Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1842-05-12
Connecticut Legislature.
Wednesday MorniaR, Nay Z.

Wednesday, MorNiAg, Nay Z.
This body commenced lis annual session in ihir CT.
" at 10 O'clock this day. The House was called to
order by Hon. Samuel A Peters, Of Colchester, he be-
ing the Oldest member Of present, aud proceeded 10
dam and Miner Of Stamford, being appointed Ielers.
On counting the ballots there appeared be 275 bal
bets given, as follows:
For s. K. Wigh,man, ll9
G. J. McCurdy, "a
= J 5osi aiaG G; Perkins / So
Majority tor Wightmsn, 81
Whereupon the Hon. Stillman K. Wightman
declared 10 he duly elected Speaker, when Mr.. w.
arose and addressed the House as followss
GENrLEMHN ALLOW me to tender you my grateful
Acknowledgements for this expression OF your CONN
ponslble trust committed to my care, pray you 10
credit the assurance that every effort IN my power
will be exerted, to discharge the duties OF the chair
with strict fidelity and impartia!ity ,
We are convened together in obedience to the
laws and long established usages of the State under
circumstances peculiarly interesting, and calculated
all acts and deliberations, let US be faithful to the
Constitution faithful to constituents and faithful
10 the acceerasion OF the progress OF freedom through
ont the land
Tn the opinion OF the humble individual who now
addresses you it should ever be the high purpose OF
every patriotic legislative assembly, in the exercise
OF ali lis important and diversified powers TO be gov:
erned by the cardinal principle Of dispensing equal
and exact justice to all men, of whatever state or per
to such principle, spirit Of hherality and benevo.
lence is enkndled which fails to scatter in its
train blessings in rich proIusion; while the people are
cheercd and animated by the reflection, that in the
practice Of honesty, integrity, industry and economy
they ever sure of receiving their merlted reward
1t should never be forgotten That is only BY theen'
ofjust laws that equal rights q privileges can
be maintained and secured for the benefit OF the great
mass of our constituents and that legislation can
alone be deemed wise and prudent or will finally re;
ccvc the pIaudts of the people, whose policy IS based
on the primary principle of liberty and equahty-that
liberty and equality for which fathers in the war
OF the revolution peried their property their freedom
and their Iives-that liberty and equality which lies
at the foundation of all social, civil and religious
institutions, and justly regarded the pride and Or
nanlent of the republic.
That such may prove to be the measure OF our pol
icy and such the fruits of our toll, during the present
session, canno, doubt for moment, is the sincere
desire OF every member OF this House.
Let us, then, in the spirit OF harmony and with pc
coming ZEAL prepare 20 enter ut once upon tho DIS
charge Of the duties that may respectively devo!ve
upon US; and with all the economy and despatch
that the nature OF the times and circumstances will
permit, endcavor TO urge forward and bring TO
speedy and successful conclusion, the business OF the
session. in manner that shall be crednable to our
selves, and forever rebound to the pride, the honor
and glory OF the State.
The oath of office was then administered to the
Speaker, when the House proceeded to the choice Of
Clerks. On the first ballot the vote foE first clerk