The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1855-10-12
REMARKS OF GOV N 8 BROWN
on TAKISG THE CHAIR AS SPEAKER OF tn
HOUSE OF REPREsFNrAnNEs

on TAXING THE CHAIR AS SPEAKER OF THE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
Gentlemen IF the House Of Representatives: -
The distinguishing mark of confidence aud
regard which you have just bestowed on me,
calls for the expression of my sincere ne.
acknowledgements. The position to which Yun
have elevated me, has been whslly unsoIicit-
cd on my part; and this fact increases nv
sense Of the obligations aprertnining to so
high trust. inexperienced rs | am, in the
administration of parliamentary rules, | can
not but feel an unaffected distrust in my abii-
ties and fitness for the task before me. But
while cannot nope to equal the just expcc-
tatons of others, ar my own standard of pro-
ficiency, have that confidence in every mem
Der of this House, which leads me 10 repose
upon his reasonable indulgence; and invoke
the aid of every one in the discharge of Il duty
in which we all have common interest.
Differences of opinion upon political sub
jccts and upon the details Of legislation, are
perfectly consistent with the harmony of per-
sOnal feelings. But the virtues of federation
and forbearaHce, necessary in all the relations
of life, are peculiarly So, in public bodies like
this, and never fail in their happy results. A
diversity Of sentiment, is unavoidable under
institutions like ours, and serves the office,
both of attaining truth and checking extremes.
This capitol with its massive pillars and
stately walls, is made mp Of n variety Of ma
terias of diverse shapes and sizes, but whicI'
combined, constitute specimen f strength
and beauty which will be admired for ages to
come. So the conflicts of opinion are capa-
bic of harmonious action, and form the cle-
ments ont of which arise the social fabric and
law and erder.
We have met TO promote if we can, the
interests of the State. And among the
achievements, within our power, We may
greatly atbreviate the usuI term of our SEES
sions. To accomplish this, prompt attendance
upon the hours of business, and strict compli.
ance with the rules Of proceeding, are inds.
pensablc. can assure you, that | will be
animated by spirit of impartiaIity and an
earnest devotion to my duties. And doubt
not, shall have occasion, at the close of our
labors, to thank you, not only for Your kind.
ness and conEtcsy, but for your zeal for the
public interests. Let us all now resolve, in
the commencement, So to act that when We
come to separate we can look back on the
past without shame and forward to the future
without fear. Let us remember that we all
belong Ia the Stale, and thai The stale be-
longs to us, in common with our constituents.
Oar predecessors have marked out the great
path of progress along which we are tn march.
And we behold every where the outline of
that expanded picture of prosperity and glory
which awaits the d stinrs of this common
wealth. To elevate Tennessee in the scale
of intellectual and moral cmincnce among
her sister States, as well rs to deveope her
physical resources, are Objects worthy Of the
highest ambition.
TO aid in these great ends, we have been
dedicated by the people for the time D ing.
We will be successful only in proportion to
our vigilance, energy and fidelity. That We
may be fortunate in the discharge Of our
trusts and happy in all oar relations here, i,
my most ardent wish. TO contribute to this
by every thing in my power, is the only mode
10y which can repay you for the honor you
have done me.