Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-01-15
GOVERNOR LEEDY's INAUGURAL.

| GOVERNOR LEEDf INAUGURAL.
Governor Morrill, then turned and
presented his successor, Governor
Leedy, who read the following, after
the applause which greeted him had
subsided
| Ladies and Gentlemen-keenlyc conscious
of the responsibilities of the exalted posi-
ton to which the suffrages of our people
have summoned me, deeply grateful to the
citizens of Kansas tor the confidence re-
posed. fearful at times, as I consider the
magnitude of the task confronting, yet
| hopeful bee ause of the many far-reaching
opportunities for helpfulness, I enter upon
the discharge of my official duties.
"One of the most praiseworthy features
of American political life is manifested on
occasions like this, when, after hard
fought battle, period of heated discussion
and intense partisan activity, personal
preferences and political opinions bow to
the expressed will of the majority. 1t is
one of the evidences of the stability of our
form of government 1t is a source of
qualification to me to have the honor of fol-
lowing such a distinguished line of pred
eccssors, not one of whom bears faint
Kansas has been most fortunate hitherto in
her selection of men whom she has called
to the position of chief executive 1t is my
most earnest hope that may prove in some
degree worthy to wear the mantle that
falls from the shoulders of Charles Robin
son and those who have followed him.
I'm other lands the elevation of men to
high and digniied official position is marked
by the blare OF trumpets, the boom of can
non aud the measured tread of martial ar
ray The conspicuous absence of such tin
seled evidences of childish vanity or such
demonstration of tyrannical power is
most gratifying to those who feel that the
American people are thoroughly competent
to govern themselves. The security of
Kansas is not due to the 1,500 militia who
are ready for a call to arms, but rests upon
the broader foundation of the character of
a people who have been weighed In the bal
ance and never found wanting at any crisis
of the nations history since the advent of
this young com monwealth into the sister
hood of states.
COMPLIMENTS TO THE AUDITORS.
II am highly gratlied to meet to-day so
many of my distinguished predecessors and
to have the kindly encouragement and
cheerful good will with which am greeted
by them and by the citizens of our enter
prising capital. That this inaugural ccre-
money has become almost social function
simply proves that we have passed into that
higher civilization which values official dig
nifty at its true worth and weighs its at
tendant gaudy trappings on the proper
SC ales, while we have come to a due and
proper appreciation of the fact that gra-
cious courtesy dwells like benedction
whenever it falls, upon the just or the I'M
just alike.
ITO recount the familiar details of the
history of Kansas would be most superfiu-
Gus task. That history brings the flush of
pride to every aged brow and kindles love
of home in every youthful heart. see here
Nf l.r1,.. ..-I-
who were a great part of those mighty
deeds. behold this beautiful city extend
ing a cordial welcome to the officials to
whom the people of Kansas have for the
next two years delegated their authority.
witness the assembling of host of citi-
zens from every quarter of the common
wealth to cheer this administration on to
The assumption of its high responsible
ties. Under the inspiration of such an en-
vironment l assume my official RESPONSE
bilities, and enter upon the discharge of my
official duties with profound obi cation to
you for your sympathy, with high apprecia-
ton of our peoples confidence, and with
fixed determination to do my duty as see
it, till have finished the term of my service
and return to the state of Kansas, unsoiled
and unsullied, the trust they have reposed
in me-"
LEEDY AND DosTER SWORN IN.
AS Mr.. Leedy concluded, pages bore
to him an abundance of flowers. The
oath was then administered by Chief
Justice Martin.
The concluding incident of the pro-
gram was the induction of Chief JUS
tice Frank Doster. He appeared on
the rostrum escorted by eX-Chief JUS
tice S. A. Kingman and ex-Ohief
Justice A. II. Horton. Before pro-
nouncing the oath, Chief Justice
Martin, addressing Mr.. Doster, said:
Hon. Frank Doster, Chief Justice
elect-The last duty of my official
term of this Office is most pleasant