VALEDICTORY.
Mr. Speaker GORDON
GENTLEMEN:These vacant seats inform the few of us who still remain, that the hour of separation for us also has arrived. They are prophetic, likewise, of another separation, when not only our seats here, but the pleasant places we have filled in life, will be seen as time passes, by the few, and ever fewer, survivors of the hundred who convened in this Hall at the commencement of this session, vacant as now are the places of our departed brethren upon this floor. In this admonition, profounder and more interesting by far than the lesson of sense which suggests it, let us all learn to be charitable in our construction of each others motives, purposes and actions. No; I will not say that; it does not become me; for I have lived upon your charitable forbearance and indulgence ever since I have occupied this Chair. Charity and forgiveness are to you habitual and easy, as light to the sun. Had it been otherwise, I should have failed even tolerably to have performed the duties devolved upon me by your choice of me as the presiding officer of the House. With your support and confidence, however, always extended to me, and for which my gratitude is the only return I can offer, I do not feel that I have altogether failed. I know I have committed many errors - some of haste, and others of inexperience none, I am sure, of intention; but all, whether of haste, or inexperience, have been attributed by you to the right quarter, and kindly overlooked and generously forgiven.
I find in my heart no cause of hard feeling toward any gentleman of the House for any word spoken or action done toward me during the session. Hard feelings, if any have arisen, existed but for a moment, and were consigned to forgetfulness in the same place and instant in which they originated. As I have forgiven, I ask to be forgiven by you all for whatever I have done amiss, or you have so regarded.
The special session is now a matter of history. Its results - whether for good or evil - can not be canceled. Our record is made up - complete. I do not desire to amend it. By it, the candid and fair of all parties will judge us candidly and fairly. We ought to be willing to abide that judgment; and we can brook the judgment of all others, no matter what that judgment may be. One thing I am sure must be accorded to this session by all, namely - it has not been a failure. No session of the General Assembly in my recollection, and I have attended many in some capacity - during the same number of days has accomplished more, by way of investigation, initiation and completion. The only regret which I entertain, in reference to our labors is, that they could not have been protracted for a few days longer. Twenty-five days added to this session, and the people could have dispensed with the regular session,for all necessary legislation would have been done.
A bill introduced by the gentleman from Decatur, to continue the business of this, to the next regular session; and providing for taking it up where we now leave it, would have affected that desirable object as well. Clearly constitutional and proper, it is a matter of profound regret to every economical man, that it failed by reason of the constitutional scruples of some of the members. Its passage would have saved the people much money, and as much labor. It is not possible now to remedy the results that its failure to pass will entail upon this body at its next session, except by returning at its commencement, with the same spirit and energy, and patriotic devotion to the interests of the State and country at large, which you have so signally manifested during that which now closes. May you all then return,and - but I need not add - so return, to this theater of your labors, and honors.
page: 200[View Page 200]It now only remains for me to discharge the last duty devolved upon me by your election and the Constitution - to pronounce the word FAREWELL!
- "a word that hath been and must be,
A sound that makes us
linger -
Yet farewell!"
And thus the House adjourned.
