Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1862-01-17

Questions Of currency, of finance, OF taxa
tion, of military organizations, and military re-
sources must occupy your attention
But it is not the material interests OF the
country only. that are involved in this strug-
gle.
A revolution of IDEAS habits, moral and so
cial Influences business operations and com
mercial relations, is now going on with unpar-
alIeled rapidity.
One year ago. our entire population was en-
gagged in the peaceful pursuits of civil life.
Military affairs, military organizations, mil
itary men, were utterly neglected, if not treat
ed with indigni,y and contempt.
Now the public mind is wholly engrossed
with military affairs. the movements of armies.
and navies, the reports OF battles, marches, and
sieges.
The people think of nothing, talk Of nothing,
read of nothing but telegraPhic dispatches of
the latest victories aud defeats, and all The par
aphernalia Of red handed war.
The pursuits Of civil life are pursued list
lessly. and without occupying any considerable
share of the thoughts and attentions of those
who are engaged in them.
The withdrawal of so large portion of the
laboring population OF the State from the
pursuits of civil life, mlst operate very disas-
trously upon the Industrial interests OF our
people.
The diversion Of the public mind from bust
ness pursuits, the derangem'n and obstruction
of the channels of trade and business must be
still more disastrous.
Ii will be your business 10 IeroEi5F5' 10 the ut
most possible extent, by wise and benefeient
legislation, against the evil consequences Of
this disastrous condition of affairs.
The deep and abiding interest which feel
/ in the present and future welfare of our COM
mon country, wouid induce me to go into q
more extended discussion of public affairs; bu-
| am admonished by the proprieiies of my poi
silion. and Of the occasion TO forbear.
l am fortunately almost entirely free from
The labor and responsibility which rest upor
you.
Having no share in your deliber -tions either
in debate Or 10y my vote, except upon the very
unusual occurrence of an equal division
amongst yourselves, am in no way response
bic for the results Of your deliberations.
My duties as yonr presiding officer in pre-
serving order and dccorum in your deliberations
are comparatively unimportant.
In a body so small as this, composed mainl,
of gentlemen of mature age and of large cx
pericnce in public affairs, and having propc
appreciation of the proprieiies of their posi-
ticn, anxious for the honor of the Stare, a
well as f)r their own comfort and convenience
to maintain order and decorum in their dcIib
erations, the duties of The presiding officer car
very rarely be difficult Or bnrdensomc.
Il is my fixed and settled purpose in the dis
chirge of my duties TO be strictly and reli
giousy impartial, TO know no parties Or fac
tions, and to cultivate kind and friendly rela
tions with every member of the body. And
entertain no doubt but in pursuing this cours7
| shall secure the indulgence aud forbcaranc
Of every Senator for my errors and impcrrcc
tions, however numerous they may be. En-
tering upon my duties with these views AM
purposes, apIrehend no difficulty in dischar
ing them TO the satisfaction of the Senate.