Scripto | Page Revision | Transcription

419. ents he may enjoy all that uninterrupted felicity which is, and which every will be the reward of virtuous minds, & honest hearts.

which was unanimously passed.

To which the Speaker replied as follows

When I took the Chair at the commencement of the session, I bespoke the encouragement in my behalf, of your generous forbearance, aid and countenance. You have, one and all, most kindly and cheerfully accorded it to me.

In no instance from any quarter have there been raised perplexing or embarrassing questions of order, but on the contrary gentlemen of great experience in parliamentary proceedings have manifested ready dispositions at all times to render to the Chair prompt and essential aid. Their kindness has deeply penetrated me. Time, I trust, will hallow, not efface it.

For the honor you have done me in the resolute on just adopted, be pleased to accept my most grateful acknowledgements. Though not unconscious of my many frailties, I feel that I can truly say I have been actuated by an honest zeal to discharge the duties of my station with fidelity & impartiality. If my official conduct has commended itself to your approval, individually and collectively, it is all and even more than I could hope. I am satisfied and happy.

You are now at the close of a long & laborious session, having passed upon various subjects of legislation, both local and public, of great amount and magnitude. I can truly say that more business by at least one third has been before this Legislature than before any other one here for the last five years.

The resources of our young and growing State are being rapidly developed. The spirit of adventurous enterprize is abroad in the land. It has given new impulse to all kinds of business, and