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278 [Governors Message]

State, by retaining itself, the capital with which articles of the first necessity have heretofore been purchased in Europe, and furnishing to its citizens like articles of equal, and perhaps superior quality from their own farms and workshops at home Whatever, therefore, may be done with propriety to encourage the establishments of such factories as will afford us those articles of necessity for which we have been dependent on a foreign supply, will be in accordance with the best interests of the community. It is how ever on the general government that we are mainly to depend for protection and encouragement to commerce and manufactures. The regulations of the former being particularly confided to Congress by the national constitution, cannot be a subject of State Legislation. - Our extensive connection in navigation will render every measure of the general government that may effect the commercial relations of the country, interesting to our citizens. Maine has already become the third State in the Union in point of tonnage and the official returns show its annual increase to be far greater than in either of the other States. Out industrious ship builders find constant employment and our forests ensure us an abundant and staple article of exportation; and our hardy enterprising fishermen, both bank and coast, contribute there full share, to the sustenance, the exports and the wealth of the country. In all measures, therefore, which may relate to the interest of commerce and navigation, it is presumed this State will have its due influence. The general laws of the State, having, written the last two years, all passed under the particular inspection of an able and learned board of Jurisprudence, been revised and adapted to our State and condition and reenacted after full consideration by the preceding