The Enquirer

ANSWER
OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF VERMONT,
TO THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

[Passed by a Majority of Seventeen.]

Permit the General Assembly to assure your excellency, that the person, who is invited by the suffrages of a free people, to preside over us as chief magistrate, will always be entitled to our esteem and respect; and while, with you, we are sensible, that no man can expect to retire from public life without censure, we cannot but express our desire, that among the rulers of the earth, your administration may prove the least exceptionable.

We agree with your excellency, and we do not wish to have it concealed, that the civil and political interests of our constituents, have been considerably affected by a late law of the general government. And while, with you, we regret that the character of any of our citizens, should be stained by the conduct of a few avaricious, self-interested and designing men, we still more regret, that neither the conduct of belligerent Europe, from the year 1793 to 1808, by their infringements of neutral commerce, the impressment and murder of our seamen, nor the united patriotism of Americans, could induce a strict observance of a law, on which, depended the honor, independence and tranquility of the American nation, and which was wisely laid without limitation, by which, foreign nations were taught that the repeal of the law depended on the removal of the causes which produced it. We cannot but consider the law alluded to as necessarily inflicting on our country, severe privations, while the measures employed to enforce it, cannot fail to create considerable expense; yet we feel a dignified pleasure, that this, the only practical measure that could have averted the dangers and horrors of a war, with one or more of the contending nations of Europe, has been patiently submitted to, by every well informed and well disposed citizen; and that the great body of our fellow-citizens of this, and the United States, united with us, as well in our consolations and pleasures, as in our unavoidable privations. Under these impressions, we cannot but deeply lament, that among the people of our own country, generally accustomed to honest industry, and blessed with a government, which, as long as prudence and safety dictated, had permitted them freely to vend the fruits of their labor and honest enterprise, for their own comfort and emolument, there should any be found so destitute of patriotism, as to attempt, for the acquisition of wealth, or some more reprehensible object, not only by fraud, but in open defiance of the laws, to defeat their wholesome provisions; or by their treasonable opposition to the government of their choice, deprive their dutiful brethren of life, and expose themselves to an ignominious & untimely death.

It is also to be lamented, that such a contempt for the civil authority should be manifested, as to render a resort to military force necessary.

We reciprocate the sentiment, that by the adoption of the late measures, a strong appeal has been made to our patriotism; a principle, which we confidently believe, sufficiently animates the breasts of a great majority of the American people to prompt them to forego present inconveniences, and thereby insure their lasting and permanent interests; and although the prospects of the laborer are in some measure disappointed, we have the pleasing consolation, that if the produce of our soil is prohibited from exportation for a season, it will, in the end, excite to the most useful and honorable enterprise, by diverting much unemployed capital, in the establishment of home manufactures and in the promotion of internal improvements.

We join with you, sir, in the hope that the period is not far distant, when the laws, laying an embargo, may, with prudence and safety, be repealed; but believing that the good people of this state, will cheerfully endure any privations rather than to submit to the impositions of France and England, we shall be the last to urge a repeal, before it can be accomplished, without sacrificing the honor, or essential interest of our country.

Your excellency may rest assured, that our endeavors will be united in enacting just and equal laws, and in our appointments to office, a strict regard will be paid to wisdom and virtue: and while we bestow our favors on the wise and prudent, we shall be careful to withhold them from those, (if any there be) who violate and disregard the constitution and laws of their country.

Conformable to the sentiments of the patriotic Washington, and in concurrence with your recommendations, a careful and vigilant attention shall be paid to the interests of the militia, who, for their fidelity and promptitude in support of the laws will claim our warmest gratitude.

With a faithful observance of those principles of economy, which you have so justly recommended, the subject of the State Banks, and State Prison, together with such other matters, as you have, or may hereafter communicate, shall claim our early and assiduous attention; and we cordially unite in reposing special reliance on the great Parent of Nature, that our joint labors may be directed for the public good, and crowned with success.

DUDLEY CHACE, Speaker
LAMBERT,