Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-10-16
Vermont Legislature.
THURSDAY, OCT. 8.
SENATE.

/ CCA' "
SENATE.
The senate was called to order by Hi
Honor Paul Dillingham;, and prayer wa
offered by the Rev. Levi Stone of North
field.
The oath was then administered to thr
senators by tie president
Henry Clark of Poultney was elected
secretary by unanimous vote of th'
senators present.
Henry L. Lamb Of Burlington wa
chosen assistant secretary.
Rev. Levi II. Stone Of Mortified was
elected chaplain-no opposition.
HOUSE.
The house was called to order by Hon
Geo. W. Bailey jr., secretary of state.
Prayer was offered by Rev. A. L
Cooper.
The roll was called by the secretary oi
state, and the members elected answered
to their names-all but about twenty be-
ing present. The oath of Office was ad.
ministered.
Hon. A. B. Gardner of Bennington
was elected speaker, receiving 1916 votes
to 27 for all others.
Upon taking the oath of Office the
speaker addressed the house as follows ::
Gentlemen Of the House Of Representa-
tiVes:
1 should do injustice to my own feel
ings, did l withhold my grateful acknowl-
edgments for the honor you have confer
red upon me, and for the unanimity with
which you have elected me to preside
over your deliberations for this session.
The position is one of responsibility, and
l bring to the performance of its duties
but little experience as a presiding officer.
l shall, however, endeavor to discharge
them with fairness and impartiality.
The house of representatives has hith>
erto been distinguished for its love of or
der, for the gentlemanly bearing of its
members towards each other, and for an
unusual degree Of courtesy and kindness
towards its presiding officer. If l shall
so discharge the duties Of the position
you have assigned me as to merit your
and to merit and receive that
degree OF courtesy and kindness which
has been extended to my predecessors,
my highest wishes will have been attain
ed.
My best efforts will be exerted to fa-
ciitate the business Of the session. We
owe it to ourselves that we should, as far
as may be consistent with that degree Of
deliberation which is requisite to healthy
meet the expectations and
crafty the wishes of our constituents,
that this session should be a short one
The accumulating debt Of the state, the
great sacrifices which we have already
made, and the further sacrifices which
will be demanded of US, in the cause of
the country, admonish US that we should
be dilligent in business. The country is
now in the third year of the rebellion,-
a rebellion causeless in its inception, un-
exampled in its power; and although its
proportions may have been somewhat di-
yet as long as its temper and
spirit are unbroken, we must continue to
furnish such material and efficient aid as
shall be demanded of US by the general
that Vermont may keep the
position which she has hitherty so proud
y occupied.
We feel a just pride in the activity
and promptness with which all demands
upon her have hitherto been met. Dis
,arding all party distinctions, she has
hitherto stood as one man for the cause
If the country. Her first effort was pre-
aced with the declaration that it was to
lefend the Constitution and the Union,
md trust our action will be such that
he world will understand that the First
Born to the Old Thirteen will not falter
n the cause of constitutional liberty so
ong as there is a traitor to raise hand
against the nations life.
And trusting to Him who doeth all
hings well, we may hope that at the right |
ime and in the right way our efforts will
,e crowned with success, and our sacrif- !
es blest with an enduring harvest of
'eace.