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7

further organization of the House of Representatives.

Messrs Vance of Baring, Jewett of Bowdoinham, Cummings of Paris, Emerson of York & Scamman of Pittston were appointed a Committee to receive sort & count the votes for a Speaker - and on counting the same, it appeared the whole number given in was One hundred & forty six - necessary to a choice Seventy four - that John Ruggles of Thomaston had Eighty Three and he was declared elected - on taking the Chair he addressed the House as follows:

Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, I should be unworthy the station you have assigned me, could I be insensible to the honor it confers, or to the value of that good opinion to which I am indebted for so flattering a distinction - This repeated manifestation of confidence reposed in me by the Representatives of the people, inspires the warmest gratitude and demands the constant and indefatigable application of my best faculties to your and the public service. Experience has taught me how much I ought to rely upon that indulgence which in your candor, I trust, you will be ever ready to bestow; and upon that aid in the discharge of my arduous duties which you individually will be able to afford me. That I may not commit many errors I dare not venture to hope; but that they shall be in some measure redeemed by unremitting assiduity and the strictest impartiality in discharging the duties of the Chair, will be my constant endeavor. Representing individually an intelligent & virtuous people, and entrusted collectively with the various important interests of a proud & flourishing State, we cannot be forgetful of the source whence our power is derived, nor unmindful of the deep responsibility under which it must be exercised. And, gentlemen, under a sense of that responsibility, let us enter upon the public service with a single eye to the advancement of the public good.