The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1883-01-19
Governor Pattison's Inauguration.

Ou Tuesday last at IL o'clock noon,
Henry M. Hoyt laid down the reins of
the state government, and Robert f..
Pattison was sworn in as Governor of
Pennsylvania for the next four years.
In Difference to the wishes of Mr. Pat
tison there was no military display,
but the city was thronged with people,
and number of political organizations,
bands and fire companies made an i'm
posing procession which paraded the
streets before the inaugural ceremonies
at the Capitol. Soon after twelve
o'clock, Governor Hoyt and staff and
Governor Pattison and staff made
their appearance on the portico of the
legislative hall, and after prayer by
Rev. DR.. Robson, the oath of office
was administered by Justice Turnkey
of the Supreme Court The inaugural
address was then delivered, but it was
inaudibie but to few in close prox-
nifty, owing to the confusion of the
dense crowd of many thousands ofpeo-
pie.
AT the conclusion of the inaugural
address the senate and house proceeded
to their respective chambers. The
house Immediately adjourned. In the
senate Lieutenant Governor Stone an
nounced that the governor had been
inducted into Office, and his address
would be placed upon the desks OF
members.
Hon. Chauncey f. Black was then
qualified as lieutenant governor by
Judge Turnkey.
Upon taking the chair the lieutenant
governor delivered the following digni-
fled, well-timed and non-partisau ad-
dress to the senate.
SENATORS 1t can hardly be neces-
sary for me to say that | assume the
duties of this chair with extreme diff
dence. The rules which govern your
proceedings are, in great part, the gar
nered fruits of the long experience of
our race in free parliamentary bust
ness. Their just observance is essen,
tial to the proper dispatch of your af-
fairs, to the due order of your de-
liberations, and, in some instances, to
the protection of the constitutional
rights of the freemen of the state.
But they constitute a distinct body of
law, and kind, which you of all men,
best know, can be acquired only by pa
tient application, accompanied by prac
tical experience.
My predecessors in Office were, both
of them, distinguished senators before
they were called to the high place which
l now approach without previous train
ing in this or any other Legislative body.
This circumstance will, trust, be gen
erously reckoned to me in partial ex-
tenuation, at least, of the sharp con-
trasts which must presently appear be-
tween their administrations and mine.
l shall be content, however, if, while
failing totally to rival their efficiency
in many important duties of the office,
l shall be able to command the appro-
baton OF the senate for the simple in
tegrity of purpose which intend shall
be the sole inspiration of my conduct.
In this chair | shall conscientiously en-.
deavor to forget not merely personal
attachments, but political distinctions,
and remember only my duty to the
state and the senate. Upon this can.
did declaration of the spirit which act
yates me in assuming my constitutional
relations with you, do now most earn.
estly bespeak your patience and for
bearance in the many difficult situations
which doubtless await me.
Although president of the senate in
virtue of the office to which have been
called by the will of the people, | a,n
not unmindful of the restrictions upon
this function of the lieutenant COVER
nor. He presides, but he has save one
neither privilege nor power, unless it
be comprehendeG by fair interpreta-
tion of that word. He has no voice in
debate and no vote, but in the rare case
of tie. In my reading of the consti
tuition, he has no right whatever to be
heard in this chamber except in neccss
AIRY explanation of his rulings, and he
has no more right on the occasion of
his taking the oath than he has or any
other to abuse your courtesy by iDdul-
gence in the discussion of topics beyond
these limits Believing that what |
have already said is admissible, because
it is in the nature of such an explana-
ton, and therefore proper to this cere.
mony, | feel that | have no further
claim to your attention.
Senators ! am ready to proceed
with the business of the state
The senate then adjourned until four
o'clock.