Birmingham state herald., 1897-03-05

the result, however salutory, will be dearly purchased by departure from the methods prescribed by the senate for it's own guidance. A single instance as in dicated, 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.'"
 IL must not be forgotten that the rules governing this body are founded deep in human experience; that they are the re- suit of centuries of tireless effort in leg islative halls, to conserve, to render sta ble and secure the rights and liberties which have been achieved by conflict By its rules the senate wisely fixes the clamor against the senate, and It's meth ods of procedure, it may be truly said: ''They know not what they do."
 In this chamber alone are preserved without restraint, two essentials of wise legislation and a good government-the evils often result from nasty legislation ---rarely from the delay which follows full discussion and de1iberation. In my humble judgment the historic senate, preserving the unrestricted right of amendment and debate, maintaining in tact the time-honored parliamentary methods and amenities which unfailingly secure action after deliberation-pos- sesses in our scheme of government a value which cannot be measured by words.
 The senate is a perpetual body. In the tefSe words of an eminent senator now present: "The men who framed the constitution had studied thoroughly all former attempts at republican govern ment. History was strewn with the wrecks of unsuccessful democracies. Sometimes the usurpation of the execu- tive power; sometimes the fickleness and unbridled license of the people, had brought popular governments to destruc- tion. To guard against these dangers they placed the chief hope in the sen- ate.
 The senate, which was organized in 17S9, at the inaugurn tion of the govern ment abides and will continue to abide, one and the same body, until the repub- lie itself shall be overthrown, or time shall be no more."
 Twenty four senators who have occu- pied seats in this chamber during my term of office, are no longer members of this body. Five of that number Stan ford. Colquitt, Vance, Stockbridge and Wilson, shattered with the great hall, full of years and honors, have passed from earthly scenes. The fall of the gavel will conclude the long and honor able terms of service of other senators who wHl be borne in kind remembrance
 
 l would do no violence to my feelings if l failed to express my thanks to the officers of this body for the fidelity with which they have discharged their im- portant duties, half the timely assist ance and unfailing courtesy of which I have been the recipient.
 For the able and distinguished gentle man who succeeds me as your presiding officer, l earnestly invoke the same CO., operation and courtesy you have so gen. erously accorded me
 Senators, my parting words have been spoken, and I now discharge my last of- ficial duty, that of declaring the senate adjourned without day.
 SENATEPS EXTRA SESSION.
 The extra session of the senate of the fifty-fifth congress, called by President Cleveland to meet at 12 noon, March 4, then commenced The late vice-president made his way for his successor, MT Ho- lbart, to whom the oath of office was ad- minEstered, after which he made brief address as follows:
 SPEECH OF VICE-PRESIDENT HO-
 BART.
 Senator's: To have been elected to pre- side over the senate of tffe United States is distinction which any citizen would prize, and the manifestation of conf1- dence which it implies is an honor which sincerely appreciate.
 My gratitude and loyalty to the people to whom I owe this honor, and my duty to you as well, demand such conserva- tive, equitable and conscientious con- struction and enforcement of your rules as shall promote the well-being and pros- perity of the people, and at the same time conserve the time-honored prece- dents ard established traditions which have contributed to make this tribunal the most distinguished of the legislative bodies in the world.
 Tn entering upon the duties of the of- fee to which have been chosen, I feel a peculiar delicacy, for I am aware that your body with whom, for time, will be associated, has had but small voice in the selection of its presiding officer, and that I am called upon to conduct your deliberations, while not perhaps your choice in point of either merit or fitness. It will be my constant effort to aid you so far as may, in all reasona ble expedition of the business of the senate and I may be permitted to express the belief that much expedition is the hope of the country. All the interests of good government and the advancement to- ward higher and better condition of things call for prominent and positive legislation at your hands. To obstruct the regular course of wise and prudent legislative action after the fullest and freest discussion is neither consistent with true senatorial courtesy, conducive
 
 plance with their just expectations.
 While assisting in the settlement of the grave questions which devolve upon the senate of the United States, it will be my endeavor to so guide it's deliberations that its wisdom may be made fruitful in works, whilst at the same time exercs- ing such fairness and impartiality with the rules of the senate as shall deserve, at least, your good opinion for the sim cerity of my effort.
 Unfamiliar with your rules and man. ners of procedure, I can only promise that will bring all the ability possess to the faithful discharge of every duty as it may devolve upon me, relying al- ways on your suggestions, your advice and your cooperation, should feel un- equal to the task did not trustfully an- tfcipate that indulgent aid and considera- ton which you have at all times given to my predecessors, and without which I could not hope to acquaint myself to your satisfaction or with any degree of credit.
 Tt shall be my highest aim to justify the confidence the people have reposed in me by discharging my duties in such a man. ner as to tighten your labors, secure your apprecia tion of my honest effort to administer your rules with an eye sin gle to the public good. and promote the