Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 186?-1872, 1871-02-11
TIL I.EGIsLATURE.

MONDAY, Feb 6.-Mr. Etheridge
presented the following resolution,
which was unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That the thanks of the
Senate are due to the Hon. Dorsey ID.
Thomas for the able, dignitied and
impartial manner in which he has
performed the duties which have
been Imposed upon him as the pre-
siding officer of the Senate.
Mr.. Cooper, of Bedford, in rising to
second the notion, offered some APP
pirate remarks, and vas followed by
Mr.. Etheridge In n brief but well con-
ceived and able address, in which be
complimented the Speaker upon the
able manner in which he had per-
formed the duties devolving upon
him.
Speaker Thomas was visibly affect
ed, and was almost overcome with
emotion while making the following
remarks:
FAREWELL ADDRESS OF SPEAKER
THOMAS.
Gentlemen of the Senate: In re-
Spouse to the resolution you have Just
adopted, I fear / shall not find Ian
guage strong enough to express my
feelings.
More than a year ago we met asone
branch of the Legislature, under Pc
culiar circumstances. Though ear
ly five years had elapsed since the
surrender of the Confederate armies,
yet the black clouds of civil strife still
hung l~oweringly over our political
skies, shutting out the bright sun
shine of peace. Our statute books
were filled with laws discriminating
against large bodies of ~ people.
Many were required to pay taxes and
help bear the burdens OF government
and not allowed to participate In its
management. Race antag0nism ex
listed to an alarming extent. Trade,
commerce and productive industry
dropped and languished from want
of confidence. A feeling of insecure
ty and distrust p%ervaded every depart.
ment of society. The souird of the
drum and fife and the tramp of the
soldier were heard, and the glitter Of
bayonets to be seen on our streets
The long line of tents were to be seen
from this capitol, indicating wal
rather than peace. How is 1t to
day? The indications of strife have
passed away. The tents have disap.
peared, and the sound of martial mu
sic and the heavy trampof the soldier
are no longer heard. All proscriptivt
laws have been repealed. Confidence
has been restored in every depart
ment of society. Trade and com
merce have revived and productive
industry Is rapidly OH the increase
The clouds have disappeared from oul
political horiz IN, and peace and civ
IL law reigns supreme throughout the
State. You, aided by the otheI
branch of this Legislature, the Exc
cutive and Judicial departments o
the State have been the agents in the
hands of the people in the consum'
nation of this great work. AS the
patriot soldier justly feels proud of hi.
efforts in defence of his country, sc
will you ever feel proud of your efforts
rs Senators In the restoration of peace
and prosperity to your State" Fol-
peace hath her victori es no less re
no owned than wal" In your labor
you have been patient, forbearing
industrious and vigilant in defence o
the interest of the people. In you
social relations as brothers. To m,
you have been kind, indulgent, guild
ing me by your counsels and cover
ing my errors by your charity. NJ.
. heart shall ever worm with gratitud'
in remembrance of you. To the Off
GERS Of the Senate, for the faithful dis
,harge. of your duties 1 return my sin
cere thanks. BY your faithfulnes
you have made light and pleasant tn,
duties of my position. May your fu
ture he as happy and US successful a
| you have been industrious and faith
full. TO II and all, may your live
he long, useful and happy, and whel
lone with the cares of life, may W
all meet where scenes like this ar
never witnessed-where parting is n
more. 1t now only remains for IN
to say farewell.