Daily National Intelligencer

RHODE-ISLAND ELECTION

NEW-PORT, MAY 14.

On Wednesday last, the General Assembly of this State met in this town, and proceeded to organize the government for the ensuing political year. A committee was appointed to count the votes for General Officers. On the following morning, the committee reported, that the following persons were elected ; they were accordingly proclaimed, and were severally engaged: Nehemiah R. Knight, Governor: Edward Wilcox, Lieutenant-Governor.

Previous to resigning the chair, Governor Jones addressed the two Houses in the following words--which he read from a paper before him:--

Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:

I avail myself of this opportunity of expressing to you my sense of your respectful attention, and prompt support, in my official duties, while I have had the honor of being associated with you. Through you, gentlemen, permit me to assure my fellow-citizens of my attachment, and the obligations under which I have been placed, for their confidence, manifested in my repeated election to office in times the most pressing.

In retiring from public life, I carry with me the pleasing recollection of their attention and support. If, in the discharge of my trust, I have aided in any measures productive of good, or tending to secure the rights of the people, my object is answered; and if I have committed error, I wish them to be assured it was error in judgment, under a uniform devotedness to the best interests of the State. Commending myself, with you, gentlemen, and the good people at large, to God, my fervent desire will be, that He may delight to dwell with us, and continue this Commonwealth one of the brightest Stars in the American Union.

GOVERNOR'S INAUGURAL MESSAGE.

To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Rhode-Island:

It is the boast and pride of the citizens of the United States of America, that they alone of all the nations of the earth, are privileged choosing whom they will, to watch over their affairs, and to direct in their public councils. This inheritance was bequeathed us by our fathers, and we are bound to transmit the blessing, unimpaired, to posterity.

In reviewing the political events of nations, we have much reason to be thankful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, for casting our lot in this "New World," for here alone rational liberty is enjoyed. Here we behold the asylum of the oppressed--a country growing in wealth, population and virtue, respected abroad and admired at home--at peace with all nations, and having entangling alliances with none--possessing a character for wisdom, valor and justice--our public burdens daily lessening, and our empire peaceably extending, with a rapidity unparalelled in the history of nations.

Such, fellow-citizens, is the situation of our common country, at the time we are entrusted with the political destinies of Rhode-Island. Be it our care to preserve her rights in the participation of those blessings.

Although the clangor of arms during the late conflict with Great Britain has not been heard at our immediate firesides, yet the citizens of this State have not been exempt from a share of public burthens ; they have, however, contributed their portions to the public wants, with a promptness becoming freemen, determined to maintain inviolate the principles declared by the sages of 1776.

Though demagogues may have attempted to make a stalking horse of the necessities of the times, the people have remained true to themselves and their country, and kept in view its honor and independence.

The philanthropist will regret the frequent recurrence of wars, which tend to impoverish and demoralize society ; but we should recollect they always spring from the degeneracy of man, and that a defensive war is not only just, but even necessary. The names of Greene, of Perry, of Allen, and other heroes, by offering themselves in the front of the battle, in defence of their country's rights, have been covered with glory, and will ever be remembered by their grateful countrymen.

It is true that peculiar occurrences have caused temporary embarrassments to some of our citizens ; but it is confidently hoped that the approaching season will dispel them, and a plentiful harvest crown their labors.

According to the ancient usages of this state, the present session of the Legislature will be limited to the election of officers for the ensuing year. In performing this part of our duty, I trust we shall divest ourselves of all party animosities, and carefully investigate and decide on the merits of the candidates, by this criterion only "Are they honest, capable and faithful to the constitution ?"

On this occasion I cannot omit calling your particular attention to the judiciary department of this state. Is the system perfect in all its parts? Does every man, according to our bill of rights, obtain justice promptly, and without delay? If on a review of this subject, amendments are deemed expedient, I would suggest for your consideration, whether the present time does not afford an opportunity.

It is a fact, established by experience, that an enlightened and upright judiciary constitutes a main pillar in the edifice of freedom. What avails the name of liberty, if our persons and property are unprotected, either from violence, the laws' delay, or an uncertainty of judicial opinions?

On this first occasion of my addressing you, it may not be amiss to give this public assurance, that at all times I will endeavor faithfully to administer the executive functions vested in me, and will cheerfully contribute my aid to any measure that may have for its object the security of the lives, liberty, and property of our fellow-citizens, and to perpetuate the republican principles of our government.

N. R. KNIGHT.

May 8, 1817.