HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
The House met at 9 o'clock A. M., and the reading of the journal of Saturday having been dispensed with -
REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES.
Mr. MITCHELL, from the Committee on Enrolled bills, reported the correct enrollment from the engrossed copies thereof, of the enrolled acts of the House, numbered 311 and 321.
MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR.
The Speaker laid before the House a communication from the Governor by the hand of John M. Conners, his private Secretary, announcing his approval and signature of sundry enrolled acts of the House, viz: The Court bill [H. R. 11], the Sheriff's Mileage bill [H. R. 53], the Court bill [H. R. 90], the John Ingle bill [H. R. 95], the School bill [H. R. 113], the Election bill [H. R. 140], the Female Prision bill [H. R. 176], the Patrick Donovan bill [H. R. 294], the Criminal Court Judge bill [H. R. 334], the Gravel Road bill [H. R 52], the School bill [H. R. 97], and the Valuation Amendment bill [H. R 158].
THE ADJOURNMENT WITHOUT DAY.
The SPEAKER then adjourned the special session of the House of Representives of the XLVIth General Assembly in the following words:
GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: This session expires to-day by Constitutional limitation, and we have met this morning for the purpose of performing the closing act of the session, to adjourn sine die.
But before pronouncing the adjournment, I feel it to be my duty, as well as my pleasure, to return to each of you, so far as words will express, my heartfelt thanks for the uniformly kind and courteous treatment that you have extended to me as your presiding officer. Your kindness and partiality shall never be forgotten, and when age shall have dimmed' the eyes and silvered the locks, I will recur to the time spent hero this session as among the most pleasant and agreeable recollections of my life.
By a unanimous vote the thanks of the House have been tendered to William A. Merwin, Principal Clerk, John O. Hardesty, Assistant Clerk, T. C. McConn, Doorkeeper, and their employes; and I would be remiss in duty if I did not add this testimony to the fidelity and promptness that has characterized their conduct from the beginning to the close of the session in the discharge of their important duties, and for the numerous acts of personal kindness shown me; and my kindest regards shall follow them through life.
page: 248[View Page 248]I here wish to say, that, if at any time in the discharge of the perplexing duties of the Chair, or in the more exciting contests incident to debate, I have have given offense, I take this occasion to humbly ask forgiveness, and that the act be not imputed to any intentional disregard of the rights or feelings of others, but the result of a momentary weakness to which we are all subject.
The circumstances under which we were brought together caused the most prudent and thoughtful to entertain the belief that universal partisan bitterness would be displayed during the session, and that our proceedings would be noted for their disorderly character; but to our own credit and to the credit of the State, by mutual forbearance of those differing politically, the state of affairs anticipated was averted; and, probably, never in the history of the legislation of the State has more general good feeling existed and uniform courtesy been displayed among members than during this session.
I have neither the time nor inclination to enter into a discussion of the merits of the laws enacted. This subject more properly belongs to our constituents, and, doubtless, they will do so, and hold us to a strict accountability, which, in my judgment, is the true check upon improper legislation. For, while the position of a member of this House is in no way desirable, there are few of us that care to forfeit the good opinion of those we represent.
Many laws of an important character failed to pass for want of time, while others of doubtful expediency have been enacted; but I indulge the hope that most of those that have received our sanction will tend to promote the general welfare.
It is to me a source of congratulation that you are soon to realize the bright anticipations, indulged so freely throughout the session, of once more resuming the endearing relations of home. To those of you who are blessed with a loving wife and affectionate children, this must be the consummation of true happiness; and the wonder is, that intelligent gentlemen can be induced, even for the short period that we have spent at the Capital, to abandon such a relation for the thankless and unprofitable business which called us together. In conclusion, permit me to indulge the hope that health and properity may follow you to the close of a long and useful life.
I now pronounce this House adjourned, sine die.
So the House adjourned.
