San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1897-03-04

offered resolutions expressing the ap-
probation of the Senate for the able
and impartial discharge of the duties
as presiding officer, by Mr.. Stevenson.
There was a unanimous and hearty
agreement to the resolutions. Com
plimentary resolutions to Frye, presi-
dent protein were also adopted unan-
imOuSly.
At 1870 a. IN. the formal proceed
ingS were fast nearing an end and on
the motion of HOar, the usual reso-
luton was adopted for committee of
two senators to wait on President
Cleveland and inform him the Senate
had concluded its labOrs and was
ready TO adjourn.
Prior to adjournment, the new pres
ident of the Senate. Vice President
Hobart, was sworn matter which Mr.
Stevenson said:
Senators: The hour has arrived
which marks the close of the 9th
Congress and terminates my official
relation to this body. Before laying
down the gavel for the last time, |
may be pardOned for OBTAINING you
for Il moment in the attempt to give
expression to my gratitude for the
uniform courtesy extended me, and
for many kindneSSes shown me-dur-
ing the time it has been my good for
tune to preside over your deliberations.
My appreciation of the resolution of
the Senate personally TO myself can
find no adequate expression in words.
Intentionally have at no time given
Offense and 1 carry from the chamber
no shadow of feeling of unkindness
toward any member or a grievance.
Chief among the favOrs political
fortune has bestowed upon me,
count that of having been the associ-
ate and of having known something of
the friendship of the men with whom
| have so long held official relation
in this chamber. To have been the
presiding officer of this august body
is an honor of which the most illus
triOus citizen might be proud. l am
persuaded that no occupant of this
chamber, during the los years of con-
StitutiOnal history, ever entered upon
this charge of duties pertaining to this
| office more deeply impressed with a
| sense of the responsibility imposed. or
with Il higher appreciation of the char
acter and dignity for the great legis-
lative assembly than |.
During the term just closing, ques-
| tons of deep Importance to political
| parties and to the country have found
| earnest. and at times, passionate dis
cusSiOn. This chamber has indeed
| been the arena of great debates. The
record of four years of parliamentary
| struggles, of masterful debates, of i'm
| portant legislation. is closed, and pas
SEES now to he told by history.
think | can truly say in the words of
n distinguished predecessor, I'm the
discharge of official duties | have
known no cause, no party, no friend
| 1t has been my earnest endeavor To
| justly interpret and faithfully to ex-
ecute the rules of the Senate. AT
times the temptation may be strong
TO compass partisan endeavorS by a
disregard or a perversiOn of the rules
Yet. | think it safe to say the result
however salutary, would be dearly
purchased by q departure from the
methods prescribed by the Senate fol
it's own guidance. 4 single instance
thus indicated might prove the fore
runner of untold events.
ut must not be forgotten that the
rules governing this body are founded
deep in human experience, that they
are the result of centuries of tireleSS
effort in the legislative hall, to con,
serve to render stable and secure
the rights and liberties which have
been achieved by conflict. By rules
the Senate wisely fixes the limit OF its
own power. OF those who clamOl
against the Senate and its methods OF
procedure it can truly be said: They