The Rhode Island American, And General Advertiser

GOVERNOUR'S MESSAGE.

At the commencement of the session, on Tuesday last, his Excellency Governour Jones communicated to both branches of the Legislature, the following Message, which was read and referred to Messrs. Rousmaniere and S.G. Arnold:

Gentlemen of the Senate, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives,

On this occasion we have as at all times past, abundant reasons for thankfulness to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe. Although the season has been singularly cold and dry, yet our agricultural labours have been so abundantly blessed and succeeded, that we may hope none will suffer for lack of bread, or the other necessary comforts of life. Our liveliest emotions of gratitude ought to be excited by the recollection of the general prevalence of health, and, while we receive the chastisements of heaven with submission, we should remember all the benefits and blessings which we are hourly receiving and enjoying. We are particularly to reflect upon the goodness of God, in exciting in the minds of the people a desire to extend the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, and a zeal for the cause of truth and righteousness.

Amidst all our advantages, and, notwithstanding our increased attention to the duties of morality and religion, we have to lament, that many of the causes of vice and infidelity, are still producing their baneful effects, and counteracting the efforts of the wise and virtuous, for the promotion of human happiness. Among these, I would mention the use of ardent spirits, as an evil which increases, and which poisons the sources of domestick happiness, and even threatens the publick prosperity. I know not whether an evil of this kind can be removed, or mitigated by legislative regulations, but it is well worthy of your consideration, whether a system of laws might not be devised by which the progress of it might be checked. A deliberate consideration of this important subject might be productive of good, and an evil so long deplored might perhaps be alleviated.

A variety of causes has as yet prevented the revival of our once flourishing manufactures, and that branch of industry, together with navigation and all its dependant arts, are still languishing under many discouragements. Our country, however, happily remains at peace; and, learning wisdom from past mistakes and misfortunes, may we carefully avoid the causes of contention and hostility, and cultivate peace with all nations. In a state of peace, permanently established, industry will meet its rewards, virtue will be encouraged, and the diffusion of religious knowledge and of learning in general, will teach mankind, that their true interest, as well as their duty, consists in obeying the precepts and commands of the Gospel.

The remaining part of the account of this State against the United States, or monies expended in our defence during the late war, is made up, and, on the second of this month, was forwarded by me to the Secretary of the War Department, with a request that it might be speedily examined and settled. It is of importance that we should receive this balance without delay, that it may be applied to the exigencies of the State—the common resource of taxation being more burdensome than formerly, on account of the heavy taxes and impositions payable to the general government.

I herewith lay before you a letter received in July last, from the Executive of New-Hampshire, enclosing a resolution of the Legislature of that State, disagreeing to the amendment of the Constitution of the United States, proposed by the Legislature of the State of Georgia, reducing the time of service of United States' Senators from six to four years.

The attention of the General Assembly will be considerably occupied with business of a private nature, and it would have been pleasing to learn, that the number of applications for the benefit of the Insolvent Act, was diminishing; we may however be permitted to hope, that notwithstanding the embarrassment and stagnation of trade, yet by a scrupulous examination of the merits of these applications, and steady industry, with requisite economy on the part of the people, the number of petitions will not hereafter increase.

It is a subject of deep regret that notwithstanding the superiour privileges and advantages of the people of this country over all others, not only in regard to the ease by which a subsistence may be earned by honest industry, but also, in regard to the blessings of freedom and the light of religion and literature, there should be such frequent crimes, and a consequent necessity for the infliction of severe punishments. As the important subject of an amendment of the Judiciary system has been long under your consideration, I would suggest that this may be a suitable opportunity for reconsidering the penal code. It may be questioned whether under our existing laws, the reformation of the offender and the practicability of compelling him to make amends by his labour have been sufficiently considered. Your wisdom may perhaps devise a system, by which these objects may be secured, consistently with an adequate severity of punishment, and a proper regard to that rigid economy, which our situation makes necessary, and which long usage has rendered easy and habitual.

May the Supreme Ruler of the world, so guide and direct your deliberations, that they may promote the interests of your constituents, and support and advance the cause of virtue and religion.