Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-12-18
IN S,naf,. Monday, December Is.


The W. PaEs,nssr of the United States
this day took his seat in the Chair Of the Sena's'
aud delivered the following address,:
SENATORS. On entering on the duties OF the
STATION TO which have been called by the REQ
nile. Difference to you aud justice to myself re-
aure that I should forestal expectations when
might otherwise be disappointed. Although TOT
many years heretofore member OF the Senate
,eeret that I should not have acquired that kDow'
ledge Of the particular order OF its proceedings
which might naturally be expected. Oniortu'
nately for me- in respect 10 my present cohott'ot'
ever found those at hand who had more correct
" appreciated this important branch OF their dn'
ties. and on whose opinions. as to points OF or
der. I could at all times safely rely This re-
missness will, doubtless, for a season. cause me
no small degree Of embarrassment. so Tar, now
ever, as unrernitting exertions on my part, anu
proper respect for the advice OF those Who are
better infor med than myself. avail, this def-
cheney will be remedied as speedily as possible;
and / feel persuaded that the Senate, IN the mean
time, will extend to me coesiderate indulgence.
But, however wanting | may be. tor the time' IN
a thorough knowledge Of the technical duties Of
the Char, | entertain, humbly hope, deep
aud solemn conviction of its high moral ooliga'
tons. am well aware tina. he who occupies It,
is buund to cherish towards the members VI me
body over which he presides, no other feelings
than those of justice and courtesy-to regard
them all as standing upon an honorable equality
to apply the rules established by themselves.
for their own government, with strict impariaI'
,y-and to use whatever authority he possesses
in the manner best calculated to protect the
rights, to respect the feelings, and to guard the
regulations Of all who may be affected by its ex-
ercise.
IL is no disparasemcnt to any other branch OF
the Government TO say. that there is none on
which the Constitution devolyes such extensive
powers as 1t does upon the Senate. There IS
scarcely an exercise Of constitutional authority IN
which it does not mediately or Immediately par
ii, ipate; it forms an important and, in some res
pecls, an indispensable part OF each OF the three
great departments, Executive, Legislative, and
Judicial; and is, moreover, the body in which IS
made effectual, that share Of power IN The Fede'
raj organization so wisely allowed to the respect
i've State sovereIgnties.
Invested with snch august powers so JudicIous'
" restricted, and so largely adapted to Inc pur'
poses Of good government, 1t is no wonder that
the Senate is regarded by the people OF the Uni
ted States, as OF the beast features, IN what
thew at least consider TO be, the wisest, the eest,
and MANIFEST polite al system in the world. In
fervent wishes that it may long continue I" be so
regarded, and in eonviction, OF the importance OF
order. proprie'y, and regularity in its proceed
ines, we must all concur. 1t shall be an object
of nv highest ambition, Senators, to join with
YOU, as far as in me lies, in eectng those deslra
Bile objects; and in endeavorIns TO realize the
expectation forced of this Body at the adoption
of the Constitution, and ever since confidently
cherished that it would exercise the most efficient
influence in UNFOLDING the Federal system, and
perpe,uating what is at once the foundation and
the safeguard Of our country's welfare, the Union
of the States.