Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-02

| and coordinate departments Of the gov
| ernment can come together as for a mo-
ment and clasping hands. give TO each
| other inspiration for the faithful dis
charge of the high and sacred duties
that have been imposed upon them by
cOnhding people In all our work let us
remember that we have taken solemn
oaths, sanctihed, as has been the case
to-day. by the prayers Of the sanity
! man of God whose reverent voice on so
many similar occasions has made petit
tion to a heavenly throne for wisdom
and guidance for the rulers of our great
Commonwealth.
BEST SERVICES PLEDGED.
Let us not forget that we have pledged
the best services that we can render,
| and. without fear. favor. or affection,
resolve that we will faithfully discharge
our duties. You have already shown in
the thirty days of your session that you
are fully alive 10 the needs of the peo-
pie. and l am aware Of the fact that
this is not the time or hour for me TO
dwell i'm detail on measures l might
bring to your attention. At the proper
time, If occasion requires IT, / may make
suggestions on special subjects with
hope of aiding you in the discharge of
your arduous duties. (Applause)
/ hope i may be permitted 10 take ad-
vantage Of this occasion 10 make my ac-
acknowledgements to the people Of Vlr-
ginia for the high honor they have con-
fcrred upon me. and TO assure them of
my regard for the things that are dear
TO the hearts Of us all. and Of the sense
Of responsibility resting upon me in
giving to our Commonwealth interests,
as far as my authority extends. full pro-
lection and fostering care. The people
Of Virginia have right TO expect much
Of their public servants. Serving the
State in this Commonwealth has been
made sacred by the unselfish patriotism
and transcendent wisdom of the worlds
foremost political thinkers. writers, and
warriors. 1 could not hope TO equal
many who have gone before me, but to
the best of my ability I would not dis
appoint the kind friends whose efforts
have brought me to this place and hour.
TO TRADES OR PROMISES MADE.
The present has it's duties and its prob
lens no less urgent and momentous than
the past. l believe in that sublime poll
teal proverb, Eternal vigilance is the
price of liberty" As a fitting preparation
for the exercise of such vigilance 1 am
glad to say here. at the outset, that to
whatever duties the present calls me,
can bring an unfettered, uncOmmitted
untrammelled freedom Of thought and Of
action Not one i'm this Commonwealth
can rise up and say truthfully that to
further any political ambition of NV own
i have ever made any trade. combination.
or promise either as to men or measures
/ have borne the commission of the Demo-
cratic party as set forth in its platform
OF principles, and to that only do stand
committed. I would not thus emphasize
a condition that should accompany all
public service save for the fact that IL
may be of benefit 10 the young men of
my State Too many evil-minded men
are gaining public yantage-ground in the
various CommOnwealths of our American
republic by the shameless barter of sa-
cred trusts and the use of improper
means for ACKNOWLEDGMENT Too
often the minds OF the young are led to
believe that the old-time honor and dig |
nifty Of public station has departed. I |
can say TO our Virginia boys that the |
people are true, kind. and honorable / |
have gone among them and found that |
the high ideals of our political system |
have not departed from them. And as |
stand here to-day. virtually in the eyes |
Of all the Virginians, 1 would say |
to the young men OF my State Resist the |
insidious increepings Of the scheming |
demagogue and the imported barterer of 1
puDnc sunrdSe' remain true 10 the best |
traditions of this noble State; commit |
your ways with purity in private life, and |
let all your public aspirations accord |
with an honesty Of public purpose to your
This you will find the
only sure road to the permanent good |
will OF this people. (Applause)
COERCION AND COMBINATION.
Virginia would set a noble example TO
her sister States OF this Union and be
worthy OF leaders place in the future.
which she so grandly held in the past. II
she would forever set the seal OF her con-
demnation upon the bold efYrontery OF
those who would debauch the peoples
suffrages and pervert their will by the
shameless use of money and the power OF
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