.MTUzNQ.MTY1MjI

268

[1825]

[Governors Message]

wretchedness by due attention of the proper officers to the various legal provisions for the suppression of intemperance; or who will doubt, but that by their strict execution many, whose misconduct has brought misery upon themselves and their connexions, might now be enjoying the fruits of good principles and virtuous habits? Our ancestors, considering that “profanity had a natural tendency to weaken the solemnity and obligation of oaths, lawfully taken in the administration of justice, and to promote falsehood, perjury, blasphemy and dissoluteness of manners, wisely provided by law for the punishment of the offence. We have adopted their language in a similar enactment, and who can calculate how many of the evils here enumerated may be prevented by a faithful execution of that Statute?

The law providing for the general education of youth is one of the most important in our Statute book. On its faithful execution may defend the character of our children, and the perpetuity of our institutions. In the Constitution of this State is recognized the fundamental principle of free government that “all power is inherent in the people.” How important is it that those who are soon to inherit the rights and the power of the present age, should be capable of exercising them with intelligence and discretion. The provision relative to the character and qualification of Instructors is too valuable to remain inoperative. In none are fidelity, correct habits; purity of morals, and exemplary deportment more necessary than in those to whom are entrusted the intellectual and moral education of youth. Let all, whether in or out of office, who