The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-12-07

The following version of Mr. Winthrop's address, on
being indicted TO the Chair Of the House Of Representa-
tives we find in the Inelligencer; and presume,
il has undergone the revision OF that gentleman, deem
il proper TO republish il in its authorized form
On taking the chair Mr.. WINTHROP addressed the
House follows:
Gentlemen of House of Representatives Of the u States
am deeply sensible Of the honor which you havs conter-
red upon me by the which has just been snuouncsd
and pray leave express my most grateful scknowieds
those who have thought me worthy o. 70 disttn-
gushed a mark of their confidence
When remember by whom this chair has bsen filed in
Other years. and still more when reflect on the constitu-
ona character body before cannot but feel that
you assigned position worthy OF any mans am
bi,on and far above the rightul reach ofmy own
approach the discharge of its duties with profound
impression q, dignity and Of their difficulty
Seven years service member OF this branch OF The
national legislature have than sufced TO teach me
that this is no place formal routine ceremonious
repose Severe abo, perplexing cares trying RESPONSE
bies any who is called to it. even under the
suspicious and favorable circumstances How then
can help trembling at the task which you have imposed
me, the existing condition Of this Housc and OF tho
country %
In a time orwar time Of high political excitement.
in time Of national controversy, soc before
me the representatives the people equally divided,
merely the this morning nave already ndica-
ted preference for persons. but in opinion and 10
principle many Of the most important questions on
which they have assembled to deliberate
May reasonably claim, in advance, from you oil.
something than ordinary OF orbearaDco
and indulgence, for whatever of inability may manifest.
in meeting the exigencies and crnbarrassInents which
cannot hope escape And may l not reasonably Inn
pIore, with something than common fervency upon
labors and upon my own the blessing OF hst Almighty
Power, whose recorded attribute il is that He maketh
TO be ofone mind in house y
Let enter gentlemen, upon our work Of legislation
with solemn of our responsibility TO God and
country. However may be divided questions Of inn
mediate policy united by the closest tics Of per-
interest and permanent obligation We are the
representatives Of twenty millions OF people, bound to-
ge;her by common laws and common liberty. A CON-
flag floats daily over which there Is not one OF
who would stain rest, and from which there 10
of us who would struck. And wo have
constitution, which the oa,hs Of allegiance.
whchit will be my first duty administer you, will be
only persuaded. the formal expression Of those senti
ments of devotion which already cherished in all
hearts.
There may be differences of opinion the powers
which this constitution cones upon but the purposes
for which IL created inscribed upon Its face in Ian
guage which be risconstrued. IL ordained
and established 10 form perfect union, establish
Justice ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the
mon defence promote the general welfare and the
blessings of liberty ourselves and our posterity"
Union Justice, domestic tranquility, the common de-
fence the general welfare, and the security Of liberty for
and for those who shall after thus the
objects for which exercise whatever have
been inrusied And hazard nothing in saying that
there have been few periods in national history when
eyes Of the whole people have been turned more in
enty and anxiousy towards the Capitol than they
this moment, what to be done, hero and
now for the vndcaton and promotion OF these lofty cnds
Let resolve then, that those eyes shall at least Wit
on part duties discharged with diligence, deliber
atoms conducted with dignity, and efforts honestly and
made for the peace. prosperity and honor Of tho
republic.
shall esteem ii the highest privilege my public life IL
shall permitted contribute anything these results
by faithful and impartial administration of the oncs
which have now accepted