The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-01-15

Mr.. Gifbert's
At the conclusion of Lieutenant Governor
Haggard's address. the oath of office was
administered TO Lieutenant Governor Gil
bert by Judge Francis Il. Baker, Of the
Supreme Court. after which the new Lieu
tenant Governor delivered his inaugural.
which was as follows:
Gentlemen of the Indiana State Senate:
1 desire TO say but a word upon ASSUME
ing the office of lieutenant governor OF the
State of Indiana and presiding officer OF
this Senate. Talking is the least of the
duties of this position. and in recognition
OF this fact L shall be exceedingly brief.
Having an intimate acquaintance with
nearly every member Of this honorable
body. / proudly say that the privilege OF
presiding over your deliberations is a very
great one, but, like every other honor or
privilege. 1t carries with il high duties and
responsibilities.
by reason of her natural resources: by
reason of her geographical position; and.
her citizenship, Indiana has reached the
front rank in our glorious sisterhood Of
States. Who is there among us whose
heart does not swell with pride at the
very mention of her name? Who does not
feel honored in claiming residence within
her borders? Who does not feel doubly
proud to- be the representative within her
| councils of such a constituency? Like a
beautiful maiden, yet so young that the
number of her years adds TO her glory,
her good name and fair fame are largely
within the keeping of ourselves-her lovers.
Lovers, indeed. but not rivals. / trust, ex-
cept in that noble contention. or, rather,
emulation, Of who best can work and best
agree.
IMPORTANT MATTERS.
Few sessions of our General Assembly
have convened which have had more i'm
portant matters awaiting consideration. II
- f.L - A.. --- -
that is done by worthier men. L conn
mend to your earnest attention the sug-
g~estions contained in the message of our
chief executive, who. for four years. has
so wisely, conscientiously and earnestly
guided the destinies OF this Commonwealth
Our Governor, James A. Mount. And.
with equal confidence. / anticipate that
we may gather wisdom from the inaugural
address of him in whom the people OF our
State have shown unprecedented conf
dence; of him who, one hour from now,
will be our Governor. Winfield T Dur
bin.
"Yet, under our Constitution. the respon-
sibility for legislation will devolvs upon
the General Assembly. and IL alone. The
people whose servants you are have often
| approved the application OF the principle,
Let well enough alone To enact TOO
little legislation will be better than TO en-
act too much. In the short time allowed
YOU under OUT organic dW. careful and
painstaking consideration cannot be given
to many subjects. / trust you will select
the most important matters and devote
your time to them. I commend 10 your con-
sideration the idea of having early adj
journments during the fore part OF the
session, and the devotion OF the greater
part OF your time to the important work
which should be done I'm the committee
rooms; so that. before a measure reaches
| general discussion. IL may have had the
earnest thought of those who have the
subject particularly I'm charge.
During the administration just closing
we have made great advances. Our vari-
Gus Institutions were never as well
equipped. as well administered. Many
kind in the Union II is a proud
record OF achievement. The hand-writ-
ing OF many OF you is visible. En-
large the volumes. Add luster TO its pages.
Keep in mind the fact. in these times OF
unprecedented prosperity. when every in
| dustry is feeling the beneicent band OF
wise craftsmanship in State and Nation:
when the grave dangers threatening labor
and business have been overcou.e: when
our State debt. piled up by prodigal hands.
is being so rapidly reduced. and well-nlled
purses and happy homes have come TO add
cd thousands: keep in mind. / say. that no
dollar OF the public funds should be vast
ed, but that economy In expenditure should
be even more carefully considered than I'm
those evil times which we have suffered,
when the most necessary expenditures were
only made at the cost of the sacrifice and
sunertng or our people
NO FALSE ECONOMY.
but Indiana does not demand that false
economy which. with the appearance Of
saving a dollar. loses two. She expects
the same wise consideration OF her well
fare that you give your private business
interests. and such she Will receive. She Is
| proud Of the record she made I'm caring for
her dependents. and she expects IL 10 con-
tinue. and that you, In your wisdom. CIV
ing due attention TO scientific and phiIan-
thropic investigation along these lines. viii
find means 10 decrease those classes in the
future.
81 pledge 20 you and the people my best
endeavor TO promote the right and impede
the wrong. So far as in me lies, I hope
TO be just and impartial. Ny best thought.
and judgmen will be given 10 the admins
ton OF this responsible position. and I be-
speak from you upon both sides OF this
chamber what / know I shall receive
a charitable and kindly forbearance. 1 be-
speak your assistance and suggestions. and
that you VIII overlook all the errors OF
heart or hand which 1 fear 1 shall CON-
NIT.
Trusting that our association. together
may be mutually cordial and unrestrained.
favor OF Almighty God. I declare myself
ready 70 proceed with the more important
duties OF the hour"
Al the conclusion Of his address *he Lieu
tenant Governor was vigorously applauded.
| Picking up the gavel he asked the pleas
ure Of the Senate. and on motion OF Sem
stor Wood II adjourned 20 attend the inaus-
| uration ceremonies az Gossrnor-elect Dur
bin.