The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1907-01-23
DIXON GIVEN OVATION.

Newly Elected Senator Makes Elo-
quent Speech Of Acceptance.
HELENA, Jan. 16.-Before q joint
session of the Tenth legislative as
sembly at noon today, Lieut.. Gov.
Edwin Norris announced the election
of the Hon. Joseph NJ. Dixon as
United States senator to succeed w.
A. Clark. The formal announcement
was received with cheers, which were
renewed little later when a com.
mittee appointed by the president of
the senate escorted in the new sena-
tor, who made an address in which he
expressed his appreciation Of the high
honor conferred upon him, and
pledged himself to give his best efforts
to the state.
The canvass of the vote showed:
Dixon 10; Toole, II; Frank. 6; Con-
rad, ?; Norris, l.
"Gentlemen of the joint assembly,"
said President Norris, introducing
Senator Dixon, "your senator. the
Hon. Joseph M. Dixon"
There was more applause, and then
Senator Dixon began his speech. He
spoke slowly at first, and his voice
carried to all parts of the big hall.
president and gentlemen of the
Tenth Legislative assembly," said the
senator, ''this is the first time in the
history of Montana that the legisla-
ture elected a senator without unseen.
ly turmoil and on the first day pro-
vided by statute for the election. You
are to be congratulated, and I thank
you for the honor conferred upon me.
I accept this great trust with feeling
more of humility than of exaltation.
Election to the senate by the greatest
nation ever known should mean much
to me personally, and l trust that it
will mean something to the people of
my state. 1t is great honor, yet
tremendous responsibility know de-
wolves upon me to make good to you
and to justify your faith in electing
me to the United States senate. 1
hope to make an efficient senator for
the great and growing commonwealth
of Montana. During the four years 1
was in congress did the best could
to faithfully represent the state. I
realize l made mistakes, but they were
mistakes of judgment and not of in
tention.'
Senator Dixon spoke of the high re-
sponsi sibilities of the Office. Cleveland
was right, he added, when he said
that ''public Office is public
trust
He who fails in that trust he
said, twill fail in life as sure as water
runs down hill"
Senator Dixon said that the popu-
lace sometimes cheers one day what
it criticizes the next. Public men, he
added, are subject to assault; but the
man in Office who is conscious of
his probity, he may feel consoled tn at
in time faith:ulness to duty will bring
about his vindcation. Sen ator Dixon,
pursuing the subject, referred to the
life of Abraham Lincoln. Three years
ago while guest of President Roose-
welt in the White house he saw q pic.
ture of Lincoln on the wall. That
same night the thought of that picture
led him to refer to Lincoln while con.
versing with white-haired statesman
who had been in public life at the ma
tional capital during the war.presi-
dents time.
II asked him." said Sena Dixon,
whether he himself appreciated Lin
coins work in those times, and I shall
not forget his answer. No. he said,
and it will always be one of the great
est regrets Of my life that Lincoln died
while was still under the conviction n
that he was political charlstan, bor-
derine on the buffoon.'
II want to say want to square all
my Official acts with the wish OF the
people and promise during the re-
mainder of President Roosevelt's ad.
ministration to do my best to uphold
his hands. I faithfully promise to
conduct myself in q way that I hope
will entitle me to the verdict at the end
of my term, "well done good and
faithful servant
Applause followed the end OF the
speech. When Lieutenant Governor
Norris could make himself heard he
addressed the new senator and told
him that q local nursery firm had
originated q new csrnstion which it
wished to name in his honor, il he
consented.
OIL will consent to most anything to-
day." said Senator Dixon with a
smile.
On the adjournment of the joint as.
sembly many friends crowded about