The Van Buren press., 1874-11-24
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
SENATE.
THURSDAY, Nov. 12, 1874.

THURSDAY, Nov. 12, 1874.
At 10 O'Clock the senate was called 10
order.
The president announced the following
message from Gov. Garland, which the
secretary read:
To THE SPEAKER OF THE House OF REP
REsENTATIvEs, ETC
Having been duly notified that ] was
chosen governor Of the state of Arkan
sas at the election held on the 18th day
of October, have to say in reply, have
qualified according to the constitution,
and have entered upon the discharge of
the duties of that office.
In doing this, hope fully appreciate
the responsibilities assumed by me in
connection with that high trust, as l
know entertain every possible misgiv.
ing as to my ability to Gil the position as
it should be. | can make no more
pledges than made in the late canvass
to faithfully carry out and execute, in
both meaning and spirit, the constitution
submitted to the people at the same elec-
ton at which was chosen, and to ad
minister justly the laws made in pnrsu-
ance Of that constitution. The platform
of the party that nominated me had, as
its main feature, the constitution l have
sworn to support, and promised an ad-
minstration of the government just and
liberal to all, oppressive and proscriptive
to none. In accepting the nomination |
unreservedly committed myself to this
policy, and now, again, in taking the
oath Of office, Irepeat the solemn avowal
that | shall strive to so administer the
government under our constitution that
" the protection Of The rights Of the whole
people shall be complete "
/: would be unnatural IL we did not re-
joice at our great victory in favor of a
government of the state by the people
once more and we would be untrue to
principle if we did not rejoice at the re
cent splendid exhibition of popular su-
premacy all over our union, from New
York to Louisiana, from Texas to Vir-
ginia. But while we do congratulate
ourselves and the people of our sister
states, we must use the victory prudent
ly and wisely, and show the world we are
worthy of it. Let no animosities Of the
past mar its beauty--let no bitter memo
ries Of other days spoil its charms or less
en- its benefits. Let US forget the past,
only SO far as it may serve to warn us
against the evils in the administration of
our government, and go forward to rem
edy those evils, and make and enforce a
government for all alike, with its benefits
and its burdens.
We want no strife, no turmoil, but we
want and must have peace and order,
and to this end the laws should and must
be enforced rigidly, but no man living
under them should be unjustly or illegal
ly deprived of one iota Of his rights and
let no man be put in fear or injured, or
denied any right on account Of race, col
or or previous condition Of servtude, or
on account of former residence, or differ.
ence in political opinion.
Our united energies directed, upon this
theory, to the development Of the re-
sources of the state, will in n short time,
destroy forever the dark and ugly spots
of the past in the history, and will make
her place lovely to be looked upon, and
Of which all people will delight to write
and speak We will then prove we not
only have good government, but that
we properly appreciate its blessings, and
know how to manage and control such a
government
His excellency, Gov. Baxter has sub
mitted to the Legislature bis message,
giving view of the condition of the
state This message merits, as it will
doubtless receive, the most mature and
earnest consideration Of the Legislature.
From time to time during the session,
it will be my pleasure to call attention to
such matters as may deem it my duty,
under the constitution, to advise action
upon by the legislature; and at all times
it will be my pride to co operate with
them in everything tending to promote
the welfare Of the people, for whose pro
lection the government exists.
Very respectfully,
A. II. GARLAND.
Senator Pindall moved the receipt OF
Al III II h, ha