The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1897-02-27

Sacramento feels especially proud of
the honor conferred upon her guest,
because she has ever been his loyal.
steadfaSt friend, and the same qualities
of mind and heart by which he gained
our friendship, have indelibly impressed
themselves upon the State and Nation.
'As citizen, his private life has been
clean and pure: the records of the
Courts bear witness to his distin-
guished ability as a lawyer and jurist.
In this very chamber began his illus
triOuS career as a statesman, which
has deepened and expanded, until now
he has become, not alone the represen-
tative of a single State, but instead the
councillor of our whole great country.
Again, as citizen, lawyer, jurist,
statesman, present to you CALIFORNIA;
foremost representative, Joseph Nc
Kenna."
SPEAKER COOMBS.
Speaker COombs, in reply, said:
Judge Joseph McKenna is invited to
take his place at the Speakers desk"
Judge McKenna, escorted by Mr..
Bruner, marched up to the dais and
was welcomed to the Speakers chair,
with Governor Budd and President pro
TEN Thomas ]. Flint, on his left, and
Speaker Coombs and Lieutenant-Gov-
ernor Jeter on his right.
Speaker Coombs then said: Gentle
men of the Assembly, and invited
guests: a great distinction has been
conferred on California and we can
congratulate our State that one of her
citizens has been invited to take a seat
in the Cabinet of the President of the
United States. 1t shows a great ad-
vance in the civilization and the recog-
milton of California as one of the adj
Vanced States of the Union.
The choice of President ELECT Nc
kinley has fallen on an ex-member of
this House. We know from his char
acter and his high ability, and we
know from his former career, that Cal
ifornia's fondest hopes will be fulfilled
in time.
Il have the honor to present to you
Hon Joseph McKenna."
After the tumultouS applause had
subsidized, Judge McKenna spoke as fol-
lows:
Mr.. Speaker members of the Assem-
bly,, gentlemen and ladies: If it would
l.
I am surprised at this reception to-
night. l was invited to meet a few
friends at a social dinner 1 submit
to you if this is a social dinner.
But I need not be surprised at any
thing Sacramento may do. / have al
ways had the pleasantest experiences
in Sacramento. My recollections of the
time when / was in the Legislature
during its tWenty-first session, when
represented SOlano county, have al
ways been dear to me. Everyone was
kind to me.
Il have lately been inclined to dis
claim some of the fiattering things that
have been said Of me, as ! fear that |
may not be able to carry out the ex
pectations of the people of California
! make no disclaimer that the position
Of a Cabinet officer is a great position
but 1 fear that the benefits to the State
will not be very tangible.
There is, however, something in the
sentiment of knowing that the Ma
ton from the Pacific Coast. 1t may
tend to extend the influence of the
state. l go into the Cabinet as a Cal
ifornian. That is my brightest title
| go into it as the first representative
Of the State. That shall be my ad-
monition and incentive. l may be sue
ceeded by better men, but never by
men with better intentions.
4 was a member of the Legislature
when your seat, Nj. Speaker. was oc-
cupied by Hon. G. j. Carpenter of FL
Dorado, and a better man never lived
ON the floor was John r. Mcconnell of
Los Angeles. and there was not 2
brighter man there. Judge Lawrence
Archer Of San Jose, who was a con-
scientious and upright legislator, was
also there. c. p. Berry, who is now
Assistant Treasurer Of the United
States in San Francisco, represented
suffer county, and was recognized as
sterling man. Judge j. V. Coffey
who has so long been q Judge of the
Superior Court of San Francisco. was
also u member of the House. and ]. ],
Scribner Of Stanislaus was there. too
But time would fail me TO tell of the
many good men who were with me in
that Legislature.
In the other House was James r
Farley. who represented Amador and
Alpine. and who was afterward elected
United States Senator. Edgerton. Pen
dergast. Lewis. Pierson. and many 9TH
ers who We're dear and warm friends
Il am about to say farewell to Cali
fornia for awhile. l do it in sadness
but l do il in hope I shall carry
with NE this kindness, and will do my
best TO deserve it
The chosen Cabinet officer was then
escorted from the dais and down the
hall by the Committee of Reception
headed by the Mayor and arm arm
with Mr.. Bruner, all the vast assem-
blage on their feet and cheering vocif-
erously.
After Judge McKenna and the COM
mittee Left the Assembly chamber the
crowd was evidently unwilling to dis
perse. and there were vociferous calls
for "Budd'" Then the Executive was
introduced by the Speaker.
THE GOVERNOR SPEAKS.
Governor Budd said in effect: I'VE
have witnessed here, in the reception to
Hon. Joseph McKenna by all the city
and both Houses of the Legislature, one
of the noble things that arise in the
hearts Of Californians. No matter for
party no matter for religion, all have
united to do honor to our well-known
guest. known 10 US in the Assembly, in
Congress, and on the bench as ever act
i've and constant in the discharge of
duty
And now he goes from us to one of
the greatest positions attainable by any
American. His voice will assist at the
council board of the nation. and he
might be. in certain contingencies.
booked for the Presidency of the United
States. He Is, in fact. successor by law
10 that position