Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-12-04
Mr.. sTEvENsoN's ADDRESS,

On being elected Speaker Of the House Of Rep
rese,liaiiues.
GEN1LEMBN:-This is the fourth time that you
have been pleased to call me to this high office.
For this new and distinguished mark OF your
confidence and favor, l pray you to accept my
warm and grateful Acknowledgements; and whilst
it will be deeply valued and cherished by me as
the best reward for any past service that may
have rendered, it shall inspire me with zeal SO
to conduct myself, as to justify in some measure
the choice Of my friends. and merit the contrnu-
ed appreciation Of my country. Would to God,
that was better qualified to fulfil the arduous
duties Of this chair, in a manner suitable to its
dignity aud Importance, my own wishes and no.
nor, and the just expectations of the House.-
There are few stations, gentlemen. under our
Government, either in relation to their elevation,
or the nature and extent Of their duties. more la
borIous or responsible, than that Of Speaker Of
this House; and there probably has been no pc.
riod in the past history Of our country. when the
duties OF the Chair were more important, or cal.
culated to impose higher responsibilities than at
the present moment; enhanced as they necessa
r,ly must be, by the enlarged number Of the
House; bv the increased mass Of its ordinary bu-
siness; and by those interesting and important
subjects, which will, no doubt, be presented for
litical excitement!
For the last six years. my experience in this
Chair has taught me not only to know and feel its
respons bii,ies and trials, but to know likewise
how difficult and indeed impossible it is, in an
office like this, whose duties must often be dis.
char ged amidst the warmth Of party feeling; for
any man, whoever he may be. to free hlmself
from censure or give unqualified satisfaction;
and especially in times like these, when the acts
of public men are not passed lightly over, nor
any very charitable judgment pronounced upon
their motives
Under these circumstances, gentlemen, sim
cerely dstrustful Of my abilities, both in their
character and extent, come again, at your bid
ding. to this high office. All that dare hope or
promise, will be. to proceed in the path marked
oui. and in the spirit of the principles which |
laid down for my government when first came
to this Chair. 1t shall be my constant and ar
dent desire, to discharge my duty with all the
ability aud address in my power; with the ten.
per and moderation due to the station and the
House, aud at least with zeal and fidelity of
intention which shall bear me up under every
embarrassment and difficulty, and entitle me to
the appreciation Of the just and liberal portion Of
my country. But all my efforts must prove un.
availing, without that liberal and cordial CO ope.
ration which the House have heretofore so kindly
extended to the Chair How much will depend
upon yourselves, gentlemen, Individually and
collectively. in preserving the permanent laws
and rules Of the House, and giving dignity aud
character to its proceedings, it is not necessary
that should attempt to impress on you; nor is It
needful. am sure, that should admonish YOU
OF the magnitude OF your trust, or the manner in
which it ought to be discharged. But this will
take occasion to say, that il It be true that this
House is Justly to be regarded as the great bull
wark of liberty and order; if here. here in thus
exalted refuge, the people are to look for the Sc.
curity and safety of their free Institutions and to
repose with unlimited confidence and affection;
how important. how deeply important, is it, that
we prove ourselves worthy of the trust, and act
asbscomes the Representatives Of free and en-
lightened nation.
Yes, gentlemen, animated by vlrtuous and
patriotic zeal, let all our proceedings, pray you,
be marked with forbearance, moderation, and
dignity; let US diligently and steadily pursue
those measures, aud those only, which are best
calculated to advance the happiness and glory Of
our beloved country. and render that Union,
which our fathers established for the protection
of our liberties, imperishable and immortal!
Extraordinary Foriituds. gentleman came
from Camborne, Cornwall. two years since, and
t,l 81, FEC IS III E,o