Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1897-01-21

AT intervals of time, for q generation or
more past, constitutional reform has agitated
the minds of our people, until now when
gentlemen of ability. public experience,
character and integrity, representing the
people IN their original sovereign capacity,
chosen by them Tor that purpose and in
conformity with constitutional and legisla-
tive provisionS have assembled in Constitr.
tional Convention to consider and determine
what u any, changes are needed and shall
be made in our fundamental law. AS has
recently been well said by one OF our dis
tingnisbed judges, "A Constitutional Con-
vciition may prove for many long years a
boon or bone to the people who have sum-
moned it, according as 1t acts, with or with
out thorough, impartial and conscientious
investigation and deliberation regarding the
subjects of its action"
Permit me to say, gentlemen, the per-
sonnet of your Convention leaves no doubt
IN the minds of our people as to your sincere
ana patriotic purposes; and, in passing, |
desire on behalf Of the people to congratu-
late You upon the progress which you have
made in your work and wish for you a con-
tinuance of the harmony and good fellow
ship which have thus far characterized your
sessions, trusting YOU may be able to frame
the very best organic law for our people.
have ventured saying this much gentle
men OF the Convention, for the purpose of
encouragement to you, and further to arouse
acts, because of the gravity of your duties
and the result of your labors, upon our State
and her people, without intending in any
way to intermedde with you in the dis
charge of your public services, which fully
recognize are entirely separate and distinct
from the executive and other departments
OF our State government, as it now exists.
Offices are incident to government. They
are created and exist of necessity for the
benefit and convenience of the public
Nothing better facilitates good government
than honest, capable and efficient public
servants; and IN the appointments which |
may he required to make, under the Consti-
tuition or otherwise, ] shall insist upon
honesty, competency and fitness in the APP
plicaDt.
1t will he expected thatII shall for the most
part, az least, appoint men to office who are
IN full sympathy and accord with the adj
herents Of the political party to which | be-
long; yet in my appointments | shall at
all times keep in mind the efficiency and
necessities of the public service.
III | may be called upon to fill vacancies,
or 70 make appointments in our Judiciary, |
shall be governed by my personal knowl-
edge, information and belief respecting the
ability, integrity. legal attainments and fit
ness OF The person or persons who may be
urged therefor, independent of political con-
siderations.
My fellow-citizens, conscious of our obli-
cations toward each other and the Common.
wealth, acknowledging with reverence and
gratitude the Divine Ruler of the Universe.
to whom we are indebted for the manifold
blessings which we enjoy, and for HIS
watcbful care over our individual and
political existence, let us exercise greater
activity for the safety, honor and welfare of
our state, that her past lustre may not be
dimmed, but may continue and grow
brighter with increasing years, and 'that
q tnoo mo t,a Ial k,,
our endeavors, upon the best and surest
foundations, that peace and happiness, truth
and Justice, religion and piety, may be
established among us for all generations"
at the conclusion of tho reading OF
the address Representative Donaldson
moved that the clerks Of both houses
read and compare their respective
journals, which motion was adopted
and complied with.
Clerk Spicer, In concluding the read
ing OF the House journal OF the inaugu-
raj proceedings, announced that "the
journal had been read and approved. !"
evidently anticipating such action
upon the part of the Joint bodies, but
those present were quick to notice the
fact and ripple OF merriment ensued
at the expense of tho genial clerk OF
the House, who was also convulsed
with laughter over the circumstance.
On motion OF Mr.. Donaldson, and
after Mr.. Turner had pronounced the
benediCtion, tho joint session separated.
Gov. Turmoil was escorted to the
State House by ex-Gov. Watson, and
the next executive made preparation to
assume charge Of the office.
Dover, Jan. 20.-Gov. Tunnell's in
duction into office yesterday was
marked with all kinds of festivities.
Last night all the principle residences
of the town were illuminated and the
people generally, irrespective of politi-
cal convictions, united in doing honor
to the chief executive Of the State.
The fact ia noteworthy that the
people Of Delaware, in almost every
instance, accept the verdict as ex-
emplified at the polls but at no recent
inauguration has this fact been moro
strongly emphasized than it was last
night at both the reception and ball.
when Republicans and Democrats Wed
with each other in doing honor to the
| new Governor.
The reception held in the Court
House was success in every particu-
| lar. Long before the appointed time
| the corridors and stairways of the
| Court House were thronged with
people anxious to be among the first to
shake the hand of the Governor and
wish him success during his admins
| trRtion of the office. AS soon as the
doors were opened the crowd made a
rush for places of vaAtage in the court
room, and the benches, chairs and
vacant places we're Immediately filled.
Those who arrived late were at dis
| advantage, because the delightful
music and other attractions impelled
many of those who attended to remain
until the close Of the reception, while
the committee in charge OF the affair
had calculated upon the people retiring
soon after they had congratulated Mr.
Tunnels thus providing room for
others. The consequence was that
what would otherwise have proven a
most delightful affair was rendered
uncomfortable. The reception COM
mittee was composed Of the following
| Caleb s. Pennewill, e. L. Clarke,
James H. Hughes, Thomas @. Frame,
Jr., Col. E. 2. Stacy, William Sauls.
bury, Arley b. Magee, Henry Ridgely.
Jr, II. A. Culbrerh. Gen. G. j. Hart,
j. Harvey Whiteman, Gen. r. l.. Hol.
liday, Gen. r. r. Ksnney. Fl. II.
Cain, II. L. Holden and Gen. G.
Parke Postes. The reception being
concluded most Of those present ro-
paired to the Hotel Richardson, where
| the inaugural ball was in progress.
| Tho 1ancinp was kent I'm until n late