of this fund, there has been divided, during the yeas ending the 1st day of April, 1837, the sum of thousand eight hundred and sixty-two dollars and eighty-five cents; being one dollar and fifteen cents for each child in the atate, between the age of four and sixteen years. For the year ending the 1st ot April, 1839, there has been divided, the sum of ninetynine thousand seven hundred and forty-six dollars and forty-cents, being one dollar and twenty cents for each child..