.MTkzNQ.MjQ5NDM

VI

the last war. To the payment of the interest on the amount already allowed and paid, it is believed there can be no possible objection. It will belong to our Senators and Representatives in Congress to urge upon the attention of the General Government the speedy allowance of this claim, and when separated from other subjects, with which it has no connection, it cannot be double that the amount of interest, of which Marines proportion is estimated at more than One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars, will be promptly paid.

By request of the last Legislature, I communicated to his excellency the Governor of Massachusetts the resolve claiming one third part of the amount received by that Commonwealth on account of the Militia claims without deduction, accompanied with a request upon that Government, to pay the balance to the Treasurer of this State. The reply of the Governor, with the proceedings of the Legislature of Massachusetts in relation to this subject will be herewith laid before you. With regard to the ordinary internal concerns of the State, I am aware of but few subjects which at this session of the Legislature will necessarily require your attention. Among these our schools and Seminaries of learning are of the first importance, and I trust they will receive from you that protection and encouragement which the Constitution enjoins, and the interest of our county, the stability of our government, and the welfare and happiness of the rising generation imperiously require. That part of the Act of 1831 respecting the Colleges in this State, which requires more than a majority of votes to elect a President, is an anomaly in our republican intuitions, and I would respectfully submit to your consideration the expediency of its repeal.