<978 NATURAL AND CIVIL 



people, but that a majority of the votes were it| 

 favor of Isaac Tichenor^ at that time chief jus- 

 tice of the state. By the constitution, the de- 

 cision devolved on the general assembly ; and 

 by a large majority of their votes, it was deter- 

 mined in his favor. 



The new governor opened the busiAiess of 

 his administration by introducing the custom in 

 the other states, of making a speech to the as- 

 sembly. The speech was sentimental, well 

 composed, and delivered with address and ele- 

 gance ; and the audience were much pleased in 

 seeing the customs of the other states introduced 

 into Vermont in a respectable and agreeable 

 manner. The address applauded the state and 

 federal constitutions, as both ' founded in the 

 same republican principles ; but it was marked 

 with what was called decided federalism^ avow- 

 ing not only a full approbation of the measures 

 of Washington's administration, but that " the 

 known experience, firmness, and integrity of 

 ^' those, who are placed at the head of its admin- 

 istration, ought to inspire us with a proper de- 

 gree of conf.dence in the future,"* alluding to 

 the measures which: Mr. Adams was pursuing. 

 The house returned a decent and respectful an- 

 swer ; but the composers of it evidently meant 

 to have the answer contain more of the republi, 

 can spirit than tlie speech. *' We are not dis- 

 posed to call in question, the wisdom or integri-, 

 tv of tliose who have been concerned in the ad- 

 ministration of the general government, nor to 

 withhold confidence where it ought to be in- 

 j^pired ; but give support and energy to every 



* Journal of the assembly of Vermont, 1 79 7, p. 24. 



