Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-03-17
Speaker Blaine.

The speeches OF Speaker Blaine, at the
close OF the last and commencement OF
the present Congress. were as follows:
Gentlemen Of the House Of Representa-
tires:
Our labors are at an end, but delay
the final adjournment long enough to re
turn my most profound and respectful
thanks for the commentator which you
have been pleased 10 bcstow upon my of
fetal coulse and conduct. Ia n delibcra
tive body Of this character, the presiding
officer is fortunate if he retains the con
fidence and steady supper Of his polite
al ass ,ciates. Beyond that, you give me
| the assurance that have earned the re
sprct and good will of those from whom
am separated by party lines iour cx-
pressions aru most grateful To me and aTc
most gratefully acknowledged. The
| Congress whose existence clo.cS with
! this hour, enjoys a memorable distinction
Ii ia the first in which all OF the States
have been represented on this floor since
the baletul winter that preceded our late
bloody war. Ten Years have passed
since thcn--.ycarS Oi trials anal triuuphS
ycais OF wild destruction and years oi
careful rebuilding after all. and as
result OF all. the National Government
is here TO day united, strong, proud, dc
liaut and just with territorial area vast.
ly expanded and with three addliona.
States represented on the folds of IL flag
For these prosperous fruits Of our great
struggle let us humbly give thanks to the
God of battles and to the Prince OF Peace.
And now, gentlemen, with one molo eX
preston OF the obligation | Iccl for the
copsiderato kindness with which you have
always sustained nc, perform the only
remaining duty OF my office, in declaring
AZ now do, that The House OF Repre-
sentalivcs of the 4lst Congress il adj
iourned sine die.
Mr. Blaine was conducted to the chair
by Messrs. Poland of Vermont and Nor
gan of Ohio. Calling the House to or
der, he said:
Gentlemen, tho Spcakerihip Of the
American House of Representatives has
always been IN esteemed and envi
able honor. A re election carries pecu
liar qualification, in that it implies APP
proval of my past official bearing. For
this great mark of your confidence, !
can but return TO you my Gincorest thanks
coupled with the assurance of my utmost
devotion TO the duties which Won call up
on me to discharge. Chosen by party
representing II political majority oil this
House, the Speaker faithful allegi-
ance to the principles and policy OF that
party. But he will fall far below the hon
orabc requirements OF lis station it he
fails to give the minority lis fullest right:
under the rules he is called upon TO ad
minister. The successful working of our
grand system of government, depends
in a large measure on the vigilance OF
parry organizations and the wholesome
legislation which the House produces
and perGects, is that which results from
opposing forces. Mutually eager and
watchlul, and well nigh balanced in mum
bors, the Forty second Congress meets
at period of general content, happiness
and prosperity, throughout the land
Under a wise administration and nation
al Government, peace reigns in all our
borders, anu the only misunderstanding
with any foreign government We may
hope at this moment is in process Of IN
honorable, cordial and lasting adjustment.
We are fortunate in meeting at such y
time fo' luna;e in representing snch con
stituencies; fortunate in lcgislating for
such a..country. trust, gentlemen, our
official intercourse may be free from per.
sona asperity. believing that all Our la.
bors will eventuate in public good, AMI
invoking the blessing of Him without
whose aid and guidance we labor in vain,
| am ready to proceed with the further
organization OF the lIouse; and as the
first step hereto, | will, myself. take tho
oath prescribed by the constitution and
laws" General applause.)