The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1845-03-15
p--s=.sssrszszgsza
VICE PRESIDENTS
ADDRESS TO THE SENATE.


SENAToRs:--In directing the Vice
Precedent 10 preside al the deliberations
of this body, The constitution of our
country assigns TO him q sphe.e and a
duty alike eminent and grateful. With
oul any of the cares OF real power, with
none Of the responsibilities of legisa-
lion, except in rare conjunclures, he is
associated with the dignifed delegates
of republican sovereign,ies, he is posted
by the entire American people n your
confederated council, partly, it would
seem, as an organ OF freedoms funds-
mental principle Of Order, and partly,
perhaps, as a mere symbol of that more
popular and more perfect union on
which depGnd the blessings of our
Peace, Independence and Liberty.
His mission Tranquil and nnimposing
is yet noble in its origin and objects,
and happy, as well as proud, in its re-
lations 10 you.
no one. gentlemen, can appreciate
more highly or recognize more defer
eniiaiIy, than does the incumbent Of
this chair, the powers. privileges, and
rules or forms Of the Senate Of the
United States. To maintain these un-
impaired and unrelaxed, he feels 10 be
an official duty, second in impressive
obligation only 10 his Constitutional al
legiance. To their exercise The Repub-
lie owes incslculsble good; and through
them has been gradually achieved a
widespread fame of wisdom, justice,
moderation and efficiency, unsurpassed
by any assembly of statesmen in former
or present times.
A calm and well.sdjusled system o
action 10 this chamber, carefully devised
aud steadily pursued by those who have
preceded US in il has indeed largely con
tribuled to the undoubted success Of our
great political experiment. Instability
haste, procrasioa,ion, discourtesy, anc
indecisior, hsbltuslly discountensnccC
and bsni shed, leave, in undisul bet
supremacy here, the powers Of enight
ened reason, and the vlgour of prscllca
narlo,ism. Our country reaps theme,
aolid and substantial advantages i
her policy, institutions, prospects an,
reDown.
The citizen whom it has pleased
people to elevate by their suf1rsges frou
Tie pursuits Of private and domestic llf
may best evince his grateful sense G
the honour thus conferred, by devotn
his facnlies, moral and intellectual
resolutely TO their service. This
shall do, yet with dilfdence unavoid
bile to one conscious thar almost ever
step in his appointed path is to him ne
and unlred, and sensible how DANCE
Gus contrast mus, occur in :he tran
fer Of powers from praetised to unprac
hised hands.
10 observing, however, upon III
tioor, Eamber Of those experience
aud skiful statesmen on whom tt
astion Justly looks with pride ar
reliance, am assured that there ca
be bat liltle danger of public dissdva
Iage from inadVettencies or mistake
which their counsel may readily ave
or reciify.
And thus genlemen, while aimir
flsnkly and impsr,iatIy TO exercise Il
functions of sn unsccusomed sloliC
in lhe spirit Of the constitution, for Il
enlarged and lasting purposes of r
vered country, and with sincere goo
will towards all, may cherish The e
couragog hope of being able, with II
assent of an indulgent Providence,
once TO perform my duty, and 10 aura
you confidence.