New Britain herald., 1929-03-04
Vice President Takes Op- p0site Position to That Assumed Four Years Ago By Dawes.

Washington. March { R-Assum- ing the vice presidency today with an inaugural address to the senators over whom he will preside. Charles Curtis took position sharply con- trary to that of his predecessor on the relationship of the chief officer of the senate to the senate's rules
 Fresh from 20 years service in the senate. Curtis asserted to his coi- leagues that the vice president lis not one of the makers of the law. nor is he consulted about the rules adopted to govern your action"
 Whereas four years ago Charles G. Dawes, the business man enter- ing the vice presidency. had pleal ed for revision of the senate rules to limit debate, Mr. Curtis. the leg islator, today declared the obligation and duties of this office require recognition and application of the precedents which have brought the United States senate to it's present recognized position of paramount im- portant as a legislative body"
 Knows His Duties
 My service among you" he de- clared, ''has impressed me with the responsibilities of every senator and At the same time it has given me clear understanding Of the duties and obligations of the vice presi- dent.
 He is not one of the makers of the law. nor is he consulted about the rules adopted to govern your &C., tions. His obligations to the people of the country to whom he owes his high position and his duty to you senators call for fair and impair tial construction of the rules which you, yourselves, have adopted and which you alone may change. His obligations and duties require rec ognition and application of the pre- cedcnts which have brought the United States senate to its present recognized position of paramount im- portance as a legislative body.'
 Turning to his predecessor the new vice president expressed to him dppIcCldllOH, dullli dtioA anu S' teem for his services.
 We will agree" said Curtis, that he has filled his arduous duties anl frequently onerous duties with credit and distinction, not only to himself but to the senate and to the people of the United States
 The text of MT. Curtis address follows:
 Text of Address
 Senators: The United States sen- ate is today one of the most dis tinguished legislative bodies in the World-one of the greatest actual and potential powers for the pro- motion and advancement of civiliza- tion.
 Its personnel is of calibre equal to, if not the superior or, any pre- >ous body heretofore assembled. Any individual, no matter how out standing in the realms of leadership, political or otherwise, might we'll he proud to preside over it's delibera- tions. may, therefore, be pardonei in declaring here the feeling of pride which l experience that through my election as vice presi- dent of the United States such signal honor has come to me. ] hope I may prove worthy or the peoples choice, and of you. No ef- forts of mine will be spared to aid and assist you in the successful so- lution of the numerous intricate and important problems which will come before you.
 During the course of my 20 years service among you as senator from the state of Kansas, l have profited much from the wisdom, tact. and experience oc the members of this august body as displayed by its most modest and unassuming members IS well as by it's most outstanding and brilliant leaders.
 My relations with the senators during all these years have been pleasant. My memories of persons and events in this chamber consti- tute some of the most delightful Tn a long public life by no means de- void of warming memories.
 At this point I may with pro- priety, I think. be permitted to Of fer to the honorable gentleman who is retiring as presiding officer of this body. MT. Dawes, an expression of appreciation, admiration and esteem. We will all agree that he has filled his arduous and frequently onerous duties with credit and distinction, not only to himself but to the senate and to the people of the United States.
 Welcomes Newcomers
 Ut would seem fitting also at this point to offer a word Of welcome and greeting to our new senators. They will find their fellow senators. as have found them, most human and kindly gentlemen, willing and anxious to help newcomers where they may.
 My service among you has i'm pressed me with the responsibilities of every senator, and at the same time it has given me a clear under- standing of the duties and obllga- tions of the vice president.
 He is not one of the makers Of Tne law, IOI IS He IoiSulted oDo"' the rules adopted to govern your ac- tions. His obligations to the people of the country to whom he owes his high position and his duty to you senators call for a fair and lmpar- tial construction of the rules which you. yourselves, have adopted and which you alone may change. HIS obligations and duties require rec ognition and application of the pre- cedents which have brought the United States senate to it's present recognized position of paramount importance as legislative body.