Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-03-08

powers vested in Congress, except that of o.
originating revenue bills: in its Executive, it
holds an important control over the power of
appointing to office and forming treaties; and,
in Its Judiciary, it constitutes the court before
which all officers of the Government may be
held accountable for an honest discharge Of
duty; while, from its peculiar character, as the
Representative of the States, it is emphatical-
ly the guardian of their rights and sovereignty.
Unjust be apparent that, on wise and vir-
tuous exercise of these important powers, the
success of our free and happy system of 60
vernment, in no small degree, depends. We,
accordingly, find that the trainers of our con-
stitution have bestowed the greatest attention
onthe organization of this body; and with such
happy success, that it is as admirably adapted
to the discharge of each Of its various and dis
similar functions, as if any particular one only,
instead of all, had been the sole object of its
creation. So fortunate, indeed, in its struc-
ture, in every respect, that even time, instead
Of impairing, has had the opposite effect, of
remedying what might, at first, be considered
the only defect m the body. At the formar
ton of the government, the members of the
Senate were, probably, too few to attract the
full confidence ofthe people, and thereby give
to it that weight in the system which the con-
stitution intended. This defect has, however,
been happily removed by an extraordinary
growth. In the short space Of thirty six years,
eleven new States have been added to the u
Mon, and twice that number of Senators to the
body; and before the termination of the next
four years, the original number of States and
Senators will be more than doubled.
feel, gentlemen, that l owe an apology
for touching on subjects which must be fami-
liar to this enlightened body, and also for
adding, what must be known to all, that
successful discharge of the duties assigned by
the Constitution to the Senate must depend,
notwithstanding the skill of its organization,
almost wholly on the patriotism and wisdom
OF the members. These high attributes, I
feel assured, from past and present experience
will never be wanting in the members of this
body.
In fulfilling your important functions, some
thing will depend on the skill and impartiality
Of the presiding officer. In regard to the for
mer, can promise nothing. am without
experience, which only can give the requisite
skill in presiding, and feel that l must often
throw myself on your indulgence. shall,
however, endeavor to compensate for tire
want Of skill by the most rigid impartiality.-
In this Office, shall regard only the Senate
and its duties, andI shall strive with feeling
of pride Gin the station, | trust not reprehen-
sible,) to preserve the high character already
attained by the Senate for dignity and Wis
dom, and to elevate it, if possible, still high
er in the public esteem.
The Address was attentively listen
ed to, and respectfully received.
The credentials of the new members
Of the Senate, and of those whose term
commences this day by reelection were
read.
The following new members, to wit:
From Vermont, Dudley Chase,
Pennsylvania, William Marks,
Georgia, John II. Berrian,
Ohio, VIM. H. Harrison,
Indiana, VIM. Hendricks,
Illinois, Elias K. Kane,
appeared, and the oath of office being
administered to them by the Vice Pre-
sident, took their seats.
The following members, also re.
elected for six years from this day, took
the oath of Office: viz. MIR. Lloyd Of
Maryland, Mr.. Macon of North Caro-
lima. Mr.. Gaillard Of South Carolina,
MIR. I. S. Johnson Of Louisiana, and
Mr.. Barton Of Missouri.
Some conversation took place on the
case of Mr.. Lanman, re-appointed by
the Governor in the recess of the Lee
gislature, the question being, whether
a failure by the Legislature to make
choice of Senator constitutes the con-
tingency in whicha Governor may APP
point Senator-the language of the
Constitution being" If vacancies hap
pen, by resignation OF otherwise, dur
ing the recess of the Legislature ofany
State, the Executive thereof may make
temporary appointments" &c.
The subject was laid over till to-
morrow, to which time the Senate ad-
journed.