348 NATURAL AND CIVIL 



The matter was now urged with great warmth, 

 and there were applications of this kind from 

 several of the most respectable towns in the 

 state. A majority of the members probably- 

 wished to have some institutions of this nature, 

 established in the state ; but their views were 

 so local, and so much in favor of those particu- 

 lar places by which they expected to be most 

 benefitted, that it was found impossible to come 

 to an agreement at what towns they should be 

 established. 'Inhere was no way to bring the 

 minds of the members to an agreement, but to 

 introduce the project of a state bank ; in which 

 the profits should redound to the state itself. 

 Upon this idea, a majority of votes could be se- 

 cured ; and when the members believed that 

 the assemblv were to have the direction, and 

 receive the profits, a majority agreed in the 

 measure to establish a state bank in Vermont. 

 After repeated trials and much maneuvering, 

 the legislaluie fixed on two respectable towns 

 in which branches of it should be founded, at 

 Woodstock and Middiebury. A bill was pas- 

 sed for this purpose, and the bank is now in 

 operation. Many remarks and conjectures were 

 made, both for, and against this measure. It is 

 not however from the wishes or representations 

 of parties or local interests, that the propriety 

 and wisdom of the measure are to be determin- 

 ed. Time and experience will ascertain wheth- 

 er legislative authority and influence in such es- 

 tablishments, are, or are not consistent with the 

 confidence, property, and safety of individuals. 

 Much other business or a public and private 

 nature was done at this session, and several 



