Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-03-25

generate heated passions ana nasty words,
may be no matter of surprise; and yet we
NAV congratulate ourselves that among us
such discordant clements have rarely pre-
sented themselves, and wheaevef thus in
truding, have been promptly suppressed,
and the utmost possible harmony and mu-
tual forbearance thereby secured to all our
deliberations, In the discussion of the va
rious important matters which have come
before rs during the present session. it
must have been that we have obtained
more enlarged views of the nature and re-
quircmeuts of public legislation and our
relations as communities to the whole .
state, as well as our individual obligations
in promoting the general good. And let
us remember, as we retire from these more
public duties, that the same obligations ~
citizens rest upon Is Though Invested OF
our official oaths, Yet the demands OF So
cetv are still the same. Let Us remember
also that correct legislation IS but the off
spring of healthy public sentiment, and
that IS heeotten alone of personal virtue, ,
enforced by united individual action.
Thus feeling and thus acting, be the fl-
turc of our years longer or shorter, they
will have accomplished life's true aim
we hive in deeds not years; in thoughts words;
In feelings not in figure dial.
We should count time ly heart throbs-lie most
lives
Who thinks most--fees the noblest-acts the best
And now in separating. may it be that
we shall each carry with us from this hall
the consciousness tLat however imperfect
ly we may have performed the various du-
ties imposed upon Us here, sincere desire
ut least to be guided by our honest indiyid-
ual convictions, enlightened so far as may
be by the wise and judicious counsels OF
our associates, has ultimately brought us
to such conclusions rs have commended
themselves to our conscicnces and met the
approval of those whose servants we are.
And when the hour of final separation
from all things earthly shall come to each
of us--as come sooner or later it must to
all-when human sympathies no longer
avail Us and one by one we feel our heart
strings breaking-may our lives before
High Heaven be such that
Whether in youth like early fruit-or in the scar
and solemn suit
Of our antumnal age; like wheat, ripcned and for
the reaper fit,
He cut us ono then may we gathered INTO his
garner be-
He then said:
Mr.. CLERK: Il ask leave to lay upon your
table the following resolve and request that
the question of its adoption be taken by rising
Resoired That the thanks of this House are here
by rendered to the Hon. Reuben Foster for mis- i'm
partial and dignifed manner in presiding over the
deliberations OF this House.
Mr.. COUSINS of Kcnncbunkport said,
Mr.. CLERK: The closing hour of this leg
islature having arrived, there comes with it
oppressive feelings of heartfelt sadness.
We have anxously wished for the day that
should close our labors here. and restore us
to the bosom of our families and friends but
we who were members of former legislatures
were aware that the longed-for hour of sepa
ration would bring with it impressive and
solemn reflections.
During this session we have like brethren
been striving together for one common object, |
namely, the development of the great indus
trial resources of our noble State, and the
advancement of her people in all that is hon
orable and of.good report. In pursuing these |
objects we have forgotten all party bias, and
have been able to consider each measure I
wholly upon its own merits. And it affords T
me the greatest pleasure to bear my testimO- /
ny to the uniform kindly feelings and I'M
wonted generosity that has characterized the
conduct Of the majority of this legislature to-
wards the minority, and in special manner
towards me personally. And am sure that
| only too feebly express the deep feelings
that now animate each heart of that minority,
when say to the majority of this House,
gentlemen,swe sincerely thank you for your
undertaking courtesy and gentlemanly bear
ing towards Us during the session
The remembrance of your many kindly |
acts shall sweeten the reeollectlons of these |
days of toll and sacrifice for our State, and
cause to hope tof reunion in that brighter
and better cline, where these heayen-born
feelings will be refunded.
And permit me to say that it is to me no
less pleasureable to Join with the greatest cor
diality the members OF this House in eX-
pressing my high appreciation of the urban
ity, case and rapidty with which our honor
able speaker has discharged the onerous
duties imposed upon him. mean no empty
compliment when | assert that such rare
qualities as he exhibits are seldom found in a
presiding officer; combining as they do,
marked ability, dignity, impartiality, order,
promptness, and such uniform patience, kind
ness and manifest goodness of heart and
honesty Of purpose, as well as a desire to
help the inexperienced legislator, as to at
once challenge the love and respect of all.
To the speaker, the clerk and assistant clerk, |
the messenger and assistant messenger, the
reporter and the sprightly and lovely little
page boy, one and all as well as to each and
every member Of this House, ] tender my
heartfelt and sincere thanks for the many
kind words and acts which you have bestowed
upon me.
Let me close these my last words to you,
my brother legislators, by expressing the hope
that each of us may live worthy of the esteem
of all good men; serve our Creator and our
country faithfully and well; and finally meet,
one and all, in the bright home above, where
parting scenes never known.
Mr. HUMPHREy said,
Mr.. CLERK Il cordially concur in the sem
timents contained in the resolution offered by |
the gentleman from Biddeford | think ex-
press the general nay universal feeling of the
members Of this House, when | bear testimo-
ny TO the uniform courtesy, ability and i'm ,
Partially Of him who has presided over our
deliberations during the session about to
close. shall carry with from this hall
pleasant rccollections of his urbanity and
kindness of manner.
This session has not been a short one. Ger
tain duties not occurring every year, have
increased the labors we have had to perform.
Our work is now done and we about to
submit it to the inspection and the Judgment
OF the people. If it shall be claimed that in
any particular we have failed properly to
perform this work, | am sure it cannot be be- /