New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1871-05-18
District Matters.
The New Government.


The New Government.
The Legislature Of the District of Columbi.
organized on the 18th instant, at Metzerot
Hall. In the Council William Stickney, Esq.
was chosen President, and Frederick Douglass
ESQ, Vice President The following ia tn,
speech of Hon. VIM. Stickney, on taking tn,
chair
=" thank you, gentlemen, members Of tn,
Council, for this kind expression Of your conf
dence and regard, and while / distrust ny
qualifications for the important position q
which you have elected me- promise my utmos
efforts to justify your good opinion.
This day marks an important era in the his
tory Of our national metropolis. We are about
to inaugurate q local government of larger
powers, more comprehensive in its objects. ano
Of greater territorial magnitude than has here
tofore existed in this District
The material and educational interests o.
100, 900 persons representing taxable prop
erty of more than S75 1000 600 are largely com
mtted to our care. The acceptance OF such q
trust involves responsibility which would not
be lightly estimated
Government was ordained of God for wise
and benevolent purposes, and when rightly ad
ings, but they may, and sometimes do in the
hands of ignorant and unprincipled men be
ocme the potential instrument of oppression
and wrong.
1t remains to be seen whether the government
to be instituted to-day shall prove to the citi
GEMS of this District curse or q blessing, ar
object of national honor or disgrace.
The opportunity is a rare one for US to silence
the voice Of reproach which has been so per
sistenty raised against US and compelled the
respect and admiration of all good men.
Let us, members of the First Council of the
District, prove ourselves equal to the occasion
Actuated by pure motives, firm in our pur.
pose to do right uDcempromising with wrong
whether il approach in rags or broaddoth
careful for the interests Of all, the rights of all
with an humble dependence upon Him TO whom
we are accountable, invoking His aid, wisdom
and blessing, let a resolve to acquit ourselves
like men, like honest men, and so show we are
worthy the trust committed to and the conf
dence reposed in as.
Putting beneath our feet all prejudice rsin 9
above mere party, let the cornerstone Of the
structure we this day commence to build be
justice TO all, faUoratism to none.
The name of Washington" the best oil
great men and the greatest of good men lis
enshrned in millions of hearts. Let it be our
der this District so intimately associated
with him, equally distinguished for its wise
legislation and good government
The Council then proceeded to the election
of other officers with the following result:
John a. Gray nominated Frederick Douglass
"a Vice President. Elected.
Mr. Peck nominated Francis H. Smith as
Chief Clerk. Elected.
Mr.. Smith nominated f. j. Klopfer as En-
crossing Clerk. Elected
Mr.. Brown nominated Albert II. Dowell as
Enrolling Clerk. Elected.
Mr.. Douglass nominated Joseph S. Weems
as Sergeant at-A Elected.
Mr.. Hall nominated Henry W. Lee as Mes
senger. Elected.
All of whom took the oath Of Office, admins
tered by Judge Fisher
The rules governing the body were then
read and adopted. They are substantially the
same as those governing legislation in the
United States Senate. md provide for the fol-
lowing
ORDER OF BUSINESS
|. Reading the Journal.
2. Communications from the Governor.
3. Communications from the Board of Pub.
lie Works.
4. Communications from the Board of
Health.
5. Bills, joint resolutions, or other messages
from the House of Delegates.
6. Petitions and memorials from the several
districts.
The rules provine for the following
STANDING COMMITTEES
On National Relations
On Finance.
On Public Works aud Property
On Judiciary.
On Railroads and Canals.
On Drainage, Sewerage, and Distribution OF
Water.
On Police.
On Health. Asylum, and Charities.
On Claims
On Schools.
On Markets.
On Fire Department.
On Washington, Georgetown, and County
Affairs.
On Printing.
On Engrossed and Enrolled Bills
90 Wharves.
On Rules.
On Unfinished Business
In the House of Delegates Mr. Charles L.
Hulse was chosen Speaker. Upon assuming
the Speakers chair, Mr.. Hulse addressed the
House as follows:
Il return to you, gentlemen, my sincere
thauks for the compliment rendered me as your
choice for presiding officer. Recogniz ing the
Importance Of the position. can but ask your
cooperation in enabling me to discharge the
duties OF the Office to your satisfaction and with
due regard to the interests of this District. Fol-
the first time in their history the people of the
District of Columbia are invested with the
rights of lfgovernment--a right always pos
sessed by all other citizens Of this great Repub
lie. Heretofore confined within a narrow and
circumscribed limit, we are now invested with
authority to create laws for the government and
development of our nations metropolis The
Importance of the trust can not be too highly
valued and our united efforts should convince
Congress that we are worthy of the confidence
reposed In us and will use it to the best adyan
tage.
Questions OF great moment, vitality affecting
our future prosperity will be brought before us
for action. ! trust that our deliberations will
be characterized by that degree of unanimity
and wisdom which should animate and control
a Legislature whose province it will be to in.
augurate measures for the improvement and
progress OF the national capital. Conscious oil
my own impertections and inexperience, | ask
your indulgence, promising an impartial and, &c
the best of my ability, just administration O.
the duties OF the Office to which ! have beer
elected
The House then proceeded to the election O
other officers, and the following gentlemen were
elected; Chief Clerk, p. A. Rhinehart Assist
ant Clerk, j. s. Johnson; Enrolling Clerk
Richard Tompkins Engrossing Clerk, @.
Kahn; Sergeant-at- Arms, Maurice Hurley.
The Governors Message was received and