Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1875-03-04
THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR.

In the State Senate on Monday, In pursuance
Of his resignation, Lieut-Governor Withers
took leave ofthe Senate as its presiding officer.
His remarks we're very brief, but impressive.
He said he had assumed the responsible posi-
tion of presiding officer of the Senate with a
very limited experience and it was natural,
therefore, that he should have committed er
rors which one Of larger experience would
have avoided. But be did claim that in the
discharge of his official duties be had been
governed by none but considerations OF public
Welfare. His personal relations with senators
had been pleasant and his thanks were due
for many courtesies and acts of kindness. He
referred to the ability Of his successor and his
high qualifications as presiding officer over
a legislative body, aud in conclusion, rendered
to the Senate his heartfelt wishes for their vel
fare.
MIR. Thomas, on taking the chair, spoke as
follows:
'Oo assuming the responsible duties of pre-
sdog officer Of this body, beg leave to ten.
der to you, and through you to the members Of
the other branch of the General Assembly, my
sincere acknowledgements for the distinguished
honor you have conferred upon me by electing
me to fill the une1pired term of my able and
distinguished predecessor. The duties OF the
Office under the constitution Except in certain
contingency, which sincerely pray may never
occur) are plain, simple and familiar, and from
the we'll known character of the representatives
for dignity aud decorun, apprehend no diff
Guilty in performing its duties.
ave all know that many little Irregularities
may be tolerated 10 a small body that would
cause disorder in a large one, yet we must all
have realized that whilst the strict observance
of rules is most essential to the dignity aud
comfort of the body, it is most difficult to en-
force it. | shall, however, with your co-opera-
ton, endeavor so to enforce them as to ensure
your convenience and comfort, and promote
the dispatch Of your legislation. Your rules
are amply sufficient for that purpose, and l
trust that it will only be necessary to call your
attention to them to ensure their observance
by every seoator. AS presiding officer of the
Senate of Virginia. my duty consists in e1ecut-
ing its will IS set forth 10 its own rules, and by
its own practice, and if it shall appear that
those rules are too strict, it will be better to
repeal or modify them rather than violate
them. We all have common interest, aud
should feel common pride in the order and
dignity of the body, and | anticipate, with full
confidence, the active and earnest cooperation
of every senator in carrying out those salu;ary
regulations. Senators, | trust that may be par
doned in expressing the hope that in all your
legislation you will strive to restore to our be-
loved Commonwealth her aucient glory and re-
nown, aud contribute to the material prosperi-
ty and industry of all her citizens. In this
work, so far as it devolves upon me. can only
promise you faithful apd impartial discharge
of my duties that will avoid no responsible
ty, but seek to act with the utm ost impartiall-
ty and respect to all. y