The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-03-05
Proceedings Incident to the Resignation o.
Mr.. Davis.

Proceedings Incident to the Resignation of
Mr.. Davis
WASHINGTON, March 3.-In the Senate, to-
day, the followings were had:
Mr. Bayard offered the following, which
was agreed to unanimously:
Resolved, That the thanks of the Senate of
the United States are due and hereby rendered
Illinois, for the courteous, Impartial and able
manner in which he has presided over their de-
liberations and fulfilled the duties of President
pro temrore of the Senate"
At II o'clock Mr.. Davis, President pro
tempore of the Senate in resigning that
Office, pursuant to notice given some days
since delivered the following address:
"Senators-Gratitude fails to express the feel
ing which moves me in responding to the gen.
erous expressions in the resolutions you have
adopted AS the presiding officer of this hon
ored body have received courteous co opera
tion from both sides and constant kindness in
the discharge of my official duties and in per-
sonal Intercourse. | ought to be, and I believe
am, fully sensible of the obligations imposed by
these acts, the more SO as l entered upon the
duties of the chair almost a stranger to parlia-
mentary functions.
'Six years have passed away since the Legis-
lature OF Illinois conferred upon me the trust
which is about TO expire by constitutional iimi-
tation. l neither sought nor expected an cleo
tion, which was brought about by the union of
different elements. Political convictions have
separated me from the two great parties, and
have subjected my actions here and elsewhere
TO the criticism of the organs of both organiza-
tlons. pubic man who steps outside of the
regular party lines is exposed to misrepresenta-
tiOn of his motives and TO the charge OF weak
ness in his conduct. He gains little credit for
the moral courage of self-assertion, and none
for casting aside ambition in defense of his
principles.
"In legislating L have striven to consider
measures solely with reference to the public
good, and without the least regard to their po-
lltlcal paternity. Above and beyond all other
objects, my great aim has been TO extn-
guish the strife of sections, and to see the Union
restored in all its integrity, with refreshed and
increased grandeur. Thank God, that happy
day has almost come! North and South are
only geographical expressions. Fifty millions
OF free, happy and prosperous people rejoice in
est of human trials. L shall carry away with
me, and cherish a solace in private life, the
cordial friendships formed here. 1t will he q
constant pleasure to reflect upon that no jar has
disturbed the administration of the high office
now resign, bidding an affectiOnate farewell to
every member OF the Senate and every officer
connected with it,"
Mr. Anthony offered a resolution declar-
ing George f. Edmunds, senator from the
State of Vermont, elected president pro tenn
pore of the Senate
Mr. Pendleton moved to amend so as to
make the resolution apply to Thomas F..
Bayard, senator from the State of Della
ware"
The amendment was lost. Mr. Edmunds
was then elected. The secretary, having an
nounced the result, requested Messrs. An
thony and Bayard to conduct him to the
chair and they did So Mr.. Edmunds, stand
ing by the clerks desk said:
Senators: beg leave to thank the Senate sim
cerely for the honor it has conferred upon me,
and to say 1 shall enGeavor to discharge the
duties imposed with fidelity AS l think that
under the law ought to take the oath of office,
| ask the senator from Rhode island, the oldest
present. to administer it.
Mr.. Anthony administered the oath, and
Mr.. Edmunds then took the chair.