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352. in the fact that the controlling power will yet remain safe in the decision of an intelligent people, who will not fail justly to appreciate the honest intentions of their public servants; and also to correct by future legislation, whatever upon trial, shall be found in the past, of injurious tendency to the best interests of Society. Sustained with these reasonable hopes, and trusting the consequences of our doings, whether for good or for evil, to the disposal of that Almighty Being, who controls the destinies of men and of communities, we are now, Sir, soon to separate. At such a crisis, we willingly acknowledge the influence of that concentrated feeling in which pleasure and regret are so strangely mingled. Our homes, our firesides, our friends there, which for a few short weeks have been jostled from the mind by the stormy current of public concerns, now return in the prospect to claim their wanted place in our affection and esteem. While here, the recent busy scenes, the familiar look and the well known voice of those around us, we are well admonished by passing events, are, in a few brief moments destined to vanish, perhaps forever from our sight and from our hearing. Such reflections, I am sure, Sir, will not be deemed unworthy the occasion: Nor will they be suffered to pass without our acknowledgement of their proper influence upon the best feelings of human nature. They naturally invite us to review the past. And if any improper passion has been suffered to enter the sanctuary of kindlier feelings, during the temporary excitement of debate, now is the time for concession and forgiveness upon the altar of charity. I am happy, however, to believe that few, if any causes exist for the indulgence of any regrets of this nature. Our session has been protracted beyond the time contemplated at its commencement. During that