Message of His Excellency Oliver Wolcott - To the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Connecticut, at the Commencement of the Session of the General Assembly in New-Haven, May 1826 #264770

Gentlemen of the Senate, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives;<br><br>The renewed confidence in my disposition and efforts, to promote the prosperity of the State, which my fellow citizens have manifested, in again calling me to preside over it, demands my grateful acknowledgments, and will stimulate my exertions in favour of a community to whom I am united by every motive, which can attach the sympathies of an individual, to the interests of his fellow men.<br><br>The great interests of our State and Nation, continue to be prosperous. Science, education, arts, manufactures, commerce, agriculture, and improvements of the most permanent and diffusive nature, are extending. All these, are natural products of the irresistible energies of free and intelligent minds, wise to discern, and powerful to direct and accomplish, whatever objects are perceived to be useful; and which are not physically impracticable. Disastrous events have occurred during the last year: - but so far as they have arisen from causes which human foresight could not obviate, they ought to be viewed as dispensations of that beneficent Being, who connects present evils with ultimate good. Such events as have proceeded from other causes, should be regarded as excitements to greater vigilance, and they impose upon Legislators, high obligations of adapting efficient regulations, to prevent a recurrence of similar evils.<br><br>The re-organization of the authorities of this State, which depend on annual appointments, claim a primary attention.<br><br>The seat of the Honorable Henry W. Edwards, in the Senate of the United States, will become vacant on the fourth day of March, 1827. In conformity with what has been a prevailing usage, an appointment to that station ought to be made, during the present session.<br><br>By the lamented decease of the Honorable Judge Chapman, a vacancy has been created in our highest Court of Judicature. Eminent attainments and qualifications, were possessed by the individual, whose demise we deplore: - and the life, character, and property of every person, who is subject to the jurisdiction of this Court, is interested in the designation of his successor.<br><br>Profound learning; accurate powers of discernment and discrimination; assiduity; instinctive impartiality; habitual endeavours to render technical forms subordinate to an enlightened love of justice; with incorruptible integrity, are characteristics of a Judge.