claim aid in the strong determination and dignity requisite in presiding over the deliberations of this body and a courtesy of acquiescence in the performance of my duty. I hope to conduct its business with a stern impartiality in all its legislation; that it shall take such a shape as will secure the independence, and maintain the honour, and promote the happiness which should exist over the length and breadth of this Confederacy.
If such a determination, united with a desire to see our legislature take such a shape as will best lead to secure the independence, maintain the honour, and advance the welfare of this entire Confederacy—if this could command success, I am sure I might expect to succeed.
But other qualifications are requisite, about which it is not for me to promise. If in anything I may fall short, I trust that the same kind partiality which has called me to this position will throw the mantle of charity over my defects, and will give me in every time of trial that kind co-operation and support which my deficiencies may require. The unanimity with which you have made this election is a happy augury of the spirit with which your proceedings will be governed. This is no time for resentments, no time for jealousies, or heart burnings. Influenced by a great common purpose, sharing together the same rich hope, and united by a common destiny, let us hush every murmur of discontent, and banish every feeling of personal grief. Here let us know no man, save as a co-labourer in the same great cause, sustaining, all of us, those whom circumstances may designate to go forward, seeking nothing for the sake merely of personal gratification, but willing rather to yield everything for the public good, in honour preferring one another.
That some of you, influenced by momentary impulse, should grow restive under the enforcement of those rules which you may make for your own government, would be a matter neither of surprise nor complaint. But he will prove himself either a weak or a bad man who deliberately fails to call back his wayward spirit, and, subject it to necessary restraint. Submission to authority is the primary necessity in all communities, and self-control is the chief lesson of individual life. In the light of passing events all can measure the height and the depth of the
