Huntsville gazette., 1893-03-04

Lei p Morton.
and the company as distinguished as
could well be, inasmuch as scarcely a
senator of prominence was absent.
Among the other guests who partici-
pated in the proceedings were ex-Sen-
ators William M. Evarts and L. w.
Palmer, Gen. Alger, Mr.. Frank Hatton,
Mr.. P. V. DeGraw, Mr.. Ii. l.. West and
Mr.. II. C. Clarke.
Senator Henderson, who is president
pro tenn. of the senate. acted as toast
master, and his ready wit and graceful
repartee never once permitted the pro.
ceedings to flag.
Messrs. Hale, Cockrell. Evarts, Villas
and other orators were fully equal to
the occasion. The guest of the even
ing, the vice-president responded as
follows: ''There are events in the life
Of every man that stand out with some
prominence, and make such imprints
upon him that an indelible impression
remains while memory holds its seat.
This occasion, SO fattering to me, the
speeches so complimentary, your greet
ingEsnd the hearty good will expressed
in such pleasing form, shall ever live
within the book and volume of my
brain unmixt with baser matter
-Four years ago, l came, through
the suffrages of citizens OF this great
republic, to the high place the main
dnty of which is to preside over the de-
Lucrative body recognized as the high
est in the world, of which you, the rep
resentatives of forty-four sovereign
are members. l brought to the posi-
tion very limited experience and but
little knowledge of parliamentary law,
for the lines of my life had been cast
in places where such knowledge is not
to be acquired. 1 felt the full force
of my shortcomings, but relied
with trusting confidence upon
that gentle forbearance that has
ever characterized the senate of the
United States. Experience has shown
that my trust had abundant founda-
ton. That 1 have served the senate
acceptably, and am fain to believe SO,
from the earnest recognition you have
given me here and elsewhere has been
because of the generous and unselfish
support received by me from all mem
bers of the body without distinction of
parties, without bias from political
affiliations.
81 would be lacking in the common
sensibilitlcs did I not feel overwhelmed
with gratitude and express in the
strongest words that my tongue (too
feeble to express the full emotions Of
my heart) is capable of forming, the
thanks, the sincere and hearty thanks,
with which | acknowledge the compli-
ment so generously paid me.
II am greatly beholden, also, to t he
efficient officers and employees Of the
senate. who, smoothing my way, have
been the guides along parliamentary
path by me unexplored and over many
rugged road to me unknown.
''The distinguished gentleman who
will in few days succeed me has
cause for congratulation, and at the
end of his service will have like occa-
sion for satisfaction that the support
and countenance ever accorded to its
presiding officer by the senate will be
his, rendering the performance of
grave and important duty a pleasant
and attractive function
Mr.. Morton closed by gra ceful allu-
sion to the retiring president, of whom
he said:
''In a few days there will pass to
private life, the man who won distinc-
ton as soldier in the period of war
and lasting renown as civilian in
time of peace. A patriotic citizen, a
safe counsellor, thorough statesman,
wise ruler, the name of Benjamin
Harrison will shine brighter with the
light that comes with every passing
year"
His remarks were received with every
demonstration of cordial approval.
Ex-senator Evarts touchingly re-
ferred to President Harrison's domestic
Affections, and then proposed his health
He followed the toast with a speech,
which was well received
Senator Hale followed with the most
humorous speech Of the evening, and
Mr.. Cockrell, of Missouri, made his
torical reference to the twenty-five vice.
presidents who have heretofore filled
the chair. OF whom Mr. Morton y shs
snfn s.iayiyAF