Great Falls daily tribune., 1920-12-31
Special to The Daily Tribune.

Special to The Daily Tribune.
Helena, Dec. Ex-Governor and Mrs.
$. V. Stewart were presented with q
beautiful watch and chain and two silver
vases with monograms by old friends,
irrespective of party from among the
officials and employees Of the statehouse
here this afternoon. The gifts were
surprises for the state executive ana ms
wife who will terminate eight years
service for the state on January 3.
Governor Stewart was called into his
reception room at 4 o'clock TINS aIter
noon on the pretext that a friend wished
to impart a great political secret. AS
he entered the reception room the nghts
were turned on and Governor stewart
discovered that nearly all Of the officials
and employees of the building were pres
ent.
Private Secretary Explains.
William Aiken. who has been his prl-
vate secretary for eight years then ex-
planned the cause of the gathering. Mrs.
Stewart was apprised Of the gift to the
governor but was also surprised herself
when she was presented with the SILVER
vases.
Governor Stewart responded IN the
snirit of the occasion and thanked those
present for their kind remembrance and
especially for their splendid cooperation
in assisting him during his first term
and also during the years of the war
In House of Friends.
In his address Mr., Aiken said
Governor Stewart, as earnestly as 1t
is Dossible to say it, let me assure you
that you are this afternoon in the mouse
Of yolr friends. You are hemmed about
by men and women who are proud to
nave been associated with you 10 the
mans size job of attending to the busl-
ness of the state of Montana.
whatever their positions they have
left them for few minutes to nave part
in this simple ceremony OF leave taxing
as you are about to put oil the cares
of state and return to private lite. lhey
represent not all but several shades Of
political opinion, but in the sincerity OF
the moment these are forgotten. and
they come simply as fellow workers IN
task that is worthy the best talents
of any holder of public office.
Oath Taken Eight Years Ago.
THE men and women foregathered
here. all friends of yours, have seen
service for terms ranging from few
months to almost q quarter of century,
anu UI Autti b1hu4I $500 fN0AN ~
privileged to speak.
Son the first Monday in January eight
wears ago you stood in this place and
made solemn pledge that you would to
the limit of your ability perform the
duties Of the high office you then as
sumed-an office than which there IS
ncre more lignified more exalted with
in the gift of the people, save and ex-
cept and presidency of the United States.
Four years ago in this place you re
newed that pledge.
May Have Made Mistakes
I'm these years you may have made
mistakes, but those Of us who know
yGu best also know that such mistakes
as may have been made were of the head
and not of the heart You have made
enemies-the high official who does not
is merely rubber stamp. And for each
enemy you have made thousand friends.
And this can be said for your enemies,
they have largely assisted in the CON
struction Of the enduring highway over
which you have ridden into the warm
regard of the people.
You stand today as one who has kept
the faith. Your record has been made
and the people find it good. They viii
not forget you.
Has Double Distinction
"You are near the end Of a road that
has led to 4 proud double distinction.
You are the only man in the history Of
Montana who has served as governor
for eight consecutive years; and by the
same token you are the only governor
now is office in the United States who
has seen eight successive years Of ser
vice.
However, governor, ] know how ut
terly unenthusiastic you are about being
kept on exhibition and shall, therefore,
as our English friends say, Get down
to our muttons'. This gathering of your
friends has been called for double
purpose: to give you an earnest Of their
friendship and to present to you a little
gift that will serve to remind you as the
years roll by Of those good days albeit
st firnag thnSn frying days 1vha0 ypu