Montgomery County sentinel., 1888-04-06
President Peters Address.

Following is the address delivered by
President Peter before adjourning the Sen
ate finally, which expresses the earnest and
honest CO cooperation that the membership of
that body have worked together to legislate
for the good of the States interest:
Senators, the clock upon the wall, which
las noted the time tor our meetings the last
ninety days, now points to the hour when
it beco mes my duty to adjourn this body
sine die. We assembled here to discharge
certain duties to our State and our people,
the highest of which was to protect the
rights of the people and enact such laws as
would best promote their interests and pros
perity in the future. How we have per-
formed our duties is not for me to say. The
unknown future can only reveal the good
or bad effects Of our legislation. / feel justi-
fled in saying of one and all of this body,
we have tried to do we'll, the best of our
abilities has been exerted in throwing around
legislation every possible safeguard. II in
any particular we have failed, l am sure
just and generous public will ascribe such
failure to the falibility of human judgment,
rather than the Intentional error of crafty
and designing men. Already we are CON
demned by that class whose lives have been
SO devoted, by seeing nothing good in their
fellow. men. that it would be even strange,
and should feel there was just cause for
each one OF us to doubt the goodness of acts,
if he received their praise and commenda-
ton. AS large majority of this body were
Democrats, that party will, as party, be
held responsible tor our acts, and as Demo-
Gratis we must assume the responsibility. l
can safely say there never has been assem-
bed in this room body of men who have
worked together with more accord, or who
have been freer from the disturbing element
of political acrimeny and partisan spirit.
We have lived in Maryland to see the day
when the past is SO far buried and forgot
ten that secessionists and rebels Of war times
are willing to vote appropriations to erect
monuments to the value of Union soldiers,
and those of Union sentiments are willing
to vote appropriations to buy home and
provide support for the wounded and
needy soldiers of the Southern army. l
have noticed upon the floor, day after day,
in matters of legislation, the Republicans
were quite as often divided In their senti
ment In the support of measures as the
Democrats. Gould there be a better and
safer criterion by which to judge that each
one, regardless of party, was trying TO do
what he econscientiously believed to be right
For myself, when l took the position of
President of the body, it was with the grav-
est fears and distrust Of my own ability to
perform its duties, and with heart full OF
gratitude to each one of you, not only for
your kindness and courtesy, but for the for
bearance you have each exercised towards
me, and for the sustaining counsel and help
you afforded me at all times. l, alone, can
realize how much | owe to you, my brother
Senators, for the manner in which l have
presided during this session. and the har-
mony which has prevailed in our discus
sions. must not be unmindful of our OFF,
GERS. / have specially to thank the Secre-
tary for his prompt aid at all times, and all
the other officers for the promptness, skill
and diligence in the performance Of their
several duties; and now, with my last
wishes, that each may return to his home,
from which he has been so long separated, +,
to gladden. and cheer the family circle, bear
ing with him the remembrance of the friend
ships formed during the session, the recol-
lections of which may be happy to recall in
the future, bid you, one and all, an affec-
| tionate farewell,