Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1838-01-10

Ofhis Erccllency STEVENS L. Mason, de-
iipered to both branches Of The Lsgisla-
ture, Tuesday, January 2, 1888. /.

ture, Tuesday, January 2, 1888. n
Fellow citizens ofMs Senafc,
and House Of Representatives.:
appear before you in obedience to your
summons, to enter on the duties assigned
me by the people Of Michigan. Called a.
gain by them to tho station Of chief execu-
tive magistrate of the stale, | embrace The
TO convey to them my cordial
thanks for this distinguished testimony Of |
their continued sconhdencc ard urproba-
tion; and to assure them Of my deteFmina
ton to realize their Just expectations OF the
future, by an anxioos fidelity TO tic trust
confided in me.
When assuming the charge o. this ofise
on former occasion, declared the p,in-
ciplcs on which | shoqla caleayor to adj.
minister the affairs OF the slate. ] feel that
have exerted myself to act according to
the promise then given. However great
the ccnsure to which may at times have
boen subjected, my conscience tells me that
I have not willingly icopardizcd the inter
ests Of my constituents, nor Knowingly VI.
olated the strctest rule Of duty. That ]
may have committed errors, | do not pre-
tend to doubt but | can truly say, they
have not been errors Of intention. The
elevation of the character of the state; the
advancement Of her local policy and a ju-
dicious and efficient execution of her laws,
have been the constant and highest objects
of my ambition. IL have failed in my ex-
er.ions, l sincerely regret it and my only
justification will be found in the misdrec-
ton of an over.anxious but erring Judge
ment.
But if my connection with the executive
government of the state, has been attended
with no distinguished benefit to the public,
may at least fatter myself that it has been
productive of no lasting injury. II will be
recollected, that during the first year Of
my administration, the peculiar position Of
Michigan, in relation to the federal Union,
prevented the complete and eilectual organ.
ization of her state government, at as early
day as would have been desirable SO
that whatever measures of general pub
lie character may have resulted from the
joint efforts of the executive and Legislature
they have been the labor Of the past sea
son. The progress of our works of inter
nal improvement, the encouragement gvcr
TO the cause Of education, the revision o.
our code Of laws, and the general develope
ment Of the resources of the state, woult
indicate, however, that the exertions of these
two branches of the government have
not been unattended with some little sue
cess. r'a
But do not desire to arrogate TO my
self the origin or success of the measure
to which have adverted. Whatever ere
dit belongs to them, yield TO those of m,
fellow citizens who urged their adoptiol
and to their representatives here who hav
sustained them with so much zeal and fidel
ity. Contented if have been at all instru
mental in the advancement of objects S
vitality important to the people of Michigan
urge no claim TO consideration.
If under existing circumstances. fello,
citizens, should feel distrust of my ow
ability, when the sufrages of an enlighter
ed people had con6ded in me the Emporium
functions of the first office in their gift, ho'
much greater must that distrust be when
reflect on the cares now before me. I'll
experience of my past term has but serve
to convince me of the difficulties have I
contend against. The resources of til
state are rapidly increasing; the objec
to be embraced within executive supervi
ion are constantly multiplying and all II
responsibilities and duties Of the station al
assuming so grave a character, that the ;
blest and most experienced officer mig
well expect to find himself often expose
to the severest censure. What, then, mu
my anxiety be, sensible, as am, that a
wanting in that high estimate with Il
public which would give favor and CO
sideration to my opinions and measures
But the magnitude and difficulty Of Il
trust shall not induce me to shrink fro
the responsibility. Relying on the favorab
disposition and direction Of the co.ordina
charge assigned me asking for my erro
the indulgence Of my fellow citizens, in L
motives by which shall be actuated, al
trusting that | shall be judged with the sar
iberality they have SO often extended to IN
On resuming again the duties of chi
executive magistrate of the state, unhe
tatingly pledge my excrtions 10 the suppc
Of the important public measures alreac
undertaken by your predecessors. Mu
Of their success, however, depends on {
aid shall receive from the Legislative d
partment of the government; for must l
ly, always, greatly OH your counsel and c
ertions, fellow citizens, in the accomplis
ment of every object conducive 10 the pu
lie welfare. Nothing shall be wanting
my part TO assist your legislative labors.
your judgement shall pay the utmost d,
crence and whom reaching me under 4
sanction of the organic law of the land
shall never hesitate in carrying that jud
ment into execution. In all things sh
endeavor to cultivate that harmony and
menity which should ever exist between {
different departments of the government
yielding to the Legislature all their just pr
negatives, but at the same time determine
ly repelling the slightest encroaciment
the powers oc the executive, as conlerr
by the constitution.
Within the sphere Of my own departing
and in all my official relations, | shall c
ert myself to be governed by the strici'
rinciplcs of jus ticc. No dread of respo
sibility, no personal obligation, no local pr
JUDGE or sectional feeling, shall sway n
from tho course my oath of office will poi
out. ] shall assert the equal right of
classes Of my fellow citizens; | shall G
pose all partial and special Legislation