Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1834-06-05
Mr.. SPEAKER BELLS ADDRESS,
On taking the Chair ofthe House Of Representa-
tires ON Monday last.

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
With the greatest sincerity declare to you,
that although am duly and gratefully impress
sed by this mark of the partially and confidence
of the House, and am by no means insenslble TO
the distinction intended to be conferred upon
me, vet am not without some distrust OF the
wisdom of my course in accepting the station
which your choice has assigned me. Without
the slightest experience in the Chair, it may be
Justly apprehended that your selection OF a pre-
siding officer has been but too much influenced
by personal kindness and friendship; and shall
be quite happy if the public interests shall suffer
no detrment through defective administration
of the duties of the Chair. In ordinary times,
and under ordinary circumstances, could nat
ter myself that, by diligent application, might
be able, in a short time, to supply the want OF
experience; and to justify, in some degree, the
confidence indicated by the House. That more
than usual embarraSsments must be encounter
ed, at this moment, by any incumbent OF the
Chair, will be admitted by all. The Impotence,
not to say irritatiOn-the natural result of pro-
tracted session--the excitement growing out OF
those sharp conflicts of opinion, upon questions
of public policy; conflicts eXasperated and en-
Uttered, at the present moment in an eXtraor-
binary degree; all present themselves to in
crease the difficulties and call forth the exer-
| tons of new and unpractised incumbent OF
the Chair; and feel, gentlemen, that whatever
eXertlonS may be made on my part, must be
vain without your forbearance; nay, that they
must fail altogether without your cordial sup
port and cooperation. When | reflect how
great are the interests connected with this House
its character and action-intereSts, not of a
day or of party, but of all time; Of posterity;
and of all the parties which are, ever will be,
arrayed against each other; and when further
! reflect how much the character and action Of
this House depends upon skilful, firm, and i'm
partial administration ofthe duties of the Chair,
confess feel the deepest solicitude.
It's not SO generally understood, Iregretto be-
lieve, as it should be, in how great degree, the
measures of Legislative assembly are modified
| and influenced by the manner ofits deliberations.
All will concede that lift shall ever happen that
this body shall fall into disrepute and fail to com
| mand the respect and confidence Of the people,
our institutions Wilt be in the greatest peril.
| Not only the character of this House. the wis
dom and efficiency ofits action, but the existence
OF our admirable frame Of polity itself may be
| said to depend, in some degree, upon the order
and dignity Of the deliberations Of this House.
While then, intreat the indulgence of the
| House to my own defects | earnestly invoke the
| assistance olevery member Oft, in endeavoring
| to maintain and preserve, so far as depends up
on the proceedings of this body, those great and
primary interests Of constitutional government
and freedom, in support of which, | am sure,
whatever difference Ofopinion there may be up
on points of construction, of policy, or admins
tratiOn, there is not heart here, nor an Amer
lean heart any where, that does not beat high.