Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1843-10-20
ADDRESS OF LIEUT.. GOV. EATON,

ADDRESS OF LIEUT.. GOV. EATON,
On taking The chair as President of Tie Senate
Gentlemen Of The Senate:
In entering upon The discharge of my appropri.
ale duties as your piGsiding officer, AN not in =
sensible how arduots are the labors which un-
derlake, or how high the responsibilities which
assume. am aware, IN the first place, that the
chair Of this Senate is no resting place for easy
indoleice-lhat it affords no opportunity for the
indulgence OF rowing thoughts or Iistless natten-
ton. It's occupant, instead OF enjoying the quiet
ude of repose, must be constantly on the alert
constantly exercising the most vlgilant attention.
IN order to guard against mistakes and insure ac-
curacy and despatch III the business OF legslation
But mere industry aud mental activity | am
also aware are not a!uue sufficient guarantee for
the successful aud acceptable discharge of the dn.
ties OF this station. Although parliamentary rules
are founded upon fixed principles, having it Tor
their leading OhjecttU ensure the systematic and
successful transaction of business; and although
as such, they commend themselves to every mans
sense OF illness and rroprlety yet the application
OF these rules, like the application Of all other gen.
eral principles, may, IN given case, be very diff
cult and doubtful Lines which in some in
stances clear and distinct, in Others become shad-
owy and uncertain. Aud hence Gveh he who has
attained the highest standard OF qualifications
who is most familiar wrh precedenl> whose per-
ceptions are most prompt ard clear and whose
powers Of discrimination most acute, will at times
find himself in position of no small difficulty
will, at times find all these high qualifications put
III requiSition aud perhaps severely taxed, in the
decision OF questions which may present than
selves IN the progress of business.
But for myself, gentlemen, dare not hope 10 be
exempt rom errors errors, TOO, which il may
require much candor aud kindness OH your part
TO overlook. Indeed, in view of the embarruss-
ments aud responsibilities, and | might add, the
mint ,,l la
the station which am called upon TO occupy
connected as these must be- with the cerointy OF
errors and deficiencies OH my part, might well
shrink from the task before me.
But there is another aud more encouraging as.
pec, IN which the subject presents ITSELF recall
to mind the fact that have never seen or known
III this Senate Chamber, deliberate attempt to
embarmss the presiding officer. remember that
on the contrary there has uniformly been exhibit
Ell, from every quarer II manly aud generous pur-
pose TO aid him in the III charge of his, at best
delicate and difficult duties. Here, even the
free, full aud earnest expression o! personal and
political differences OF opinion IN the stern con-
iirt OF mind with mind the love OF order, like
some guardian genius, has ever reigucd predomi-
nant; maintaining lis asceuduncy over those
strong passions and high PXcitements which are
so Often concentrated and exhibited in the halls
OF legislation.
And, gentlemen, the hope which | entertain
'IliS ulNtoI( VI plsl WIZ prove the con-
tinua history OF the future, cheers me somewhat
in my undertaking. While eel conscious that
| n,usI depend very much on your co. operation
for anything Of success in The discharge oflhe du-
ties deyolving on me- feel also an undoubling
assurance hat this CO operation will be generous
y accorded me.
On my part, gentlemen, shall aim TO treat eve
~ member OF this body with courtesy, kindness
and respect aud shall endeavor nj least to guard
myself against the faults ofimpaience or PARTIAL
~. Towards these errors could plead for par
don or indulgence with but little grace aud |
hope, in these particulars, TO give you no just oc-
cason for dissatisfaction.
But | earnestly solicit your kind and general
forbearance towards Tia ,se errors aud failures
which may result from inexperience, or other
deficiencies of qualification. Agains, errors and
failures of this character, no security can b. found
in honesty OF purpose. And gentlemen, he it
understood that ask from you the Kindness
! have solicited, not as n mere matter Of wonted
ceremony entertaining AT the same time Il self
confident assurance Of my own inallibililN but
| | ask it because expect that | shall often, per-
hnps too often, give you occasion for its exercise.
And now, gentlemen, let us address ourselves
to the business Of The session, with the manly aud
! patriotic determination that harmony, courtesy
| aud dignity shall rhGraclerize our proceedings, and
lhut in all cur deliberations the honor aud welfare
Of orr State shall be lli1 high aud guiding object
| OF our ambition.