The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-06-12


Gentlemen Of the House of Representatives..
Our labors have closed, and we arc about
to separate, perhaps many of us forever.
Sad to me is the word farewell Whether
it be spoken amid these halls, or in the si-
lent wood, there is associated with it a Sc
rious reflection; yet, the sadness of this
parting is relieved in a great degree, by the
prospect of a speedy and happy reunion
with those we love best, and with this con-
ISOLATION in the breast of each of you- be-
lieve that you feel that you have done your
whole duty to promote the general good !;
to maintain the dignity of the State and
preserve the liberties of those you represent.
You have performed a vast amount of bust
ness; you have been devoted to your du-
ties; early and late have you been 1t your
post. You were compelled, under the cir
cumstances, to do much business of n pri-
vate nature, which, some are disposed
to condemn. But this is not your fault ;
the Constitution, which each of us
have sworn to support, allows any
citizen, however humble, to seek re-
dress, at your hands, and permits the Legis-
lature to pass upon matters of this charac-
ter; and the representative who turns deaf
ear to the constitutional rights of his con-
stituents, deserves not to represent free
people. But you have. by your acts relieved
future Legislatures from most of this char
acter of business, by the passage of general
laws under which it may be accomplished.
Upon your assemblage here, mucn was
expected of you The great mass of the
people felt that by the then existing laws
they were oppressed. They looked with fond
anticipation and hope to you for relief, and
gratifed am / to know that they did not
dook or hope in vain. You have by pru-
dent and conservative course removed from
the statute books many of the laws com
planned of, and modified many others; but
would have done more if permitted. With
an Executive adverse to you in feeling upon
many questions of reform demanded by the
people; with Senate by no means in accord
with you; and environed by constitution
forbidding many wholesome reforms; you
have accomplished more than the most san
guine could have reasonably anticipated
when your labors commenced.
1t Is finished and the acts of the Thir-
teenth Legislature become a part of the
history of our loved State, to be passed
upon by an intelligent, and l trust, an
unprejudiced constituency, who must, in
the opinion of your humble Speaker, upon
mature reflection and consideration of all
the surroundings and the difficulties, with
which you have had to contend, approve
your acts.
During a long legislative experience,
have never witnessed so much harmony and
good feeling, as with the members of this
House. Although you have had many eXcit-
ing and perplexing questions to grapple
with, reason in every instance has held its
sway.
part with each of you, fellow members
and officers, with feelings the most kind.
In the performance of my duties, I may
have committed. errors, if so, / assure you
it was rather of the head, than of the heart
With me our associations in these halls and
our efforts to promote a common good, viii
last with my life, and be among the fond
reflections of my declining years.
To each of you, return my heartfelt
thanks for the assistance you have beer
pleased to render..me in the performance OF
I the duties assigned me at the commence
ment of the session and to the officers and
employees Of the House, I take great pleas
ure in saying, you have performed your ar
duous duties without q fault; eachhas beer
at his post, and did his duty to the letter
thereby making my duties lighter and more
agreeable, for which l return each and al
my thanks.
wish you, gentlemen, members and off
GERS. speedy and pleasant return to loved
ones. at home, prayerflrfiy Invoking tn,
blessings Of Almighty God on you anC
yours.
Farewell word that must be, anC
hath been A sound which makes one in
ger, yet, farewell.
In obedience TO o resolution Of the two
houses, I pronounce The House Of Represent
atiyes Of the Thirteenth Legislature, ad
/ ioumed without day.