, 1854-05-20

uns in ny own Lrience-l was prrclulrd
from, nay more, tn. Citizens Of King coun,
ty who were applisrd Of the contents Of the
papers published in Sacramento, who knew
the attacks upon me were utterly false and
unfounded, asked leave 10 express their SEN
timenlS and attachments tome though that
same papr, but the Combination against me
was too strong, aad NY fellow c,tizrns OF
King county were also denied the right to
be heard The object Of this ofganizrd
conspiracy was to dctdme anl prejudice the
minds OF those who never had seen M
most o. YOU had seen ard read all this ere
you saw me. With this combination have
hgd 10 batlls, always nevertheless, consoing
myself that in all my transactions in private
life, as well as in the service of the people,
had never varied from honor and slric, in-
tegrity, and ! but assert my honest conre-
tion when ! declare my unlimited couf
dence in the intelligence and purity Of the
p op!- my firm reliance that the citizens oi
this Territory will yet DO me ample jus
tice.
Under these circumstances, through your
Kind pariiaiity was chosen to preside over
your d,liHrrations, aud am unable suitably
tn express to you my gratitude, but while
ever so grateful TO you, where, where can |
find language 10 express TO the people OF
Pierce and King counties, my feelings Of
attachment and heartfelt obligation ] VIII, n
| was assailrd by every vulgar and time
serving press, tho people of those count $
erected bulwark Of public opinion around
and elected me to this branch Of the legis-
la,ure, by majorlty unprecedented in the
history Of popular suffrage, and il is fer
vent thirst which actuates me, when crave
that God may grant me length of days and
TO requite in some degree their
unwayering confidence aud generous attach
ment.
Senators, the representative system of
government which our fathers gave us is
beautiful in its conception, and magnificent
in its operation; but il is not unfrcquently
abused, The relation Of representative and
is a sacred one. The represent
alive who betrays his trust may reconcile it
with his own cOnsciencr-msy receive the
pardon OF his God, but his constituents new
rr ought 10 forget bis reachery. The man
who, elected 10 enact laws for the honest
masses, suffers himself to be controlled by
outside interests and irresponsible jobbers, is
unworthy the name Of man aud disgrace
to public station That have braced my
mind and shaped my action against such
legislation here, You will bear me witness,
that | have ever done so in public life is the
reason why have been assailed.
Ssnators, have been suffering under Sc
we're indisposIiOn during the greater portion
OF this ssiUn ] have often and freely
mingled in your debates, and dare moi as
SUI ejnyself that have a, all times extended
that entire courtesy and bland department
so essential in debate, and still more essen
tal in this chair But your uniform kind
ness and pariIally have rendered more easy
my duty and have placed me under obliga-
tons no, 10 be disregarded. The attach
menis have formed for the members Of this
body can hut cease with my life. know
that my temperament and manner in debate
is ardent and enthusiastic, and not always
free fom sarcasm, but need indulge the
fear that my earneStneSs Of purpose has been
by you.
Gentlemen, We have mel strangers, but
it gives the unieigned pleasure 10 know that
we part friends, and il any act Of mine has
given offence TO any member, here offer
the amplest apology, and assure you all that
in bidding you farewell, | entertain for eve
ry senator in this chamber sentiments Of
the highest personal regard. ! do not ex-
poet to meet with you al your next session
and now the only duty leil me 10 perform
is to pronounce an individual farewell, and
as a presiding officer 10 pronounce the first
council of Washington Territory adjourned
sine die.
10" AS stated last week, Mr.. McConaha
was drowned, together with Capt Barslow,
on the 4th May, in making the passage be-
tween Vashon'S Island and Alki.
McConaha has gone! but, as we believe,
the above closing address of his life, is in
dicative Of his characler-" firm, manly and
confident" in the discharge of his duty as
man and legislator. As all know, be dis
charged his duty here as President of the
Council, with favor and esteem, and made
friends of bitter enemies-leaving his place
with honor and general appreciation.
1t may not be improper to alIude to the
fact, that as Mr., McC. left but few or no
enemies in this Territory; we have no
doubt but there are controllers of presses and
individuals in California and Oregon who
with disposition Hyena-like, would like
to resurrect We body of the departed and
unfortunate Mc&pnaha, and exhibit his life
less body to an Interesting family, to draw
anew fresh tears, because of his political Ca
reer' which he has frequently and deliber-