The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1889-04-11


mn the sandstone, and the earth covered
il over with a mantle of living green and
reared above it great mountain oaks to
guard its resting place. Rolling centuries
in their cycles came and passed, and
Natures secret still remained unknown.
At last adventurous man, in destined time.
found out its hiding place, threw off is
green mantle, cast aside the earth which
had so long oppressed 1t, blasted asunder
the sandstone and the rock and brought 1t
forth into the dszzRng sunlight. Knowing
the hidden beauty which 1t concealed be-
meath its rough and ugly garb, he cast 1t
in the burning furnace that heat might
purify and brighten. Soon, gliding
from it's burning bed, a silvery stream ap-
peared, leaping as if in Joy to leave be-
hind its rough and ugly garb, yet, timid
and trembling in its molten state, when
touched by the cold breath at once shrank
back, relieved of dross, into its former
state of beautiful white metal.
Thus destined, the cunning hand of
man soon formed and fashioned it into
this beautiful silver service from whose
bright face is truthfullY reflected every
object which casts its shadow on it. This
buried treasure of the mountains, with
legend so romantic, now beautitied and
made useful by the dextrOus hand OF man,
we, your friends, associates and admirers,
Mr.. President, members of the Twenty
first senate, have secured and now pre-
sent to you as an evidence of our high re-
gard, as a fit tribute to the fair, i'm
partial and intelligent manner
in which you have presided over our de-
liberations, and as a memeDto by which
we hope to be long remembered by one so
honored and esteemed. In coming years,
should kind fortune follow close upon
your steps, we will all rejoice, but should
sorrow cast its shadow once across your
path be assured that from the donors of
this talisman of love kind sympathy will
come.
In reply, Governor Wheeler said that
there we're times when it was not possible
for one to give expression to his feelings
in language, and this was one of those Oc
casions for him. He felt deeply the
kindly spirit which prompted the occas-
ion. He had been "watched," Chained"
and even "caned," but he had never re.
ceived Service" with any more appre-
citation than in the present instance.
Whenever he should contemplate the
brightly shining present it would bring to
mind the unolouded feeling of cordially
and friendship that had existed between
the members and the presiding officer of
the Twenty first senate, and which should
be as lasting as the precious metal of
which the service was made. Upon every
occasion when he should drink from those
beautiful vessels, he would take bumper
to the health of each and every member of
the senate of the Twenty first legislature.
Upon conclusion of Governor Wheeler's
reply, Doctor Smoot stepped forward and
addressed him on behalf of the pages.
The substance of his remarks was about
as follows
Mr.. President-It is with peculiar
pleasure that stand before you to-day as
the representative of the pages of the
senate. There are some scenes in life
which cannot be forgotten and this is one
of them. This days scenes will live in our
memory, because it comes from our
hearts. The senator from Robinson
thrilled my heart as he spoke SO. elo
quently in presenting that silver service,
and now 1 come to hand you this umbrella
in the name of these pages. 1t is silk and
gold, pure and beautiful. Shade as well as
sunshine has its charms. The sweet singer
of Israel sang of the rest to be found in
the shadow of a great rock in weary
land, and from that time to the day when
Tom Moore, in sweet melody, sang of
the Vale of Avoka and it's bosom
of shade, there has been a charm in
the word. Accept this umbrella sir, from
these young gentlemen which are to be
our future legislators and governors.
They are little gentlemen now-their serv-
ice has been efficient and this is their ex-
preston of appreciation of our presiding
officer.
Doctor Smoot then in terms as happy
and appropriate, and reading letter &C
companying the gift presented to Mrs.
Wheeler through the governor, the para
sol from the porters, to both of which
Governor Wheeler feelingly responded.
Regular business was then resumed.
The senate concurred Ill house amend
ments to senate bill validating the sur
veys in the Panhandle; also, on bill pro-
viding for the lease of school lands in I'M
organized counties.
Senator Pope introduced a resolution
of gratitude to the people of the north
who had so generously responded to the
appeals for the Confederate home.
Adopted.
Resolution requesting representatives
in congress to obtain relief for citizens of
Brennan, who suffered by fire occasioned
by United States soldiers, was passed.
Report Of free conference committee
on appropriation bill was adopted.
Senate concurred in house amendments
to bill exempting suburban steam rail
roads from the general laws affecting rail
road corporations and penalties attached
thereto; was passed.
Senator Claiborne called up bill amend
ing charter of the city of Galveston, which
was passed under suspension of the rules.
The senate then went into executive SEES
sion on appointments of notaries, and
when the doors were opened the senate I'D
journed until $3.50 p. m.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The special committee appointed to Sc
lect which clerks should be retained after
the adjournment submitted the following
report: Recommending that Secretary c..