USA > Vermont > Outlines of the geography, natural and civil history and constitution of Vermont. Also the Constitution of the United States. with notes and queries > Part 10
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A party originated in Vermont, in 1829, based on oppo- sition to Freemasonry, which for one or two years succeeded in electing officers of the state government : but this party was more a name than a reality, for it embraced essentially the elements of the federal party before in power.
At a later period another party, known as the third, or anti-slavery party, was powerful in the state, and elected many members of the Legislature. But this, with the wl.'
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party, has now become merged in the present republican party, which has for several years elected the state officers by a very large majority of votes, and achieved a triumph in United States in 1860, by the election of Abraham Lin- coln as president.
Political parties have assumed different names, and have succeeded at the ballot box, in different periods, yet it is doubtless true, that there has been but little radical differ- ence in the political opinions entertained by the several parties of the state. Federalists, whigs, anti-masons, anti- slavery or third party, and republicans, have been opposed in general to the democratic party, which elected Monroe, Jackson, Van Buren, Polk, Pierce and Buchanan, presidents of the United States.
At the outbreak of the rebellion in 1861 against the consti- tution and government of the United States, all the northern and western states, with great unanimity, combined as unionists to sustain the war inaugurated by the insurgent states, and to defend the government and national capital.
Though political parties have at times manifested consid- erable asperity towards each other, it has generally been true, that more importance bas been attached, by the inhab- itants of Vermont, to the character and fitness of candidates for office, than to their political opinions Most of those selected as candidates for governor, have been men of un- blemished morals, and many of them men of Christian char- acter. This is highly commendable, and honorable to the state. May it long continue.
Questions.
What was the chief cause of the rise of party spirit ? What had been the action of France during the Revolutionary war ? Was this friendship returned by the people of this country ? What did the French soldiers attempt after returning home? What was the result ? What was done by the revolutionists ? What was the foundation of their new government ? What demand was made by the king of Dance ? Was it compliod with ? Was war expected ? To what did these events load ? Results of party spirit ? " When was war declared with Great Britain? Were all the people in favor
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of that war ? How did those opposed to the war act, when the British attacked Plattsburgh, New York ? Who were victoriousat Plattsburgh? What battle on Lake Champlain ? Who were vic- torious ? What political party came into power when General Jackson was elected president ? What parties have been opposed to that party ? By what party were General Harrison and General Taylor elected to the presidency ? Why did those presidents fail of accomplishing all that was expected by those who elected them ? What presidents were elected by the democratic party ? What po- sition was taken by the northern and western states at the out- break of the rebellion ? What have the citizens of Vermont gen- erally regarded more than party ? What has been the character of many of the men elected as governors ?
NOTE .-- The events narrated in the preceding lessons occurred principally before 1861. During the spring of that year war was inaugurated against the United States by those in favor of a Southern Confederacy. An attack was made on Fort Sumter, near the city of Charleston, South Carolina. The garrison in it being small, and without adequate supplies, was forced to surrender. This event aroused the free states to prepare for war ; and incited a large proportion of the inhabitants to combine in the defence of the capital, and to oppose the formation of any new goverment within the limits of the Republic. A call for soldiers was willingly responded to by Vermont, in common with New England and other parts of the country. To sustain this war, and defend the United States against the Confederate armies, there was a remarkable unanimity. Seventeen full regiments were raised und forwarded ; and many joined regiments in other states. These soldiers proved worthy of the name " Green Mountain Boys." For patriotism, bravery and deeds of noble daring, the soldiers of no state have a better record. In the many bloody battles in which they bore a conspicuous part, their flag was not di-honored. Large numbers shed their blood on the field of battle, and others died from disease occasioned by hardships, so that some of the regiments, after the service of three years, numbered only scores instead of hundreds. The freeness with which they shed their blood, and sacrificed their lives, for the nation and in defence of the constitution and capital,
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furnished ample proof that the blood of Revolutionary patriots had not degenerated in the veins of the third and fourth genera- tions. It is not time yet to write the history of the present war, or to chronicle fully the sacrifice and self-denial of the soldiers und citizens of Vermont. But when that history is faithfully written, and the deeds of bravery, daring and courage are fully recorded, it will be proved that the scenes of Ticonderoga, Bennington and Saratoga were no more honorable to our patriotic fathers, than those of the present war have been to their descendants.
It has been confidently asserted that the honor of turning the seale in the great battle of Gettysburg is due to the soldiers of the Vermont Brigade. In the battles of the Wilderness, of the She- nandoah, and indeed in nearly all in which the Army of the Po- tomac has been engaged, the laurels won by the "Green Mountain Boys " might be covered by the " invincibles " of any nation. -Vermont made a costly sacrifice during the war of rebellion. . Thousand of her sons fell on the battle fields, died in hospitals, or famished in the prisons of the rebels. On the tombstones of thou- sands of graves might truthfully be written, " Here lies a Vermont patriot." Few, very few, dishonored the state that sent them forth in defence of liberty and right. The Government, Legisl- tare, and Members of Congress, as well as soldiers and citizens gen- erally, exhibited a high determination to save the nation from the grasp of the Confederate rebels. In these efforts the women of Ver- mont are worthy of high honor. They not only cheerfully gave up husbands, sons and brothers to fight the battles of freedom, but untiringly provided for the wants of the siek in hospitals. They furnished supplies to mitigate the sufferings of those who willingly sacrificed so much for the preservation of all that is dear to the friends of liberty. Mamy valuable lives were saved by these timely efforts.
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LESSON XI. Government.
The government of Vermont differs in some respects from most cther states. This orignated from the difficulties to which the first inhabitants were subjected by the contests with New York and other states, in relation to the land. A bill of rights which was early adopted, gave the largest lib- erty to the inhabitants. It declares that all men have a right to life, liberty, the property they have acquired, and to worship God according to the dictates of conscience. A constitution, which describes the mode of making and ex- ecuting laws, and the manner of choosing officers, was early adopted by a convention of the people. That constitution remained without any very essential amendments for more than half a century. It provided for the election of a Gov- ernor and Lieutenant Governor, twelve Councillors to advise the Governor, and a Legislature to consist of one member from each town. The Legislature proposed laws, which were to be assented to or approved by the Governor and Council. But if the Governor refused his assent, the Legislature, by a vote of two-thirds, could enact a law without his assent. The
constitution also provided for the appointment, once in seven years, of a body of men called a Council of Censors, who were to examine the acts of the Legislature, and if they found it had exceeded the powers given by the constitution, the Council were to give information to a convention which they were authorized to call, that the subjects in question might be brought before the Legislature. In no other state was the power kept so completely in the hands of the people, and the abuse of power by state officers so carefully guarded against in the constitution and by the laws. After an ex- perience of the results of the en.ly modes for making laws and examining their constitutionality, for many years, the people of the state became convinced that some other changes in the constitution were desirable, and amendments were adopted, so that now there is a Senate instead of a Council. The Senate and House of Representatives must
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now agree to all the laws made, and then the Governor ap- prove of bills before they become laws, unless after stating his objections the bills are approved by each branch of the Legislature, by a vote of two-thirds of the members. The House of Representatives still consists of one member from each town, chosen annually by the freemen of said town. The Senate is composed of thirty Senators, chosen annually by the freemen of their respective counties, and apportioned to the several counties according to their population, as as- certained by the census, taken under the authority of Con- gress, preceding said apportionment. Some counties have three Senators, and others only one. The laws of Vermont are generally well adapted to the welfare of the people, and are judiciously executed.
Most of the counties remain nearly the same that they were fifty years ago. A new county has been formed of a part of Orleans, Franklin and Washington, called Lamoille, and instead of thirteen, there are now fourteen counties in the state, in each of which courts are established to try those who are charged with the commission of crimes, and to decide civil suits which are commenced by citizens against each other. Of the mode of proceeding in these courts you will find a fuller account in larger treatises. The decisions of the Supreme Court constitute a part of the laws by which the people of the state are governed.
Questions.
Is the government of Vermont like that of other states ? What was the origin of the difference ? What bill was early adopted ? What was asserted in it? What was described in the constitution ? How long did its provisions remain unchanged ? What were those provisions ? What were the duties of the Legislature ? What du- ties devolve I on the Governor and Canweil? For what purpose was the Council of Censors appointed ? In whose hands was the power principally Kept ? What amendments were finally adopted ? What is now necessary to the enactment of laws? How many members in the House of Representatives ? How many in the Senate ? How are Senators chosen ? How many from a county ? What is the general character of the laws of the state? What new county has been formed ? How many counties in. the state ? What duties are performed by the county courts ? What do the decisions of the Supreme Court constitute ?
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LESSON XII.
Education.
Great attention was early paid to education in Vermont. Common schools were established in every town. Several academies and two colleges were early incorporated. At a later period medical schools were inaugurated and an addi- tional college chartered. Middlebury College, University of Vermont at Burlington, and Norwich University, are in successful operation. Medical Colleges have been established at Woodstock, Castleton, and Burlington, and have yearly educated a large number of physicians. Poultney Academy, Fairfax Seminary, and Newbury Seminary, specially under the patronage of religious denominations, are intended to furnish instruction in theology, in addition to furnishing fa- cilities for general education superior to ordinary academies. All these institutions are an honor to the state. County grammar schools, academies and high schools have been es- tablished in every county, and in almost every one of the large towns. The grammar schools have the avails of lands early given for the purpose of establishing and sustaining such schools. Others have been established by private enterprise. The present number of such schools in the state exceeds seventy.
During many years there was but little supervision by the state over the common or public schools ; but the school laws have, within a few years, been greatly modified and im- proved. A state Board of Education was provided for by an act of the Legislature in 1856, authorized to decide on the text books which should be used in the common schools, and also to appoint a secretary who should attend Teachers' Institutes in every county, at least once in each year; and, in addition, give addresses on popular education, and make an annual report to the Legislature of the statistics of all the schools in the commonwealth. Since the appointment of a Board of Education, and an efficient and able secretary,
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there has been great improvement in schools, and vastly in- creased interest in popular education. Should the present efforts be continued a few years, it is believed that the com- mon schools of no state will be found more elevated and useful than those in Vermont. Efficient supervision is essential to their continued improvement and success. The expense of the public schools of the state is great, exceeding two hundred and fifty thousand dollars every year. The proper expenditure of this large sum should be carefully attended to by the Legislature. Perversion of these funds is not alone loss of money, but loss to the rising generation of that which is of vastly greater value than money. The future character of the people of the state, depends very much on the character of the training received by the rising generation. The most careful supervision of the schools can alone secure their continued advancement and useful- ness. A repeal of the present excellent school laws would be a greater misfortune to the children of the state than any which could befall them. Make the schools as useful as they can be, and Vermont will continue to maintain its elevated position among sister states.
Questions.
Was education early regarded in Vermont ? Where were schools established ? How many colleges were founded ? Names of the colleges in the state ? What towns have medical colleges ? What institutions furnish instruction in theology ? Where are grammar schools, high schools and academics established ? What funds be- long to the grammar schools ? Have any schools been established by private enterprise ? How many high schools, &c., in the state ? Has improvement been made in the school laws ? When was the Board of Education instituted ? What is its object ? What are the duties of the Secretary ? Results of his labors ? What is er- sential to the success of comnon schools ? What is the annual ex- pense of the public schools of the state? By whom should this vast expenditure be carefully guarded ? Why ? On what does the future character of the people of the state depend ? What alone can secure the advancement of schools ? How would the re- peal of the school laws affect the children of Vermont ? . What is the closing remark of the lesson ?
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LESSON XIII.
Religion and Religious Denominations.
In the constitution and laws of Vermont, Christianity is clearly recognized as the religion of the state. The Bill of Rights affirms " that all men have a natural and unaliena- ble right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences and understanding, as in their opinion shall be regulated by the Word of God." The Bible is thus recognized as the basis of religious opinion and wor- ship. The observance of the holy Sabbath, and such forins of worship as shall seem to the people most agrecable to the revealed will of God, are enjoined upon all. None are con- strained to adopt a mode of worship which is deemed by them repugnant to the Word of God. The laws not only enjoin a due observance of the holy Sabbath, but provide for the punishment of those who violate it. The leading denominations are generally agreed with regard to the most essential doctrines of religion, especially in relation to the inspiration of the sacred Scriptures; the mode of God's existence in trinity ; the necessity of regeneration or a change of heart effected by the Holy Spirit ; faith in Christ and obedience to the requirements of the gospel as essential to salvation ; a future judgment when all will be rewarded according to the deeds done in the body, the godly with eternal life, and the ungodly with everlasting punishment. These doctrines are embraced by Congregationalists, Bap- tists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Episcopalians. A few other denominations do not embrace all these points in their creeds ; but they represent a smaller part of the people of the state.
Very early after settlements were commenced, missiona- ries from the older states were sent into the " new settle- ments," and organized churches in many towns. The first formed was the Congregational church at Bennington, De- cember 2d, 1762. Rev. Jeremiah Dewey was the first settled minister over it in 1763. Houses for public worship
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were erected, ministers were settled, and societies for benevo- lent effort were instituted. A religious tract society was formed in 1808, earlier than in any other state, if not in the country, and also a society to aid young men in prepar- ing for the Christian ministry. Missionary and Bible so- cieties have existed many years, and have accomplished a great amount of good. Christian churches exist in almost every town, and in many towns are churches of several de- nominations. Revivals of religion have been both extensive and powerful at different times, and many faithful ministers are employed to teach the truth of our holy religion, and inculcate Christian morality.
Questions.
Is Christianity recognized in the constitution and laws of the state? What does the Bill of Rights affirm concerning the rights of conscience ? How is the Bible recognized in the constitution ? What is enjoined with regard to the Sabbath ? Are laws made for punishing those who break the Sabbath ? Do the leading denom- inations agree in essential points of religious belief? What are the most important doctrines of the Christian religion ? What de- nominations embrace these doctrines ? Do any believe differently ? By whom were missionaries sent into Vermont ? What was accom- plished by them ? What society was formed earlier than in any other state ? What important societies now exist ? Are Christian churches generally established ? What is mentioned respecting re- vivals ? For what are ministers employed ?
LESSON XIV.
Character of the People.
The people of this state, having removed from the other New England states and New York, brought with them a variety of habits, and traits of character. But the diffi- culties and hardships to which all were alike exposed, soon gave a general character to the people. "The labor of sub- duing the forest, cultivating the soil and providing for their
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families, left the first settlers but little time for cultivating their minds and improving their manners. Hence in their characters they partook of the roughness and boldness of the mountains among which they lived; and, being accus- tomed to face dangers of various kinds, and overcome difficulties by their own efforts, they acquired the highest confidence in their own abilities, and imbibed lofty ideas of liberty and independence. These traits of character were very conspicuous in the controversies the people unfortu- nately had with New York and New Hampshire. The first settlers were generally men of strong minds, but they were uncultivated ; like the diamond in its native quarry, they were rough and unpolished. Without liberal education themselves, they knew its valae, and were anxious their children should enjoy its blessings. Hence they paid early attention to the establishment of schools and institutions of learning."
Among the inhabitants of this stato there is a great de- gree of equality ; this, and the general dependence of one on the other, have been highly favorable to the exercise of the friendly feelings and the social virtues. It has been a common trait of the character of the people, to treat cach other with benevolence, and strangers with kindness.
The females are usually conspicuous for good domestic management and industrious habits. They consider the family the sphere in which they are to move, and there they appear to the best advantage. They enjoy equal advantages with the males for common education, and many of them now enjoy the means of higher accomplishments. Several excellent schools for the latter purpose are established.
The people are opposed to oppressions and tyranny, and have always been decided friends to free inquiry. Slavery never existed in Vermont. No people are better acquainted with their rights, or more jealous of them. The election of officers for only one year at a time has a decided influence on the character of the citizens. A great many who have 'held offices are found among the people. These are ac- quainted with the duties of those offices they once filled, and hence aro qualified to judge of the official conduct of
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those who hold office. It is very difficult to neglect any of the duties of an office, without being immediately censured. IIence inquiry is always awake, both as to the constitution and the law. Inquisitiveness is a very general trait of char- acter, and though it is sometimes carried to extremes, so as to savor of ill-manners, it still is not unfavorable to improve- ment in knowledge.
Questions.
Why had not the first settlers time for cultivating their minds? Of what did their characters partake ? What ideas did they enter- tain of liberty and independence ? What did they early establish ? Is there general equality among the people ? Has this bren favor- able to the general interest ? What has been the usual mode of treating others ? For what are the females conspicuous? What advantages have they for education ? To what are the people opposed ? Do they understand their own rights? What has a decided influence on the character of the citizens? Are the peo- Fle qualified to judge of the fitness of their officers?
LESSON XV.
Employment of the People.
Industry is one of the great means of securing property, and preserving virtue among a people. In this state the people are mostly employed in farming, or tilling the land, and have formed habits of industrious enterprise. A num- ber of trades are necessary, both to the farmer and to all others. Blacksmiths, shoemakers, tailors, house-joiners, millers, cabinet-makers and harness-makers, find employ- ment in nearly every town. A great variety of other trades and employments abound, which are also necessary. Smelt- ing iron is the employment of some. Quarrying slate and marble requires a constantly increasing number of laborers. Manufacturing stone and earthera ware and brick is the business of others. Woolen factories and some cotton fac-
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tories are in operation, which furnish employment to a large number of persons. Some are engaged in the manufacture of paper, and many others in printing and book-binding. During the winter season many young men are employed in teaching school, and during the summer female teachers are engaged in the same business. Large numbers are employed to teach in other states. Others are constantly occupied as teachers of academies and instructors in colleges. A very large number are now (1864) employed in the army. The services of professional men are everywhere demanded in society. Physicians, lawyers and ministers are necessary. The number of physicians is four or five hundred ; the num- ber of lawyers is less, though large ; and the ministers of all denominations number three hundred or more.
In agriculture, in the trades and professions, those who attend to their business faithfully, are usually able to derive a comfortable support. Many have acquired wealth by their industrious habits and success in business.
The construction of railroads has greatly increased the business and resources of the state. Though these roads cost vast sums of money, the aggregate wealth of the state has been greatly increased by facilitating transportation of agricultural products to market, and lessening the price of goods procured in exchange. Lumber, lime, marble and słate are now readily transported to Boston and New York, though formerly they furnished no revenue, except in a few localities on the border of the lake, or Connecticut river. A large number of men find profitable employment in the man- agement of the railroads and telegraph wires, in several parts of the state. Great advantages are thus secured to the people, by easy communication with cities and towns on the ocean, and instantaneous communication of news from all parts of the country.
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