The Hawaiian gazette., 1873-04-16
vaIealctorr OF col1ar.

The following is Colfax's valedictory address to
the Z. S. Senate:
Senator's: The time fixed by the Constitution for
the dissolution Of the Forty-second Congress has
arrived. With few parting words shall resign this
gavel to the honored son of MASSACHUSETTS who has
been chosen by the people as-my successor. Ad-
minstrations terminate, and Congresses expire as
years pass by, but the nation lives grows and pros
pers, to be served in the future by others equally
faithful TO fits interests and equally proud of its
growing influence among the nations OF the earth
To be called by the Representatives of the people,
and afterwards BY the people themselves to the re-
sPonsible duty OF presiding successfully over the
two Houses Of Congress for the past years. from
the era of the war through the era OF reconstruction
TO the era Of peace, than fills the measure of
an honorable ambition. Looking back over these
ten exciting years, can claim not only that have
committed no act which has proved the confidence
misplaced that csled me TO this position but also
that have strven in my official duties to admins.
ter parliamentary law with the same imparliality
with which the upright judge upon the bench de-
cides in questions OF life and liberty; to faithfully
protect the rights OF the minority, well to up
hold the rights Of the majority, in the advancement
OF public business; 10 remain calm and unmoved
amid the excitement of debate; TO temper and re-
strain asperites aud guard against perpetuating
tagonisms; to perform acceptably the complex and
often perpexing duties Of the Chair without parti.
san bias, has been my constant endeavor.
il is gratifring, therefore, that of the many hun
dreds OF decisions made by me, often the instant
none have been reversed, and scarce any seriously
questioned. How much / owe TO the uniform kind
ness and support of the members over whom have
presided is difficult to express iu words. 1t has
been bounded by no patty lines and controlled by
no party affiliations, and rejoice that have been
able to attest my appreciation of this support
While zealously defending principles before the
people, this defense has never been coupled with
personal assaults on any of the eminent public men
with whom have differed. No aspersions of this
character have dishonored my tongue; no epithets
or invectives have fallen from my lips.
But the Clerk admonishes me that the Forty
second Congress has already passed into history,
and wishing you, Senators, useful lives for your
country, aud happy lives for yourselves and thank
ing you for the resolution spread your Journal,
and invoking the favor OF Him who holds the whole
destinies of nations and men In the hollow of His
hand, am ready TO administer the oath of office TO
the Vice President elect, whom l introduce 10
you.
Address of the vIce-PresIdent Elect
YcePresident Wilson, standing at the Secretary's
desk, addressed the Senate as follows:
SENATORS: In assuming the position assigned me |
by the vose of the nation, am not, trust unmind
full of the obligations it imposes. A service here
somewhat prolonged, covering a period crowded |
with great events, and association here with |
nearly two hundred and thirty Senators, many of
them statesmen Of large and varied experience have
impressed upon ideas of the responsibilities
resting upon the occupant of this Chair, over the
rules of the Senate in Parliamentary law and the
Constitution.
In passing then from the seat have held for more
than eighteen years to this Chair trust compre-
hend something of its just requirements, something
too, of tee tone and temper of the Senate In pre-
siding over your deliberations shall ever strive to
be free from personal prejudice and partzan bias as
sense Of public duty and obligations of personal
alike require that shall be consderate
and just, and as impartial as the lot of humanity
permits.
To the justice generosity, and friendly regards of
Senators trust fully 10 appeal for that counsel and
to that forbearaDce and indulgence
which am sure 1 shall often require as your pre-
siding officer.