The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-03-05
9-@17Is-a--------------
HOBART'S FIRST SPEECH,
He Tells the Senate He Counts On It's
Indulgent Aid.

Indulgent Aid.
Washington, March 4.-Following is the
address of Vice President Hobart on as
Stunning the gavel after taking the oath
of office:
Senators: To have been elected to pre-
side over the Senate of the United States
is distinction which any citizen would
prize, and the manifestation of confidence
which 1t implies is an honor which 1 sin
cerely appreciate.
My gratitude and loyalty to the people
of the country to whom owe this honor
and my duty to you, as well, demand such
a conservative. equitable and conscien-
tious construction and enforcement of
your rules as shall promote the well-being
and prosperity Of the people, and at the
same time conserve the time-honored
precedents and established traditions
which have contributed to make this tri-
bunal the most distinguished of the leg
islative bodies in the world.
In entering upon the duties of the office
to which have been chosen, / feel a
peculiar delicacy, for / am aware that
your body with whom, for a time, 1 VIII
b6 dSSOCldl6Oy mas udQ Out a SI1dl voice
in the selection of its presiding officer,
and that 1 am called upon to conduct
your deliberations. while not perhaps
your choice in point of either merits or fit
ness.
1t will be my constant effort to aid you,
SO far as l may, in all reasonable expedi-
ton of the business of the Senate, and
may be permitted to express the belief
that such expedition is the hope of the
country. All the interests of good govern
ment and the advancement toward a high
er and better condition of things, call for
prompt 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 to the welfare of the people.
nor in compliance with their Just expec-
tations. While assisting in the settlement
of the grave questions which deVolve upon
the Senate of the United States, 1t will be
my endeavor TO so guide its deliberations
that its wisdom may be made fruitful in
works, whilst at the same time exercising
such fairness and impartiality, with the
rules of the Senate as shall deserve. at
least, your good opinion for the sincerity
of my effort.
Unfamiliar with your rules and manner
of procedure, 1 can only promise that
will bring all the ability l possess to the
faithful discharge of every duty as II
may devolve upon me, relying always on
your suggestions your advice and your
cooperation, / should feel unequal to the
task did / not trustfully anticipate that
indulgent aid and consideration which
you have at all times given to my prede-
cessors, and without which l could not
hope to acquit myself to your satisfac
ton, or with any degree of personal
credit.
1t 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
appreciation of my honest effort to adj
minister your rules with an eye single to
the public good and promote the pleasant
and efficient transaction of the public
business.
1 trust that our official and personal re-
lations may be alike agreeable; that the
friendships we may form here NAV he
genuine and lasting, and that the work
of the Senate may rebound to the peace
and honor of the country and the pros
perity and happiness Of all the people.