SESSIONS OF THE LEGISLATURE.
The long retention in the Constitution, without an effort to change it, of the clause limiting the sessions of the Legislature to sixty days, shows that the sense of the people is that all needed measures of legislation can be properly considered within that time, except under extraordinary circumstances. This popular conviction ought to be treated with honest respect, and that respect ought to be exhibited by a diligent and faithful effort to get through with the business which will be before you within the period limited for a regular session. This can be done most effectually be husbanding at the early part of the session the valuable time often lost by procrastination and by not proceeding at once strenuously to the task in hand. It would give me great pleasure to see this Legislature honorably distinguished by the zealous promptitude with which it shall enter upon its work, and I particularly urge members who have had previous legislative experience to use their best efforts to get the machinery necessary for the world of legislation in effective order as soon as possible.
I congratulate you upon the favorable auspices under which you are assembled. the excitements incident to the late animated State and National canvasses have subsided, and the better feelings which prevailed before they began haven returned. Differences of political opinion exist between you, but these ought not to be allowed to effect the cordiality of your personal relations, or to obstruct or retard the work you have in hand. For my own part I salute you all, without respect to party, with unaffected good feeling, and it will give me plasure to render to you, without reserve, whatever facilities the Executive Department can furnish you in aid of any contemplated legislation. Let us, therefore, gentlemen, enter with diligence and with hearty good will once another, upon the tasks which have been assigned to us by the people.
After music by the Band-
The President pro tem. of the Senate said: "Gentleman, I have the honor of presenting to you Hon. Thomas Hanna, Lieutenant Governor of the State of Indiana, who will not address you."
page: 34[View Page 34]The Lieutenant Governor, when the cheering ceased, read the following address:
