The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1897-03-05


words. Intentionally, l have at no
time given offense, and l carry
from this presence no shadow of
feeling of unkindness toward any
senator-no memory of griev-
ance.
Chief among the favors political
fortune has bestowed upon me I
count that of having been the asso-
ciate-and Of having known some-
thing of the friendship-of the men
with whom 1 have so long held
official relations in this chamber.
That l have been the presiding
officer of the august body is an
honor of which even the most Illus
trious citizen might be proud
am persuaded that no occupant OF
this chair. during the los years of
our constitutional history, ever en-
tered upon the discharge of the
duties pertaining to this office more
deeply impressed with a sense OF
the responsibilities imposed or with
a higher appreciation of the char
acter and dignity of the executive
assembly.
During the term just closing ques-
tons of deep import to all political
parties and to the country have
here found earnest and at times
passionate discussion. This chamber
has indeed been the arena of great
debate. The record of four years
of parliamentary struggles of mas
terful debates, of important legis-
lation. is closed, and passes now to
the domain of history.
1 think l can truly say, in the
words of a distinguished prede-
cessor: In the discharge of my
official duties have known no
cause, no party. no friend
1t has been my earnest endeavor
to interpret and faithfully to eX-
ecute the rules of the senate. At
times the temptation may be strong
to compass partisan ends by dis
regard or perversion of the rules,
yet, think it safe to say the result,
however salutary, will. be dearly
purchased by a departure from the
methods prescribed by the senate for
its guidance. A single instance as
indicated might prove the forerun-
ner of untold evils. twill be re-
corded for a precedent, and many
an error by the same example will
rush into the state"
It must not be forgotten that the
rules governing this body are found
ed deep in human experience; that
they are the result of centuries of
tireless effort in legislative halls to
conserve, TO render stable and Sc
cure. the rights and liberties which
have been achieved by conflict. By
its rules the senate wisely fixes
the limits to its own power OF
those who clamor against the SEN
ate and its method of procedure, it
may be truly said:
They know not what they do"
In this chamber alone are pre-
served without restraint two essen
tials of wise legislation and of good
government-the right of amend
ment and debate. Great evils often
result from hasty egislation-rarely
from the delay which follows full
discussion and elaboration. In my
humble judgment, the historic SEN
ate-preserving the unrestricted
right of amendment and of debate,
maintaining intact the time-hon-
ored parliamentary methods and
amenities which unfailingly secure
action after ration-possess
in our scheme of government val
ue which cannot be measured by
words.
The senate is a perpetual body.
In the terSe words of an eminent
senator now present, 1.-The men who
framed the constitution had studied
thoroughly all former attempts at
republican government. History
was strewn with the wrecks of I'M
successful democracieS. Some
times the usurpation of the execu-
tive power. sometimes the fickleness
and unbridled license of the people
had brought popular governments
to destruction. To guard against
those dangers, they placed their
chief hope in tie senate.
The senate, which was organized
in 1889, at the Inauguration of the
government, abides and viii Icon
tinue to abide one and the same
body until the republic itself shall
be overthrown, or time shall be no
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, Stockbridge and Wilson
shattered with the contentious of
the great hail." full of years and
honors, have passed from earthly
scenes. The fall of the gavel will
conclude manly and honorable
terms of service of other senators,
who will be borne in kind remem-
brance by their associates who re-
main.
1 would do violence to my feel
ings if I failed to express my
thanks to the officers of this body
for the fidelity with which they
have discharged their important
duties and for the timely assistance
and unfailing courtesy of which 1
have been the recipient
For the able and distinguished
gentleman who succeeds me as
your presiding officer, 1 earnestly
invoke the same cooperation and
courtesy you have so generously
accorded me.
Senators: My parting words have
been spoken, and l now discharge
my last official duty, that of de-
claring the senate adjourned, with
out day.
When Mr.. Stevenson concluded his
,ech he took the seat which his sue
,eech he took the seat which his sue
mt Hobart took the gavel, and an
)unced prayer by the chaplain. The
Idience rose and remained in an at
tude ofs reverence while the blind
laplain of the senate, Rev. Mr.. Mil
i'm, opened the Fifty-fifth congress
it'll prayer.
Then Vice-President Hobart made
S opening speech, as follows: