Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

BOSTON, January 12.

GOVERNMENTAL PROCEEDINGS.

Wednesday Jan. 10. 1798.

Agreeably to adjournment, a quorum of both branches assembled at the old state-house, and proceeded to the election of committees preparatory to the execution of business.

A committee was raised to report the time and manner of repairing to the new state-house, which the agents had reported was prepared for the accommodation of government. Adjourned.

Thursday January 11.

Agreeably to assignment, and invitation of the legislature, the Supreme Executive repaired to the senate chamber of the old house, and at 12 o'clock, a procession moved consisting of the

Sheriff of Suffolk

His Excellency THE GOVERNOR,

His Honor the Lieutenant-Governor,

The Hon. Council,

The President of the Senate,

Chaplain of the Legislature,

The Hon. Senate,

The Speaker of the House of Representatives,

The Hon. House.

The Secretary of the Commonwealth,

Clerks of the two Houses,

The Treasurer of the Commonwealth,

Clerks, Messengers, &c.

In this order the whole proceeded to the representatives' room, in the new Commonwealth-House ; where the Rev. Dr. Thatcher, as chaplain of the legislature, in a very eloquent and pathetic address, dedicated the building to the most honourable of human pursuits—the honour of God, and the people's good. The different branches then separated, and took possession of their appropriate rooms.

Dr. Eustis, in behalf of the representatives of Boston, in a very handsome manner, returned thanks to the house, for its politeness in permitting them to take the first range of seats opposite the speaker.

The Secretary informed the house, that he had in direction from his Excellency the Governor to acquaint the house, that he should meet them to-morrow, in the representatives room, to make the usual communications to the legislature.

Adjourned.

Friday, January 12.

The two branches being convened in the representatives' room, precisely at 12 o'clock his excellency the Governor came in and addressed the Legislature in the following

SPEECH.

Gentlemen of the Senate, and

Gentlemen of the House of Representatives,

While I rejoice with you, and my fellow-citizens at large, on the completion of this stately edifice, not less honourable to the commonwealth, at whose expence it was erected, than ornamental to the capital which generously provided the place; permit me to express my entire satisfaction at the ingenious manner in which the plan has been executed. Begun and finished in little more than two years, it exhibits a pleasing proof of the architectural skill and fidelity of your agents, who planned and superintended the work ; while it demonstrates the ability of the artificers who performed it.

Combining the advantages of suitable retirement, a healthy situation, and delightful prospect, with such elegant and very convenient apartments for the security of the records, and for transacting the public business, there is perhaps no building to be found within the United States, more useful or magnificent. I am confident that you, gentlemen of both houses of the legislature, will cordially join me in the fervent wish, that this state house may long remain a monument of the public spirit of the citizens of Massachusetts, as well as the testimony of their respect to our happy political institutions. We will then, under the smiles of Heaven, unite in dedicating it to the Honor, Freedom, independence and security of our country. In this house may the true principles of the best system of civil government the world has ever seen, be uniformly supported. Here, may every practice and principle be successfully opposed, that tend to impair it. Here may every act of the legi-
Laudable; be the result of cool deliberation and sound judgment. And in this house; on all necessary occasions, may the supreme executive, agreeably to the laws of the land, in mercy cause judgment to be executed. And each branch of our executive government, continuing faithful in the discharge of its trust, God grant, that neither external force or influence, nor internal commotion or violence, may ever shake the pillars of our free republic.

Though we notice, with the highest pleasure the evidence of great prosperity and happiness in all parts of this commonwealth, arising, as well from the love of order and due submission to the laws, as from the enterprise, virtue, and industry of the citizens—yet it is to be regretted, that external appearances are not equally favorable. Owing to the war in Europe, the interests of our commerce have greatly suffered; and on that account, as well as from the humanity natural to Americans, our wishes for the re-establishment of peace, have been sincere and ardent. This it seems has taken place between the French Republic and the German Empire; and preparations it is said, are making for the continuance of the war between that republic and Great-Britain. To me, therefore, there appears but little probability, that the depredations on the commerce of the United States will be speedily discontinued. An event so desirable, in a great measure depends on the success of the commissioners of the United States, now at Paris, who are making every effort in their power to adjust, by amicable negotiation, our causes of difference with the French republic: But as there can be no certainty, that the overtures of a friendly adjustment will be successful, ought we not to be prepared for disappointment, and meet it with firmness?

The commerce of the United States is too important to be neglected; and I am persuaded it will not fail of receiving all the protection and support our national government can afford. The citizens of America love peace, and sincerely wish to cultivate friendship with all nations. But should necessity (which Heaven forbid) compel them to the last resort, the same undaunted spirit and firmness will be discovered in the just defence of their independence, which were so conspicuous at the time it was obtained. This is a subject of the highest importance, and belongs I am sensible, to the government of the United States, whose measures, at this important crisis, undoubtedly will be marked with prudence, and pursued with firmness: But, let me ask, is it not necessary, under existing circumstances, to evince to the world our readiness to support such measures for the general welfare, as the government of the United States shall see fit to adopt? Whilst we are careful not to infringe on the rights of other governments, we will be faithful to our own, which by oath we have engaged to support, and to which we are bound by every social and moral obligation.

The business of legislation, for which you are now more particularly convened, is both arduous and important, and requires your careful attention in framing such new laws, as you may judge necessary for the public good, and in revising and amending those, which already exist; so that the citizen may find security for every right, and redress for every wrong to his person or property, in the most easy and expeditious manner possible. It is unnecessary to be particular on this subject, because your enlightened understanding and discretion, will direct you to the wisest measures for the attainment of those important objects.

I have the highest satisfaction gentlemen, in being able to inform you, that by statements exhibited to me by the late treasurer, Mr. Davis, and by his successor, Mr. Coffin, our public treasury appears to be in an eligible situation. The debts due to the Commonwealth, exclusive, of those considered as doubtful, are quite sufficient to discharge all just claims and demands on government, of every description; and a considerable surplus will then remain for public exigencies. This shews the effect of the plan adopted for the reduction of our debt and cannot fail of encouraging you to persevere in a system so obviously beneficial, because it will enable the public to discharge its debt, without the necessity of any addition to the usual taxes, which are requisite for the support of, government. Those statements, I have directed to be laid before you, with the explanatory, useful observations thereon, by the treasurer.

My official duty obliges me to mention, that owing to the incompetency of the present legal compensations for services required, several vacancies have happened in some of the important offices of the government particularly in that of the judge of Probate, in the county of Hancock. The respectable gentleman who lately filled that important office, has stated to me, that the allowance established by law, is quite insufficient to bear the expences, of attending the probate courts in that county, without taking into consideration any allowance for his time and services. Under such circumstances, it is not probable the vacancy can be suitably filled. You will therefore judge whether the circumstances of that county do not call for your particular attention. Every servant of the public, is justly entitled to a reward, adequate to the merit of his services; and in making legal establishments for this purpose, suitable regard should be had to the enhanced prices of the necessaries of life. Whilst I am on this subject, I beg leave to submit to your candid consideration, whether it would not better comport both with the letter and spirit of the constitution, to annex permanent and honorable establishments to some of the important offices therein mentioned, rather than occasionally to afford relief by temporary, additional grants. In your wisdom and rectitude the people have placed a confidence, and I am persuaded they will not be disappointed.

Agreeably to an act of Congress, for the more general promulgation of the laws passed on the third day of March, 1795; I have lately received from the Secretary of State, five hundred and eighty-eight sets of the laws of the United States, consisting of three volumes each, being this Commonwealth's proportion of said laws, to be deposited in such fixed and convenient place in each county, or other civil subordinate division, as the executive legislature shall deem most conducive to the general information of the people. It will, I conceive, be necessary for the legislature to make provision for the immediate distribution of those laws, among the several towns or counties within the commonwealth, in such manner and under such restrictions as may be thought best adapted
to carry into effect the important and useful design of the said act.

Other matters which may require your consideration, I shall communicate by private message, and shall most cheerfully concur with you in every measure that shall appear to me well calculated to establish the security and promote the general welfare of our fellow citizens.

Increase Sumner.

Council Chamber, Jan. 12th, 1798.

The Secretary then delivered a copy of the speech to the President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House. The Senate having returned, the Speaker read the speech from the chair; and on motion, it was committed to Dr. Eustis, Mr. J. C. Williams, Mr. Treadwell, Mr. Barnes, & Mr. Sprague, (of Lancaster.)

A considerable number of local petitions, &c. were presented, and duly attended to.

IN SENATE—Friday, Jan. 12.

The speech of his Excellency the Governor was committed to the Hon. Messrs. Dane, Jones, and Davis (of Portland.)

The statement of the late Treasurer Davis, on the finances, was taken up, and considered.