Litchfield enquirer., 1861-03-14
THE SPEAKERS ADDRESS.

A vote 01 thanks haVlnG been presented to NIT. Pennington, he addressed the House as follows on Monday just before the adjournment:
 GENTILNEN OF THE HousE OF REPRESENTA- FINES: We have now arrived at tl.e close of the XNXVlti Congress. During its progress scenes of all extraordinary character have been wit messed. Several States have seeded, and all their members, with one exception, have left the Hall. No lover of his country can witness such an exhibition without feelings fthe deepest anN- icty. As your presiding officer, have not felt it my duty to deviate from the established prac- i tice by entering into discussion on the hoor.-- Indeed, demands upon the time of tle Chair arc sufficient in it's views without and it is wise that the Speaker should not be entangled in the con flicts of debate You will permit me, therefore, before parting, to say publicly what is well known to many if not all of you, that have ever been, and am now and trust ever shall remain, de- voted friend of the Union of the States, and f,l- vorable to any just and liberal Compromises The report of the Committae of Thrty-three of this House met my cordial approval, and have never hssitated to declare my belief that a Con vention of all the States to consider actual or supposed grievances was the proper and most available remedy. As member of the Union declare my conviction that no tenable ground has been assigned for dissolution of the tics which bind every American citizen to his coun- try, and impartial history will so decide. My confidence in the American people is such that believe no just complaint can exist long with out redress at their hands. There is always a remedy in the Unlon. With this view still de- clare my willingness to jo Il in measures of com promise l would do so because of the ancient ties that have bound us together under the in- stitution signed by the immortal Washington. I would do so, for the national honor is commit ted to the experiment of free institutions. l would do so for the love bear my countrymen in all parts of our beloved land, and especially so for the sake of that noble band of patriots in the Border Southern States who, against great opposition have stood firm like rocks in the ocean for the peace and perpetuty of this great Union.
 But, gentlemen, I may not further dwell On these general subjects. For the discharge the duties of tn station to which l was called by your kindness, can only say it has been my purpose to do all in my power to promote your comfort as members, to deal in,partially with all
 and to advance the best interests of the country
 So far as any success has attended my admin istration in the chair, it is to be ascribed very much to the kindness and forbearance of the members of the House. claim for myself only the merits of good intentions and honest purpo ses The resolution you have been pleased to adopt is truly gratifying, and will be among my most agreeable recollections of this place. thank you, gentlemen for this mark of you approbatien. I could not fail to remark that this resolution was presented by the oldest mem ] Der 1.-the House, by whom was sworn into of flee, and whose elevated character is acknowl edged by us all. believe no former Speaker received more kindness at the hands of the House than has fallen to my lot. Amid all the conflict l have never overruled any decision have made do not infer from this that was always right but do infer that if wrong, the House believed it was through misapprehension, and not by de sign, and that it was your magnanimity whief led you to sustain the Chair.
 You will permit me, hope, to say here thai 1 am under great obligations to the officers O this House. for their assistance and devotion te
 my comfort. return them all my very warmes thanks. And, new, gentlemen and friends, i Ionly remains that I take my leave of you. Th' parting hour is an honest hour. When frs Icame among you I declared myself nationa man. I am so still, and trust l shall syer re main SO. @
 Often in my retired moments shall think Q you and the many scenes through which we hay
 you may have that blessing which comsth fror
 love, and that the Graaf Ruler of nations i whose hands are the destinies of us all, may re
 store peace to our country, bring order out ( confusion, and union to the present distracts : clements. Gentlemen, now bid you an affe'
 tionate farewell. <.
 Mr. Pennington was frequently applaude during the delivery of the address, which he col
 cluded by announcing the adjournment of tt r, House .sjne de. E GEE#&3
 ,e Much good humor prevailed, the usual far
 wells were spoken, and the members separated