New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-05

awaken in him hopes which even he may not be
bold enough to express in words? The stolid Feat
ures Of Grover Cleveland betray neither inter-
est in the scenes about him nor concern over
being made the cynosure Of thousand eyes. HIS
glance sweeps the assembly; how many friends
does 1t encounter? Little he cares. perhaps.
and less. no doubt the Senate. The undsputed
leader OF a united Democracy, he has become In
the short space OF twelve years a imam without
party" Does he perctance. recall the scene
In 1885. when he sat In that same place. In the
identical chair. perhaps, which he occupies now!
Does he trace step by step that marvellous ca
reer which an inscrutable Providence thrust
upon him. from the day his fellow-citizens
dragged him out OF his chambers over the saloon
in Buffalo to make him Mayor Of their city. to
that period in his life when to have Congress
on my hands" seemed like an impertnent inter-
ference with his personal comfort and goading
the United States Senate into hostility or a
blunt refusal to execute the law he sworn
to execute had become the pleasing excitement OF
his busy hours? Oh. for the magic ray which
during the brief space of a simple moment could
disclose the workings Of that mind.
II Is no time. however. for reflections. Al
ready the oath Of Office is being administered to
the new Vice. President. The sound Of his voice
reverberates in the chamber 1t is a solemn voice,
a voice trne artificial but still impressive. The
response is firm and decisive-evidently that OF
a man who knows his mind.
MR.. sTEvENsON's FAREWELL.
The outgoing President turns to address
the Senate for the last time. He says reading
from manuscript:
Senators: The hour has arrived which marks
the close of the LTVth Congress and terminates
my official relation TO this body. Before laying
doned for OBTAINING you for a moment. in the at
tempt TO give expression to my gratitude for the
kindnesses shown me, during the time 1t has been
my good fortune to preside over your delibera-
lions. Ny appreciation of the resolution OF the
expression In words. Intentionally J. nave AZ no
e sve shaao Feeling Of
any Senator-no memory Of grievance.
ch o"s the eo a Of avns e
the associate and of having known something of
sng hed Df M' hs TO
have been the presiding officer of this august body
Is an honor Of which even the most 1 nus
occupant of this chair during the los years or
discharge OF the duties pertaining to this office
deeply impressed with sense OF the re-
ton of the character and dignity of the great
legislative assembly.
During the term just closing questions OF deep
import to political parties and to the country
have here found earnest and at time passionate
discussion This chamber has indeed been the
arena of great debate. The record Of four years
of parliamentary struggles. OF masterfu debates.
OF important legislation. is closed and passes now
to the domain of history
I think | can truly say. in the words OF a dis
tinsushed predecessor I'm the discharge OF my
no friend" 1t has been my earnest endeavor
Justly Of 70 b rp ana thy 10 ,ny
be strong to compass partisan ends by a disre-
gard or a perversion OF the rules. Yet think 1t
fe IN he
dearly purchased by departure from the meth
DDS prescribed by the Senate for it's own guidance
4 single instance indicated might prove the
forerunncr of untold evils.
Twill be recorded FOR a precedent.
And many by the same example.
viii rush into the State.
II must not be forgotten that the rules governing
this body were founded deep in human experience;
that they are the result Of centuries OF tireess eff
and secure the rights and liberties which have been
achieved by conflict. BY its rules the Senate wisely
r SGn r' against the senSe and its methods of pro-
cedure it may be truly sad; Ihry know nor what
witbou restraint. two essentials Of wise legislation
and of good government the right Of amendment
legislation rarely from the delay which follows full
discussion and deberation In my l,. humble judg-
strIcted right of amendment and of debate, main
tanning intact the
action after deiberation. possesses in our scheme
of government a value which cannot be measured
The senate is a perpetual body. In the terse
words OF eminent Senator now present; The
mon who framed the Constitution had studied thor
oughly all former attempts at Republican, Govern
ment History was strewn with the wrecks OF un-
successful Democracies. Sometimes the usurpation
of the Executive power, sometimes the hckleness
and unbridled license of the people, had brought
nonular governments TO destruction. To guard
against these dangers they placed their chief hope
in the Senate The Senate. which was organized
in l7se, at the inauguration of the Government,
abdes and will continue abide. one and the same
body until the Republic itself shall be overthrown.
or time shall be 10 more.
Twenty-four Senators who have occupied seats
in this chamber during my term of office are no
longer members of this body. Five OF that number
Stanford, colquitt. Vance stockbrldge and Wilson
Hall" full of years and of honors. have passed
from earthly scenes. The fall of the gavel will
conc uIde the long and honorable terms of service
of other Senators. who will be borne in kind re-
mcmbrance by their associates who remain.
would do violence to my feelings II failed TO
EXPRESS my thanks to the officers of this body for
the fidelity with which they have discharged their