Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-02-26
Lsri.la,ivs-s sntsr's Address.

NASHVILLE, February zo.--mr. oenter,
Speaker of the Senate, was inaugurated
as Governor to-day, cice Brownlow, re-
signed. in the presence of convention
of both branches of the Legislature and
a large number of spectators. He spoke
as follows:
Gentlemen Of the Senate and House Of Repre-
sentatives:
The resignation by Governor Brown
low of the powers and duties of the
Office of Governor of Tennessee, impose
upon me as Speaker of the Senate, IN
pursuance of the 18th section OF the
third article of the Constitution, the du-
ties and responsibilities of that Office.
The labor incident to the restoration OF
law and order in our State, forced from
| its ancient mornings by the sweeping
current of rebellion, has devolved on the
administration of my predecessor, whose
services as Governor have been dis
tinguished, not less by devotion to prin:.
ciples on which are based our National
Union, than firm and unwavering
purpose to establish amidst con-
flicting elements civil and peace
full relations of the people of the State.
am deeply impressed by the magnl.
tude of the responsibilities l am about
to assume. Most ardently could l wish
that some one more able should have
been chosen to administer the Executive
Department of our State for the re.
mainder OF the term to which my prede-
cessor was elected; not, however, that l
am wanting in appreciation of the high
honor of presiding over so gallant and
noble State as Tennessee. She is the
land of my birth, the home of my child
hood. In her soil are deposited the
ashes of my ancestors and kindred. der
interests are my interests, and while l
would make no invidious distinction or
sectional comparison, l will say that l
love Tennessee, not more for her fertile
valleys, her majestic river, her lofty
mountains, her inexhaustible treasures
of mineral wealth, than for the excel
lence of her brave and industrious peo-
nile. To be Governor of such State,
and to add anything to the prosperity OF
such a people ought to crafty the smbl-
ton of any one. =.
Feeling the full influence of this ques-
ton, trust, then, gentlemen, that you
will pardon me for expressing distrust OF
my ability to discharge the responsible
duties of the high office 10 which l am
called
Tn cooperation with the other State
officials, it will be my earnest desire and
effort to faithfully serve the real interests
of Tennessee and her citizens by re.
ducing in all prsctical ways liabilities OF
the State, and economiziDg in the ex-
pendtures; thus maintaining unimpaired
our financial soundness and credit by
preserving, in the most efficient opera.
tion, the present common school system,
by giving full play to our extensive in-
ternal Improvement system by promoting
and preserving peace, order, enforcement
of the laws, and the security of life and
property in all parts of the State; alike
in word, to labor to the utmost radical
degree to bring Tennessee to that meas
ure of prosperity and glory to which her
geographical position and her inexhausti-
BILE resources so eminently entitle her.
In my efforts to do all this, it is not too
much to ask or to expect the cheerful CO.
operation of all good citizens of all
classes, sects and parties.
In few days your legislative lsbors
will have been brought to close, and
you will return to your respective homes
Your lsbors have been arduous and pro-
tracted. This was necessary to adopt
laws to the wants and interests OF Ten
nessee as a free State. In returning to
your homes and families. you take with
you my best wishes for your health and
prosperity individually, and the happi-
ness and prosperity of all whom you
represent.
The inauguration was not an imposing
affair, and consumed but few moments.
Although Senter's address is strictly
non-committal, strong hopes are enter
tanned as to his administration. He avoids
foreshadowiDg his policy, even to his
political friends and advisers. The
caryet-bsggers are in gloomy spirits.