Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1897-01-18
SANTA N M. MONDAY, JANUARY Is. 1897.

| I greet you as the chosen Law. ma kers O
the great territory of New Mexico. or al
branches Of the government the legisla
tive is the most important and response
BILE. The executive is to carry the law
into effect, the judiciary is to constru'
them if their meaning is uncertain, bu
selves. 1t alone has the power to enact
and to change them. Thus the destiniet
of the people, their veal or woe, are de
pendent OF the legislative branch of the
government.
| 1t is difficult to over-rate the import.
ance of the duties of a legislature or the
responsibility which rests upon it.
And great as these always are, ours are
! far greater than usual. For we meet al
the turning point In the history OF New
Mexico. The question of our statehood
is before congress. For years We have
been unjustly deprived of this fundamen
tai right of American oitizens-that Of
self.government. Ignorant or vicious
men have slandered our fair name and
kept us in political bondage. The quss.
tion is again being considered, and the
eyes OF the country are upon us. They
will watch the course of this Legislature
to Judge whether We are worthy and cap
able Of self-gsv~-it sent. 50 ths record
of this session we must stand or fall. We
have, then, an additional incentive to care
in the performance of our work.
This is not the time or the place for the
suggestion of subjects of legislation But
on one point all are agreed. The finan-
cial condition of the territory and it's
counties calls for our most careful atten-
tion.
There must be large reduction of ex-
penses and this should be made with sole
reference to the public good and without
regard to private interests. The territory
is far more important than any individual.
Many subj jects of large Importance will
be brought to your attention.
But let me remind you that in legisla-
tion it is quality and not quantity that
is of real benefit.
Let us all labor together to secure the
best results from the sixty days that are
allotted to us. Our time belongs to the
people and should be devoted exclusively
to their interest. It is none too long for
the proper discharge of our duties. There
is none to spare for partisan action or
political maneuvres. Let us determine
that in our official action party spirit
shall give place to patriotism, and every
effort shall be made for the good of the
whole people.
It is fully as important to prevent bad
legislation as to enact that which is good.
As a rule not one bill in ten of those in
troduced is necessary and beneficial; and
committees can show their public spirit
by reporting them adversely.
In conclusion, let me express the hope
that at the end of the session We may
look back with pride and satisfaction on
the excellent result of our we'll spent
time; and that the verdict of our con-
stituents will be that those things which
we have done have been we'll done, and
those left undone have been wisely left
undone.
Speaker Llewellyn promptly reminded
the house that its first DUTY was to COM
plete it's organization.
On motion of Mr.. Luna the following
permanent officers were thereupon elect
ed
w. O. Reid, of San Miguel, chief clerk;
Jose Alcarlo Velasqu uez, sergeant-at-arms
and door-keeper; M. F. Sena, of Santa Fe,
translator; Manuel Sisneros, of Lincoln,
interpreter.
The rules of the 3lst legislative assem-
bly, were temporarily adopted.
The house then took recess till p.
m.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The house resumed work at 2 p. m.
with Speaker Lewellyn in the chair.
Messrs. Antonio Ortiz, jr, ]. A. Ma
honey and Max Luna were appointed as
a committee to notify the council that the
house was organized and ready for busi-
ness. Messrs. O. e. Smith, l.. G. Read
and Marcelino Martinez were named as a
similar committee to wait upon the gov
ernor.
The house then took recess until 10
q. m.
Promptly at 2 O'Clock the council was
called to order by President Joseph, who
for several minutes before had been SO
busily engaged distributing fragrant roses
among his friends in the reporters gallery
that he overlooked the fact that the hour
for meeting had arrived. Somebody had
sent the gentleman beautiful bouquet.
Senator Hughes offered resolution
Secretary Miller for the admir-
able arrangements he hal made for the
meeting of the 32d legislative assembly.
This motion was promptly seconded by
Senator Duncan and unanimously adopt
cd.
H. B. Holt, of Las Cruces, was therefore
chosen temporary chief clerk of the coun-
Gil, and Thomas H. Tucker was chosen
thereof, withouta dis
senting voice.
Senators Curry, Chaves and Miera were
appointed as a committee to notify the
house and the governor that the council
was duly organized and ready for busi-
ness.
The rules of the 31st legislative assem-
bly, were temporarily adopted.
The council then adjourned until 10
q. m. tomorrow.
Earthquake Rumbling.
Vienna, Jan. 18.-There was violent
earthquake yesterday evening at Laibaoh
by underground rumbling.