Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1834-06-04

The SPEAKER rose and addressed the
House as follows:
GENTLEMEN: have attended ia person to-day
for the purpose of resgning, as now do, the
office Of Speaker Of this House. with which
have been honored for the last seven years,
and OF announcing to you the fact, that have
this day communicated to the Executive OF
Virginia my resignation as one oil the Repre-
sentatives from that State in the presents Con-
rress. The dissolution, perhaps forever, OF the
intimate associations that have existed SO long
between us, is calculated to excite sentiments
of a painful character. | feel it myself deeply
and unaffectedy; and, in quitting station in
itself so honorable, one so repeatedly confer
red. and in a manner SO hatterlng; station
endeared to me by so many considerations OF
a private and public nature, hope may be
pardoned in availing myself of this tit occasion
of taking nv leave Of 1t and of you, in person,
of offering you my cordial and best wishes Tor
your individual prosperity and happiness, ana
expressing publicly, and Tor the last time, my
grateful acknowledgements for the kindness and
Confidence by which have been so long dis
tinquished and honored. Few probably, that
have ever filled this Chair, have enjoyed more
of this kindness and favor than MYSELF none
have received or will cherish it with feelings OF
warmer and more devoted gratitude. My OBJ
legations, gentlemen, are, indeed, deep 10 tnls
House. and 90 where may, or IN whatever
situation may be placed, shall continue, to
the last hour Of my life, to preserve and cherish
those sentiments of profound respect and anec-
tionate gratitude which your long continued
and unchanging kindness have. so deeply I'M
pressed upon my heart, and which never can
be impaired.
The duty of presiding over great delibera-
tive assembly like this, is no easy task. The
high and distinguished character OF such
trust, and its arduous and important functions,
cannot fail to inspire any incumbent with just
distrust of his own abilities ana qualifications,
whatever they may be. My administration OF
its duties for seven years, has not only taught
me to know and feel this, but likewise TO know
how difficult nay, impossible, tits, for any man
10 free himself from error or cenSure In this
Chair, or give unqualified satisfaction In times
of profound tranquility and repose, with united
and harmonious councils, this has rarely, II
ever. been done: amid the strife and storms OF
political and party ,eXcItements, 1t would De
vain and hopeless TO expect IT. My period OF
service has moreover, gentlemen, as many OF
YOU know, been distinguished by events espe-
cially calculated to render this station one OF
more than ordinary dellcacy and embarrasS-
ment, as well as of increased responsibility and
labor How assiduously have struggled to
discharge the duties of this Chair, in manner
worthy Of it, and of myself; with what sincere
zeal have devoted my time and my talents,
and even my health, to your service leave for
others to decide: but this hope may be par
doned for saying, in justice and fairness TO my
self and under a deep conviction OF its truth,
that have endeavored to discharge my duty
not only with temper, justice, and moderation,
but with Just regard for your individual rights
and feelings, the character and dignity OF this
House, and my own honor. This was all that
| promised when came TO this Chair, and this
l have endeavored to do: with what success
leave to YOU and my country to determine.
am very sensible, gentlemen, that, in such
long course of public service, and in an indie
pendent discharge of the arduous and multita
Yious duties Of this Chair regardless OF whom 1t
might please or displease my conduct may
sometimes have been thought too harsh and III
porous; and may often, unintentionally, have
wounded the feelings of individual members up
on this floor and incurred their cenSure and
displeasure Under such circumstances, and
while man continues what he IS we know that
personal resentments are too apt to be INDUCED
and to remain, and often perhaps difficult to be
extinguished, even in the noblest minds; but re-
venee will not harbor there-higher principles
than resentment and better principles than re-
yenge will animate men whose thoughts ana
hearts are liberal and enlarged, especially where
there is high intellectual ability and moral lnteS-
ritv. If then, under the influence of m0menta-
nv excitement and passion, if, in the eargerness
of controversy or the commotion OF debate, any
thing unkind or harsh should have been said or
done, either on my part or on yours, let us,
pray you, forgive and forget it, and let US sepa-
rate in the spirit OF peace and good Will. Let
not this moment of our final separation be poi
soned or embittered by feelings of personal re-
sentiment or political hostility. Let the spirit of
peace and charity shed its holy calm around
1us refreshing alike to the affections and the in
tellect, and let us blot from our minds and heart
every feeling of personal or party resentment,
and separate like brethren of one household,
and as the representatives of free and virtuo-
Gus people. have myself no injuries to com
plain of, and no memory for them, if had;
came here to CRAFTY no private friendships to
indulge in no personal hostility; and all that
have now to ask of you is to do justice to the
motives which have governed me, and, when
am gone, to protect my character as the presid-
ing Officer of this House, which may now be re-
garded, in some measure, as the properly oil my
COUNTRY from all unjust and unworthy imputa-
tons. To those who have known me longest
and have known me best, to the liberal and JUST
of all parties, and on all sides OF tins House,
this appeal, fatter myself will not be made IN
vain.
One word more and have done. Although