The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

* Mr. Rufus King. Ambassador from the United States to Great Britain.

SPEECH of his Excellency Governor TRUMBULL, to both Houses of the Legislature of Connecticut.

Gentlemen of the Council,
Mr. Speaker, and
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives,

When we reflect on the situation of most parts of the world at this present day, disturbed with political agitations, and perplexed with revolutionary pursuits; and compare with them the circumstances of our own state—enjoying a like measure of tranquillity and general happiness as heretofore experienced, our hearts should expand with gratitude to the Divine Author of all mercies, who gives us this continuance of his favor.

If we turn our eyes to Europe, there amidst scenes of troubles and distress we behold a nation which has been tossed on the tumultuous ocean of revolution for more than ten years past—violently agitated during that period, with the conflicts of contending passions, in pursuit of imaginary and delusive ideas of liberty and equality, and which after suffering almost every species of calamity in their wild career, are now under the influence and policy of a fortunate leader, just returning to the point from whence they started: with this exception, that instead of acknowledging under their ancient royal Family, they seem disposed to form a new Dynasty, under a foreign head. To the civilized world, the course of events which in this period has been exhibited by that nation, is peculiarly interesting and instructive; more especially to surrounding nations, does this result of their pursuit present a serious and impressive lesson of caution against plunging incessantly into the vortex of revolutionary practices, or being deluded into vain and philosophical reveries of untried forms of government.

With this recent example before our eyes, in addition to the numerous instances recorded in history, of similar issues to revolutionary pursuits—the people of this state may be taught the expediency and necessity of adhering with firmness and stability to their ancient habits of political government and religious institutions, as the best means of social happiness and general prosperity. They may also learn to venerate the long tried forms of civil regulations which have been wisely devised by our revered ancestors, & which have hitherto beneficially continued in practice by successive generations. They will moreover be led seriously to reflect how dangerous the attempt is whenever, and by whomsoever made, to put to hazard the existing prosperity and happiness of the great community, for the uncertain pursuit of visionary scenes of greater happiness, however decorated by specious recommendations, which will not probably fail them in the grasp, or flit before them, like the painting dream of the night—And may they always bear in mind, that lessons of practical good sense, as applied to governmental administration, are immensely more valuable to the world, than all the specious theories of visionary philosophers, or the delusive projects of Closet Politicians.

Our state provision of work-houses for the punishment of idle, dissolute and disorderly persons, is calculated to answer very valuable purposes, for the correction of certain crimes and misdemeanors, which are difficult to be reached or reformed by other means: But it is much to be feared, that the object intended, is almost, if not wholly defeated, by a permission in the law, for absconding temporarily from our common gaols for the purpose designed. In this way their effect is exceedingly impaired, if not totally lost. It appears to me, that this subject merits the attention of the legislature. For if our gaols are fit to remain substitutes for work-houses, some peculiar regulations for their management and government, as respects that object, to be provided by law, will be necessary for the attainment of the salutary purposes of so good an institution. The men eligible would be those to have distinct houses, but if these are not to be obtained, it will doubtless be judged necessary to have designated, and under necessary rules of government and police, some separate and appropriate rooms for the proposed labor and correction.

The time of service for which one of the senators from this state, in the Senate of the United States, is appointed being nearly expired, it will probably be thought expedient, in order to save unnecessary expense and trouble, that a new appointment by the legislature, during their present session, should be made, to supply the vacancy, which will happen in March next.

J. TRUMBULL.