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223

Gentlemen of the Senate and of the

House of Representatives,

Where we cast our eyes over the brief space between the period of the separation of Maine from Massachusetts and the moment now passing, we cannot, as citizens of the former State, fail to be animated to unremitting diligence and exertion in pursuing that course in which we have been advancing. We are witness of a most extraordinary development of resources, and we are now here to consult as to the welfare of a numerous population placed within long lives of maritime and interior frontier, engaged in a great variety of pursuits, and occupying a vast and fertile territory. I am rejoiced to be able to announce that this population, blessed, as it is with good laws, and a satisfactory administration of justice, demands but little at our hands. To continue this condition, so far as consists with the subordinate power of human actions, in a brief time of official life, the fidelity in us to execute what the wisdom of our predecessors has devised will require scarcely any other aid than that of the unabated enterprise, industry, and morality of our fellow citizens. Indeed, recollecting that our constitution was formed under the calm, considerate and beneficent sway of patriotic sentiment, and that our laws have been enacted under the light of the resplendent examples and instructive experience of our parent republic, we