INAUGURATION OF GOVERNOR MORTON,
Mr. BUNDY submitted a resolution, which was adopted, inviting the Senate to joint convention in this Hall, instanter. to witness the formal investment of the Hon. Oliver P. Morton with the office of Governor of the State of Indiana, devolved upon him by the resignation of Governor Lane.
The Senate responded promptly; and order having obtained in the joint convention-
The Presiding Officer of the Senate said : By the resignation of the late Governor Lane, on account of his election to the office of United States Senator for the State of Indiana, the office of Governor has become vacant. By virtue of the Constitution, the Hon. Oliver P. Morton becomes now Governor of the State. If Mr. Morton is present, he will step forward, and the oath of his office will be administered to him.
The oath was administered by Judge Perkins.
His Excellency, Governor Morton, then returned his thanks to Senators for the kindness ind indulgence received at their hands in the brief term of his official intercourse with them. In the new position to which he had been called,he trusted that their social and official relations would be equally satisfactory and pleasant.
page: 58[View Page 58]It could haldly be expected of him to deliver an inaugural address. He could only pledge himself to a faithful and economical administration. The financial affairs of the State were in great confusion and embarrassment. It would be one of the first duties of the General Assembly to investigate them. The people had been promised reform. That promise would, and must be, redeemed. The times in which we were called to act, were full of solemn portent, counselling discretion and firmness. He would co-operate heartily with the Legislature in all measures having in view the well-being of the community and the preservation of the Union of these States.
The Governor having retired from the forum-
The PRESIDENT of the Senate prorogued the joint session, and Senators returned to their Chamber.
