The Hawk-eye and Iowa patriot. (Burlington, Iowa) 1839-1843, 1841-04-01
IN THE SENATE.

TN tllt ! i", W. SoAosAo"
= disniss Blair and Rives as Public Print
- was passed by the ssenate-Yeas 20,
yrs IS, as follows:
yeas-Messrs. Archer, Barrow, Bates,
Q,rarl, Berrien, Choate, Clay, of Ken
n - Clayton, Dixon, Evans, Hender-
, nm. Huntingdon, Kerr, Mangum, Mer-
i'll Miller, Morehead, Porter, Preston,
p;res Simmons, Smith, Of la; Southland,
r,Emadge, White, Woodbridge--26.
Nays--Messrs Allen. Benton, Buchan-
N Calhoun, Clay, of Alabama, Cuthbert,
Fulton. King, Linn, McRoberts, Nichol-
,ou Sewer, Smith, of Connecticut. Sur
,son, Tappan, w alker, w oodbury, Wright
-lS.
Mr. Clay. Immediately upon the vote
hlng declared, rose, and moved that the
Secretary be ordered 10 deliver to Blair
and Rives their official bond. This was
carried on the instant, by the same vote.
On the llth, the Vice President retir-
ID from the Chair of the Senate for the
remainder of the session. Mr. Southland
vas nominated as President pro tenn. of
he Senate, and elected by 26 votes. Mr.
Eing received Is.
Mr. Southland having been declared duly
elected, was conducted TO the Chair by
MI Preston; and addressed the Senate in
one Of the most appropriate and eloquent
speeches ever heard in that chamber on a
similar occasion.
It's as follows
Senators-A custom which has existed
since the establishment of the Government
requires from me, on this occasion, an &C.
knowledgment of your confidence and re-
spec.. A feeling stronger than any law or
custom demands the expression of my
hanks. For eight years successfully |
have been member Of this body, associ-
sIed with you in the obligations of duty,
In the conflicts of opinion, and in the
siugg les of debate; with few exceptions
my conduct has been known to you all.
Under such circumstances | must be far
less sensitive than | feel myself to be, in
regard to the opinions of my associates, il
icould receive such proof of your conf
dence without the deepest sensibility and
The most grateful feeling.
You have imposed upon me duties, to
The discharge of which you may, fear,
tscover that | am incompetent. Forms
have no. studied; precedents l have new.
q examined, and with the rules of order
have only made myself so far acquainted
. to be able to keep myself within their
limits. Experience in the duties of the
Chair ! have none.
But my omission to learn is not with
'us excuse; the dign6ied order and de-
Drum which prevades this body, the
Kill and intelligence with which the
usiness of this Chair has been Ad-
and that feeling of respect
which each member has his full
hare, have secured within, and with
y. this Hall, profound respect for
constitutional dignity and authority,
ld TO have lef. 10 individual members
lie desire to acquire knowledge Of
clinical rules. | must seek, then, in
e conduct, character, and feeling of this
ody, an apology for any deficiencies
hich may be found in the execution of
lie trust with which l have been honor
d. In entering upon it, but for short
erlod. have NO promises to make, no
lodges to give. The task required of
le is not hard to be understood, though
may be found difficult in practice. |
IN aware, that it demands a study of all
De rules Of order and modes of proceed
ng, legislative, executive, and, if need
e, judicial; promptitude, decision, and
'Imness, which must not hesitate to ap.
ny the authority of the body without
considering on whom its pressure may
all; bat, above and beyond all, an unwa-
'eflng, unsleeping impartiality toward
,ach and every member. A failure in
NE former may be overlooked or pardon.
y bu, no mantle is broad enough to cover
he latter.
Should | fail in the former, | know
y have refuge in the generous con-
and liberality of generous men;
aus Il ! transgress in regard to the latter
you ought not TO extend to me that CHAIR
J which suffers long, and forbears much,
. will not deiain you with any remarks
J. ! % the importance of this body, or OF
= actions on this Government. There
!. :. no ACT, no decision, here, however
!. s'slal and unimportant it may appear al
We moment, which does not, in its ulti-
aa'e consequences, operate on the great
aug permanent interests Of the nation
suu which may not, at some moment, be
usae to bear on those free institutions in
snlsh we find our best, and may ! mol
~ last. hope Of securing liberty to man.
y. each Of US, then, in our respective
{ pos!lons, look 10 it, that our own hands
\ pure, and our conscience clean, where
ss great interests Of our common country
ste concerned.
i. me President pro tenn. having resumed
~ seat, Mr. Preston moved that the Sen.
g proceed to the consideration Of Exec.
s.s souslness-which was agreed to.
!. aver being in Executive Session I
- ~. : ane, the doors were opened. and
e Senaa adjourned.