Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-01-06
oaths required by the Constitution
ana the Governor and suite then
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Election of President
Ch motion by Mr.. Morrill, of Cum
Deriano, That senator with Messrs.
harrington of kennebec and Bemis
VI somerset, We're appointed by the
secretary committee to receive
SORT and count votes for President ~
the Senate. ~
Inc committee reported the whole
NUMBER OF votes cast, thirty. M
renewal T. Baxter of Cumberland
received 30 votes, and wass decla red
eiecteo President of the Senate of
the oOth Legislature.
Mr. Morrill, of Cumberland rom
quoted the President to the chair.
(Applause.)
Mr.. MORRILL,: Follow Senators
d. 'hls present moment of my life I
nave Job u little out of my line.
out II is my. pleasure to present to
'oo your PRESIDENT. (ApplauHe.)
The Presidents Address
senators OF the S0th Legislature of
the state Of Maine, you have con-
ierred upon me the highest honor
Wlthln your power. You have at
.he same time placed grave responsi-
oiiitles upon me. I accept the honor
with the hope that as the Session
progresses l may prove worthy of a
continuance of your confidence. 7
race the responsibilities without fear
oeheving that We by working loyalty
tosether will prove equal to what
ever occasion arises, ard that we
snail be true to the trust which the
people of the State of Maine have
imposed upon US.
IT is the duty of the presiding
olllcer OF this Senate to guide it's de-
lperatlons along the well established
pains OF parliamentary procedure, to
give ample opportunity for express
slons of opinion, to present questions
IN clear and distinct form for YOUR
oeclslon, and to do whatever is
necessary and proper to aid in the
prompt and orderly transaction of
business
AS your chosen representative I
dedicate to your service whatever
abilities L possess, and together we
pledse ourselves to Labor unselfshly
Tor the highest welfare of our State.
we enter upon this Legislative SEES
sion. in the spirit of cooperation and
with high ideals. AS the Session ad-
Nances we must hold fast to these
Ideals for by so doing we shall earn
the satisfaction of having done our
work faithfully and well.
The people of our country are for
tunate beyond all other peoples. The
Liberty for which our ancestors
fought, and which we now enjoy has
OFTEN been accepted by US in a spirit
OF indifference and without proper
appreciation of what it signifies. Abb
sorbed in our own selfish, pursuits we
take too little thought of the NOR
row, and we fail to realize that dam
ger may threaten this Liberty which
we now value so lightly. We must
take care lest we lose what might
not easily be regained
AS members of this Senate we are
chcsen by the men and women of
Maine to perpetuate the ideals and
to guard the foundations of free,
self-governing State. The form of
Government now established in this
country or ours, is the best and will
prove to be the most enduring form
that ever has been devised by man.
Throughout the ages men have strus-
gled to obtain liberty of life, speech,
action and conscience, liberty
which while insisting upon the rights
OF the individual, at the same time
adjusts itself to and acknowledges
the liberties and rights of others.
The founders Of our Country laid the
foundation of this Liberty and set the
standard for the World 1t is for Us
to transmit it unsullied to those who
follow.
In our system Of Government all
power is inherent in the people.
Whatever is decreed as the Law by
the people must remain tho Law I'M
til repealed in lawful manner. As
time passes and progress is made it
becomes necessary to make changes
in our laws and institutions. ThAsc
changes can always be made without
violence when a sufficient number of
citizens demand them. There is
danger to our institutions, however,
when one group or class attempts
to dictate to and control the State.
Any government of the whole by a
class or group would be unbearable
and would mean the end of the Re-
public. The paid representatives of
classes and groups, Of special inter-
ests and special privilege are always
present during Legislative Sessions.
These Legislative Halls are frequent
ed by selfish plausible men who often
attempt to control those of US who
arc here to represent all the people. We
must stand firmly against these
group or class interests whoever they
are and whatever they represent be-
cause for the time being we are en-
trusted with the perpetuation of this
government, the foundations of which
are justice to all and special privi-
lege to none.
An unusual situation presents it
self in this Senate. The people of
Maine have shown their confidence
in one political party. Today by
reason of that confidence one party
HAS unlimited power. The possession
of power sobers right minded, right
thinking men and brings to them the
realization that power means respon-
sibility. 1 firmly believe that every
Senator desires to act for the highest
of the State and that party politics
were forgotten the moment the oath
of Office was taken. Regardless of
ne rty Civilizations Ua fOdov ,.onraCapt