Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

The following speech was delivered by the Governor of Connecticut to both houses.

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

After a winter's recess, I rejoice to meet you again, under circumstances more favourable than many had apprehended,

Notwithstanding the threatening and although under the pressure of privations arising from a suspension of our commercial and navigating intercourse with foreign nations, the winter has passed away without our being actually involved, as we had too much reason to fear, in the calamities of war. How much longer we may be favoured by Heaven in this respect, is not for us to decide; this event is known only to that Supreme Being who superintends the affairs of nations, and governs the passions and pursuits of men. The world, almost, at the present period, is in a wonderful state of political and warlike agitation; a circumstance which greatly endangers the peace and security of our hitherto favoured and happy country. Under this consideration however, we may be consoled when we reflect, that although from our ingratitude as a people under numerous and signal interpositions of Divine Providence in our favour, and although from a general sense of our national sins and follies, we have but too much reason to apprehend the just correction of a holy God, if indeed, by our internal divisions, we are not already experiencing the effects of this awful displeasure; yet we are permitted to hope in the great mercy of our God, and, under the influence of a repentant and suppliant spirit of mind, not only to hope, but cheerfully to expect his continued blessing and protection.

No public requisitions from our national government require our present consideration. Our own internal concerns will employ our particular attention, and occupy our deliberations during our present session. If any thing can be done to render our militia more efficient in point of arms and equipments, it would be very desirable; in this respect, and under present circumstances, the militia partakes more of the name than the reality of an effective force. Our militia men are excellent; but without arms substantial and uniform are not soldiers; without effective arms, are but a solecism in military operations.

I have sometimes thought that our code of penal laws might be revised and amendments to it advantageously made. It has appeared to me, that subjects for Newgate prison have lately multiplied upon us in alarming numbers.

May it not be, that hitherto we have not sufficiently attended to the degree of crime, and the distinctions in similar offences, which ought to be made, with regard to those who are candidates for that prison of highest resort? In reflecting on this subject, it has occurred to me, whether, in making laws and regulations for the public workhouse which has been ordered to be built for the use of the state, sufficient provision might not be made as well for some minor crimes (minor in degree as in kind) as for petty offences which are calculated to meet correction, by labor and confinement in that bettering work house. I take the liberty to mention those hints, and leave them to your wise and serious consideration.

Among the public communications which are now to be made, are letters from the governors of the state of Virginia and Vermont, presenting Resolutions of their respective Legislatures, proposing amendments to the constitution of the U. States, as respects the Senate and Judiciary of the Union. In making these communications to you, I cannot refrain from observing, that this desire of amendment, or rather alteration of the constitution of the U. States is growing so prevalent, that in my estimation, the venerable instrument, the production of our former enlightened and experienced sages, is in danger of becoming essentially different from its first construction, if not fatally impaired in its original design to promote the general interest and public welfare of the United States.

In making the annual civil appointments to office within the state, as well as in all other of your civil acts and deliberations during the present session, I beg the Legislature will calculate on my assiduous attention and cheerful co-operation in such measures as may be deemed conducive to the general interest and welfare of the state.

TRUMBULL.