THE SPEAKER'S GOOD-BYE.
A motion being made that the House do now adjourn sine die--
The SPEAKER (Hon. William M. Ridpath) said:
GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES--By your kindness an partiality at the beginning of the regular session of this, the Fifty-second General Assembly of Indiana, I was chosen to preside over your deliberations. I have tried at all times to maintain toward each individual member of this House that feeling which would insure him that respect and recognition which, by reason of this honorable position, he might be entitled to. At times I may have come short of my purpose, but before our separation allow me to say that it has not been intentional, but a want of proper consideration of your grave rights and my duty toward you. And may I hope that with our separation, if any feelings of unpleasantness has been formed that it may be forever put away, and nothing of the past be cherished but feelings of the warmest sympathy and frendship for each other. You have made your record, and I feel that I can say truly that it is a good one. And as we leave it in the past it will grow in importance and be seen by those who intrusted us with this important work as a monument of our fidelity and devotion to the trust they confided to us.
As to my own record, I can only say that I have endeavored to do my duty conscientiously, fearlessly and honestly. I have refrained from taking any part in the active floor work of the session for the reason that I felt that my own inexperience as a presiding officer, and the importance of the work before the House required my undivided attention to the duties of the Chair to which you had called me. Never having been before a member of a legislative body and never having seen a legislative body in session but once before taking my seat, I feel that I can congratulate myself in yielding up the official life you conferred with but one appeal from my decisions. For the uniform kindness and courtesy you have shown me at all times during the regular and special sessions, I will ever be grateful.
With the best wishes for both the members and employes of the House, I bid you adieu, and declare this House adjourned without day.
And so the House of Representatives of the Fifty-third General Assembly of Indiana, adjourned sine die.
