Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-03-20

vice Presidents Address to the senate.
CtFThe following neat and pertinent Address
made by Vice President Dallas on taking the cath of
Office -
SENATORS I'm directing the Vice President TO pre-
side at the deliberations of this body the constitution
of our country assigns to him a sphere and duty
alike eminent and grateful. Without any Of the
of real power, with of the responsibilities
of legislation, except in conunctures, he is
socialed with the dignifed delegates of republican
soyereignties he is posted by the entire American
people in your confederated council partly, it would
seem, as an organ of Freedoms fundamental princi-
pie of Order, and partly, perhaps, mere symbol
of that more popular and "mOre perfect union on
which depend the blessings of our Peace, Independ-
ence and Liberty. His mission, tranquil and unim-
posing Is yet noble in its origin and Objects and hap
Ply, well as proud in its relations to YOU
No one, gentlemen, can appreciate more highly or
recognize more deerentlay, than does the incumbent
of this chair, the powers, privileges, and rules or
forms Of the Senate Of the United States. To main
tain these unlmpared and unreaxed, he feels to be
an official duty, second in impressive obligation only
to his Constitutional allegiance. To their exercise
the Republic owes incalculable good and through
them has been gradually achieved wide spread fame
for WISDOM justice, moderation and efficiency unsur-
passed by any assembly of statesmen in former or
present times
A calm and well adjusted system of action in this
chamber, carefully devised and steadily pursued by
Il
contributed to the undoubed of great po-
ltical experiment Instability haste, procrastinaton,
dscourtesy and ndecision habtually dsccuntenanced
and banished leave, in undisturbed supremacy here
the powers of enlightened reason, and the vigor of
practical patriotism. Our country reaps thence solid
and substantial advantages in her policy institutions,
prospects, and renown.
The citizen whom it has pleased people 10 elevate
by their sufrages, from the pursuits of private and
domestic life, may best evince his grateful sense OF
the honor thus conferred, by devoting his faculties
moral and intellectual, resolutely to their service
This shall do; yet with difidence unavoidable to
one conscious that almost every step in his appointed
path is to him and untried, and sensible how
dangerous a contrast must occur Ill the transfer Of
powers from practised to unpractised hands.
In observing, however, upon this floor, a number oil
those experienced and skful statesmen ON whom the
nat;cn Justly looks with pride and reliance, am as
sured that there be but little danger of public dis
advantage from inadvertences or mistakes, which
their counsel may readily avert or rectfy.
And thus, gentlemen, while aiming frankly and i'm
partially to exercise the functions of unaccustom
cd station in the spirit of the constitution for the
larged and lasting purposes of revered country anC
with sincere goodwill towards all, may cherish th,
encouraging hope of being able, with the assent o
an indugent Providence, at to perform my duty
and to attract your confidence,