Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-03-02

response from the heart of each member at
this board, yet in the order of human events,
such meeting can never take place. We
have been called to order for the last time.
We are about to adjourn without day. If we
have erred, it has been in judgment, 1t could
not be expected of us that we should always
clearly discern the right. We can con-
scientiously say we have never knowingly
countenanced wrong.
Mr.. President, officers, and Senators, if we
shall not be permitted to meet again altogeth-
or, pray that kind Providence may permit
me to meet each of you at your homes or In
the walks of lie that / may then repeat to
i you the kind feelings of friendship which
have been impressed upon my heart towards
you severally, and my profound thanks for
the uniform kindness which l have received
at your hands. And Senators, the latch
string OF my own home always hangs upon
the outside. Pull it.
Mr.. FOSTER of Penobscot said:
Mr.. SEcRETARY:-I most heartily concur
in the sentiment expressed in the resolu-
ton. The position of President of the
Senate is one of great res possibility.
To perform the duties of this office accepta-
bly,, requires not only skill and ability, but
patience and mpartality. Our presiding officer
possesses all these qualities. He has discharged
ty and courtesy, and to the acceptance of all.
Our labors have been made easier by his
kindness and patience.
Our duties for the session are ever. Wheth-
er what we have done will meet the approval
of those who sent us here remains to be seen.
1t is of the greatest Importance to us, to
know and feel that our own consciences APP
prove what we have done.
l have thought sometimes as have read
the proceedings at the close of other sessions,
that they were mere form that the words
uttered, did not express the true sentiment !;
but now, as l Come to be participant in these
proceedings, 1 am convinced that it is real
as have listened to the expressions which
have been made, and as l look about upon
the faces of my associates, they express more
than words, that there is true sincerity in it
all.
Parting among friends is always sad. But
still more sad would it be if we parted other
wise than as friends Our debates may have
been earnest, but they have not been acrimo-
NOUS. l know of no one Senator who will
carry away with him any unkind feelings
toward another. Happy is it that we can thus
part; we shall not all meet here again as we
now are; we may never all meet again on
earth; but we shall meet again, / believe and
trust in better land, where parting shall be
no more.
return to you, Mr.. President, to you Mr..
Secretary, to all the officers Of the Senate,
my grateful Acknowledgements for your kind
ness and courtesy.
extend to you all, Senators, the hand of
friendship, and wish you safe return to your
homes, and happy and prospectus future.
Mr.. O'BRIoN said:
| Mr.. SECRETARY Il can not allow on
my part the resolution to pass by in
silence. There are times when that which
is in the heart must arise, as if spon-
taneously, and speak, although hidden to stay
in silence. The business which called us to-
gether is now finished, and our official con-
nection about to terminate. Our session
though it has been short has been active and
laborious, and marked with that degree of
harmony in our deliberations which leave no
regret but that of separation, and the conse-
quent discontinuance of our official duties.
The acquaintance of friendship here cult
waited will mark, for many of us, change in
our future lives; may it be for the better, to
us all, trained in this official school and work.
ing for the welfare ofthe people, the highest and
noblest duty, when conscientiously perform
ed, which can claim the attention of any man.
There is always something, Senators, in a
just conception of the true dignity of legis-
lation which gives enlarged and liberal views
of humanity, aud which makes political sci
ence of more than local interest. Our gov
ernment, State and national, was formed By
the people, and for the people, and it behooves
us all never to lose sight of this most wise
and democratic truth.
Our deliberations may have been imperfect,
as are all human actions, but 1 believe they
have been conscientiously arrived at with
kindliest feelings for all and ''malice towards
none." We have differed in many conclu-
sions, but honestly and generously. We have
been called to legislate on many important
questions, deeply affecting the interests OF
the future of our State, and we have not fail
ed to grapple with them, believing gener-
GUS people were watching US, to whom we
could appeal with sympathy and kindness.
The past is gone and cannot be recalled. Let
us hope that what we have failed to perform,
or have done unwisely, our successors may
in wisdom accomplish.
And now, Mr.. President, can but tender
to you, for myself and associates of this
board, our thanks for the urbane, able and
impartial manner in which you, Sir, have
ever discharged all the duties incumbent up
on you in the official and responsible position
which we called you to occupy. And as each
ators, may we never forget the associations we
have formed here, nor the pleasant recollec-
ton, that as Senators we occupied these seats,
and assisted in the legislative duties of the
session of 1872.
; Mr.. CHAPLIN said:
Mr.. SECRETARY We are about closing
the regular session of the Senate of Maine
for A. D., 1872; the record of oul
doings, whether good or ILL.,; wise OF
unwise, is made up, that has been done,
as from day to day, during the session, our
acts, whether in passing laws or in refusing
to pass them have become fixtures, they have
now passed beyond our control; but these are
not the only fixtures in this connection. We
shall carry with US to our homes the i'm
pressions that have been indelibly fixed in our
memories of each other, and of the earnest
discussions that have occurred during the
session. And 1 am happy to say that these
impressions are such that would not have
them other than fixtures, and the most pleas
ing of these memories and the one that will
survive all others, is the memory of the kind
and courteous treatment we have all received
from our President, the ease and gentleness
with which he has received our many inform
al motions and brought order out of confusion
without confusing the mover, has won ouI
warmest gratitude.
These memories shall cherish with the
friendships here formed, which trust will