Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1912-03-11
The Senate.

The Senate was called to order by
E. c. de Baca,. Lieutenant Governor,
who spoke as follows:
Gentlement of the Senate of the
State of New Mexico:
AS the constitutional presiding Of
ficer of the State Senate it becomes
my duty to call it to order. But be-
fore doing so l desire to say a few
words.
l take great pleasure in greeting
you most cordially in the place of our
important labors.
The present is an important epoch
in the legislative history of our com
monwealth
A few weeks ago the executive and
judicial branches of our State govern
ment were placed in operation, and it
is matter of general satisfaction
and rejoicing to observe the disposi-
ton for good manifested by the cho-
sen servants of the people in both
of said departments. 1t augurs well
for the success of our newly born
sovereign state.
Today we are installing the third
important branch of our government
OF state, and of this. the people eX-
pect much, and are expressing the
confidence that their hopes may be
realized.
| There are great many things
which the people hope for at the
| hands of this Legislature. but there is
! one paramount duty resting upon the
members of this assembly to the per-
formance of which the people are
looking to with deep concern.
You no doubt realize that in the
matters of this world the law of pre-
cedent appeals stronger to the aver
age man than even the written law.
! We are here assembled as the mi
tial Legislature under our new era
Of State sovereignty, AZ as We shall
i do, 50 will the future Legislatures
feel it incumbent upon themselves tc
do.
)! If we are faithful and true to the in
terests OF or constituents; if We
4 shall stand by their commands anC
expressed desires; if, in short, We
shall champion their rights ant
truly represent their interests, it is
certainty that the future Legisla
; lures, will, by following such prece
, dents, be truly representatives of the
people and ar instrument for the fu
ture happiness and progress of the
whole people.
But if on the contrary, we constit
f tute ourselves into instruments o
: special interests; if we dedicate ou
| endeavors to playing partisan polite
: tthat dangerous double edged sword
: if We shall act as tools of bosses o
: Of smooth gentlemen of industry,
, our record and prece 'ent shall b
D the mirror to which future assemble
:. may look for guidance.
: Let us, therefore, remember tina
the work of this assembly particu
larly will be not alone for the presen
but, more important than all, for fl
: ture guidance.
Another thing, let us not ignor
the fact that there is great mora
= awakening rapidly developin
throughout the land, a thing wit
which all men in public life mus
!. reckon.
{ Whether it be as the natural resu
Z of the spreading of the great way
( which is sweeping over the broad n;
{ ton, or whether it has come as
< consequence of the larger respons
: bilities incumbent upon is by our a.
( QUESTION of full citizenship, l wi
& not stop to inquire, but this gres
( moral awakening is abroad in tn
( land of sunshine.
- This happy condition will allow |
( to play successfully but one kind
Z politics, and thSt will be vying wit
< each other in an honest endeavor
Z acquire the largest measure of +
< suits for the benefit of, and in the i
< terest of the whole people.
< Let us than realize, my fello
< workers, the great, the grave and il
< portant duties that lie before us ar
< try to make ourselves worthy of IL
< confidence reposed in is by our CO
.c stituents.
<t In the performance of my duties
< your presiding officer it will be I
< sincere endeavor to act as justly al
< impartially as it shall be in my pow
q and ability to do. | realize that
& account Of natural deficiencies | shs
e be subject to commit many error
= but | wish to assure you that tn.
e shall be the mistakes of the he;
e and not of the heart.
& Again bidding you welcome, l nc
e call the Senate of the State of Ne
e Mexico to order
X Invocation.
= Upon motion of Senator H. B. He
= Rev. B. z. Mccullough, by unanimo