The Litchfield County post., 1827-12-13
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.


AT 10 O'Clock the Clerk proceeded to call over the
names of the members when 201 having answered to
their names, it announced that quorum was pre-
sent.
The House then proceeded TO the election of a
Speaker, and Mr.. Sprague and Mr. Haynes call
cd to count the ballots.
On counting the ballots it appeared that the whole
number of votes given in, was 2O5, OF which, there
were-For Andrew Stevenson l04-For J. W. lay
lor, 94-For T. p. Barbour, 4-For Stevenson, l.
For S. d. Ingham For Stevens, |.
Mr.. Andrew Stevenson having majority Of the
votes was declared the Speaker, and was conducted
to the Chair by Mr.. Randolph; when he addressed
the House to the following effect:
GENTLEMEN: In accepting the distinguished honor
which YOU have been pleased to confer on me, am
penetrated with feelings of profound respect and the
deepest gratitude; and receive II as the most atter
ing testimony of your confidence and favor. The Of
fce of Speaker Of this House has justly been consIde
red of high and exalted characters arduous IN re-
laon to the abilities necessary to its execution, and
severely responsible and laborous lis honour is TO
be measured by ordinary standard OF vaiue. The
individual therefore, who shall fiji this Chair to his
own reputation and the advantage of the House, must
be distinguished alike by knowledge, integrity, AMI
diligence: he should possess an lmparta'ty which Sc
cures confidence; a dignity that commands respect !;
and temper and affabIlty that disarms contention
From his general character and personal qualities he
derive power that will give force to his inter-
positions, and procure respect Tor his decisions He
conciliate the esteem OF the enlightened body
yer whom he presides These gentlemen, some
of the leading qualifications necessary for this arduous
station. | certainly do not possess them, know my
inability too well, To believe that shall be ena
bed to meet the expectations OF my friends, or dis
charge the high trust reposed in me- suit
able to its dignity and importance Bringing with me
but little knowledge experience shall no doubt
often err, and stand in need OF your utmost torbear.
ance; let me hope that on such occasions you will
my conduct with caudOur and hberality, and
etend to the same kind indulgence which has here
toore characterized your conduct to the Chair; all
your SERVICE and independent discharge Of my du-
ties in plain and manly way. My gratitude for
distinction so little merted, shall stimulate me to sup
ply, by diligence and application, what | want in
knowledge and ability; and however | may fail in all
other respects shall endeavour at least entte my
self to the suffrages of zeal and impartality. need
not admonish you, gentlemen, of the magnitude of
your trust. say any thing TO the manner in which
that in the deliberations & proceedings of this House.
the character and permanent interest of common
country are deeply involved-hat it in the organi-
cation and purity of this branch of the National Gov
eminent, tendeared to the warmest affections that
fathers believed they had provided the best secu-
rIty for the principles of free government and the lib
ery and happiness of the people. Virtuous, enght-
ened and Patr'Sc this House may justly be regarded
Animated then by vlrtuous and enlightened zeal,
let endeavour to realize the just expectations of our
constituents and let our proceedings be characteri-
Zed by cool and deliberate exertion of the talents
fortude and patriotism of the House. as the surest s.
best means of sustaining the honour, and promoting
the welfare and happiness of our beloved country.
The Speaker having taken the oath, proceeded to
qualify the members by States.
A message was received from the Senate, inform
ing the House that quorum of the Senate having as
sembled, that House was ready to proceed TO bust
ness.
On motion of Mr.. Sawyer, it was
Resolved, That Matthew St. Clair Clarke, Clerk to
the late House 81 Representatives be appointed Clerk
this House.
The Clerk was then sworn to the faithful discharge
of the duties of his office.
On motion of Mr.. Ward ofN. Y. it was
Resolved, That John Oswald Dunn be appointed
Sergeantat-arls TO this House, that Benjamin Burch