The San Francisco call., 1897-03-05

untry have here found earnest and at times
passionate discussion. This chamber has, IN
deed, been the arena OF great de bate. the rec
ord ., four years OF parliamentary strugg es'
OF masterful debates, OF important legislalloh'
Is closed and passed now 10 the domain OF MS
tory. think l can truly say, in the WORDS "
distinguished predecessor: I'm the dischargV
OF my official duties have known no cause,
no party, no friend"
1t has been my earnest endeavor justly to in
terpret ana faithfully to execute the rules OF
the Senate AT times the temptation may be
strong to compass partisan ends by disregard
or perversion OF the rules yet think it safe
to say the result, however salutary, will b0
dearly purchased by departure from the
methods prescribed by the Senate for its own
guidance. A single instance indicated
might prove the forerunner of untold evils
Twill be recorded for precedent.
And many an error by the same example
Will rush into the State
1t must not be forgotten that the rules gov
erning this body are founded deep in human
experience, that they are the result of cenIu-
ries OF tireless effort in legislative hal 10 con-
serve, to render stable and secure 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 camor against
the Senate and its method of procedure, it
may be truly -sad: 'They know not what
they do" In this cham Der alone are preserved
without restraint Two essentials of wise legis-
lation and of good Government-the right of
amendment and of debate. Great evils often
result from hasty legislation; rarely from the
delays which follow full discussion and delib-
Grafton. In my-humble judgment the historic
Senate, preserving the unrestricted right of
amendmentand of debate, maintaining intact
the time-honored parliamentary methods and
amenities which unfailingly secure action
after deliberation, possesses in our scheme OF
government a value which cannot be meNs-
ured in 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 ell former attempts at re-
publican government. History wa fNre"1H
with the wrecks OF unsuccessful democracleA
Some times the usurpation of the executive
power, sometimes the fickleness and unbridied
license of the people had brought popular
governments to destruction. TO guard against
these dangers they placed their chief hope In
the Senate. The Senate, which was organized
in 1873 at the Inauguration OF the Govern
ment, abides and will continue to abide one
and the same body until the Republic Itself
shall be overthrown or time shall be no more.
Twenty-seven Senators who occupied seats
no longer members OF this body. Five OF that
number-stanford. Colquitt Vance, Stock
bridge and Wiison-shattered with the con-
tentions of the great hall, full OF years and
honors, have passed from earthly scenes. The
fall OF the gavel will conclude the only and
honorable terms of service of other Senators,
who will be borne in kind remembrance by
their associates who remain.
would do violence my feelings if l 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 have been the recipient.
For the able and dis tinguished gentleman
who succeeds me as your presiding officer L
earnestly invoke the same cooperation and
courtesy you have so generously accorded me.
Senator'S: My parting words have been
spoken, and I now discharge my last official
duty-that of declaring the Senate adjourned,
without day.
When Mr.. Stevenson concluded his
speech he took the seat which his sue
cessor had occupied. while Vice President
Hobart took the gavel and announced
prayer by the Chaplain. The audience
arose and remained in an attitude of rev.
erence, while the blind Chaplain of the
Senate, Rev. Mr.. Milburn, opened the
Fifty fifth Congress with prayer.
Then Vice President Hobart made his
opening speech as follow
Senators: To have been electsd t6 pressds
over the Senate of the United States is dis
tinction which any citizen would prize, and
the manifestation of confidence which it fm-
plies is an honor which sincerely appreciate.
My gratitude and loyalty to the people OF the
country, 10 whom owe this honor, and my duty
to you WE'LL demands such Il conservative,
equitable and conscientious construction and
enforcement of your rules shall promote the
well-being and prosperity of the people, and
at the same time conserve the time-honored
precedents and established traditions which
have contributed to make this tribunal the
most distinguished OF the legislative bodies OF
the world.
In entering upon the duties of the office to
which have been chosen l feel peculiar
dellcacy, for am aware that your tody, with
whom for time will be associated, has had
but small voice in the selection OF its presid-
ing officer, and that am called upon to con-
duct your deliberations while not perhaps
your choice IN point OF either merit or fitness.
1t will be my object TO aid you so far es
may in reasonable expedition of the business
of the Senate, and l may be permitted to ex-
press the belief that such expedition is the
hope of the country. All the interests of
good government and advancement toward q
higher and better condition of things call for
prompt and positive legislation at your hands
To obstruct the regular course OF wise and
prudent legislative acton after the fullest and
freest discussion is neither consistent with
true Senatorial courtesy, conducive to the well
fare of the people nor in com pliance with their
just expectations
While assisting in the settlement of the grave
questions which devolve upon the Senate OF
the United States 1t will be my endeavor 10 so
guide its delibera tions that its wisdom may be
fruitful in works, while al the same time ex-
ercising such fairness and impartiality within
the rules of the Senate as shall deserve at
least your good opinion for the sincerity OF my
effort.
Unfamiliar with your rules and manner of
procedure, can only promise that will bring
all the ability 1 possess TO the faithful dis
charge of every duty as it may devolve upot
me, relying always upon your suggestions
your advice and your cooperation, and l
should feel unequal to the task did not truA
and fully anticipate that indulgent aid anIi
consideration that you have at alltimes givtE
to my predecessors, and without which could
Continued on Fourth FuQe.