The Whig standard. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1843-1844, 1844-06-20
THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE SENATE.

THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE SENATE.
The time determined upon for the close of the
session of Congress having nearly arrived, and
Mr.. Bayard being in the chair, Mr.. Woodbury.
submitted the following resolution, which was
considered by unanimous consent
"Resolped, unanimously, That the thanks Of
the Senate be presented TO the Honorable VIII.
LIE +. MANGUM for the ability and impartiaty
with which he has discharged the duties of Presi-
dent pro tempore of the Senate"
The resolution was passed without dissenting
voice, and after an interval occupied in the trans
action of business ft
Mr. Mangum, the President pro tempore, re-
sumed the chair, and, being informed Of the reso-
luton in his absence, he rose, and made the fol-
lowing brief address @. l
SENATORS: The moment of separation for this
session having arrived, you will indulge me in
occ upying part of this moment in giving express
sion to the feelings Of sensibility and Of gratitude
with which the vote just passed in my regard has
sodeeply impressed me. The uniform spirit Of kind
ness and courtesy which has ever been dlstin-
gushing characteristic of the Senate Of the United
States has not failed to impart to the individual
who has had the honor to preside over it's delibe-
rations, feeling of confidence that his acts would
be viewed with kindness and forbearance. This
anticipation has not only been realized through
the tedious and sometimes aborious duties of
Legislation, but there is now superaded, by so
generous an expression of satisfaction, an evidence
of friendly feeling which shall be treasured in
memory in all future time. In turn, may be
permitted to say, that feel deeply sensible that
the success which may have attended my en-
beavers to perform the responsible duties Of pre-
siding officer with impartiality, must be attrib-
uted to that courtesy which belongs peculiarly to
this body, and to that dignity Of decorum which
has elevated its character in the rank of legisa-
tive assemblies of the world.
Differing as many of the members of this body
do in political opinion there is to be seen no in
terruption Of that personal courtesy and friendly
intercourse which men Of high and honorable feel
ing may entertain for each other, and the knowl-
edge of this feeling would forbid any other course
by the presiding officer than that Of the strictest
impartality in his administration of the duties of
the Chair. In the desire to have pursued such
course, consciousness has been felt that honor
and duty and justice require it at my hands. 1t is
true that the duties are frequently arduous and
at all times of a responsible and delicate charac-
ter, and, although entirely unconscious of having
at any time done any act calculated to affect the
rights or feelings of any individual of the body,
still the frailty OF human nature is such to die
tate the propriety of throwing myself on the in
diligence of the Senate rather than lay claim to
an exemption from such fraty However this may
be, cannot disguise the satisfaction feel in ap-
peang to that silent monitor within, which bears
witness to a determined purpose to do exact jus
tce to all as far practicable and, while yield
ing to every individual a full measure Of latitude
and freedom Of action to maintain what must be
considered in every well regulated legislative as
semby the indispensable powers and prerogatives
of the Chair, granted in fact by the body itself for
the preservation of its own honor and dignity.
Senators, permit me to reiterate the feelings Of
gratitude entertain for the unanimous express
sion of your approval Of my course, enhanced in
value, as it is, by having been thrice repeated !;
and, towards each member, permit me to avail OF
the occasion to say that entertain other feel
ings than those of respect and kindness, and beg
leave to express my most earnest wish for the
continued health and happiness Of every one of
you; and that on the return of each member to
his home, he will have the pleasure to find all
there in the enjoyment Of health and happiness,
and that it may long continue.
In The performance of my official duty am now
to pronounce the word of separation for this ses-
sion by adiourning the Senate sine die