Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1869-03-10
SPEAKER COLFAX.

nj. vaIedictory Addre.-.

Upon resigning the Speakership Of the House
to-day, Mr., Collax made the following address
GESrLEMES,-The opening of the Legislature day, at
the close Of which must enter upon another sphere
duty requires to tender to you the resignation of the
Office which by your own kindness and confidence have
held 10 take elect on the election OF Speaker for the
brief remainder Of the session.
The parting word amongst friends about separate Is
always regretul one but the farewell which lakes me
from this hail. in which 50 many years have been spent
exces in emotions which would be useless ~ attempt
TO recall The fourteen years during which have been
associated with the Representatives OF the people here,
have been full Of eyentH legislation of exciting issues
and Of grave decisions virtually affecting the entire
All these with the accompanying scenes which so often
have reproducodin this of debate the warmest VI
feeling OF our antagOnstng constituencies have passed
into the domain Of history and but refer 10 them 10
press the Joy which apparently Is shared by the Of
eOuntrymen that the storm cloud of war which so
long darkeued tho National horizon has at last passed
away leaving our imperlled Union saved and that by
decree Of the people more powerful than Presidents or
Congresses OF armies liberty was proclaimed thr0ughO
the land to all the inhabitants thereof Rejoicing over
the present condition OF our Republic amongst the
illimblo resources, exemped by the that deyel-
oped them, with our rapidly augmentng population and
welcome At our gates 10 the oppressed Of all other cmes
with our vast aud Increasing agricultural nanuactur
Ing and mineral capacities with advantages On the
Two treat oceans OF the globe ana our almost completed
Pacific railroad uniting these opposite shores, and be-
coming hghway of the United States of America COM
mand that respect among the powers Of the world which
ensures tho maintenance OF all it national rights and
security Of all the citizens from oppression or injustice
abroad Nor this ALL The trunphal progress Of Iee
institutions here has had political influence beyond the
sea. The right Of the people to govern based the
sacred principles Of the revolution that all governments
their just powers from the consent Of the governed
Is everywhere acknowledgement with slow and measured
steps but with rapdity that, within few years has
been osgnaly Illustrated in Great Britain Spain Italy
Prussia, Hungary and other lands, May We not hope
That ~ the moral but powerful force Of example,
letters may everywhere be broken and that some oil us
may TO 500 that happy era when slavery and tyran.
ny shall no more be known thrC ughOut the world lean.
not claim that In the share have had In the delibera
tons and legislation Of the House member and an
officer, / have always done that which was yisest and
best in word and in act for none Of us are infbe INT
that have stryen 10 perform faithfully every duty and
that, devoted as all know to the principles that have
deemed correct, the honor and glory Of our common
country have always been paramount and above nil
party ties can cOnsoentously assert and that have
sought 70 mitigate rather than to Intensity the aspertes
Whleh the collisions OF opposing parties often evoked
must be LEFT 70 the record to verify For the responsible
duties OF the last six years have endeayorod 10 admin
sef the rules you have enacted for your guidance both
in the letter aud In spirit with an impartay unn1u-
eneed by political associations antagOnisms and may
be pMdoned iof The expression Of gIatiheation that
appeal, sometimes taken they by minority as a
protest against power undor tho rules OF majority
which has ever been decided by strictly party vote
Farewell to the hall which in lis excitement and rest
lessaeyos SO often seemed to represent the throhbng,
and Intense feelings Of the national heart.
III IN the quekness with which presiding officer here
Is oten compelled 10 rule hour after hour on
taTy points and In the performance his duty 10 protect
an nemnes In their rights 10 advance the progress Of
public business and 10 preserve order any word has fall
lon nom my lips that has unjustly wounded any one
desire to withdraw II uureseryedy,
leave this hall With no feeling Of unkndness to any
member with whom have been associated In all the
years OF the past having earnestly tried ~ practice that
lesson OF lio which commands Us ~ write bur enmes
on he sand, but TO ongraye our friendships on the
granite.
And, lnaly follow members and friends with sincere
gratitude Ior ne generous support you have always
chair and with the Warmest wishes for your health hap
piness and prosperity, one and all Ibid you FAREWELL