1900. ] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES. 2033

yet certain wholesome legislation was acquired, that even
the most hopeful did not expect. As a matter of course,
all legislation receives criticism favorable and criticism
unfavorable. Wo ask the public to judge the acts of
nineteen hundred as a whole, and not the whole from one
or several single acts.

Just as the several ingredients of a medicine, in them-
selves, may mean death, but when taken in the compound,
give health to the human body; so may single acts of a
legislature, by themselves, be of little value, while as a
whole, will add strength and give relief to the body pol-
itic. Here is combined the wisdom of age and the energy
of youth, and this combination must inure to the good of
the State.

We have, sir, at times, differed in our views on matters
before this body, but we knew they were differences of
honest opinion, and no member of this House ever doubted
the sincerity of intention or honesty of purpose of our
presiding officer. If bad legislation was done here, it
was not done by you, but in spite of you

And now, before we see you adjourn this House sine
die, I am authorized by every member of this body, to
thank you for your uniform courtesy and fairness, and to
assure you, that there rankles in no bosom here, any ill-
feeling cowards you, but that in each breast rests the
sweetness of friendship. And as a very small part-pay-
ment of the debt of gratitude we owe you, we beg of you
to accept from us this Silver Service. "Service" is indi-
cative of your service to your State, and "Silver" is rep-
resentative ef the brilliancy of the lofty and bright-
winged valor, with which you rendered that service. It
consists of six pieces, one for each of six ennobling traits
you so prominently displayed throughout the entire ses-
sion—the virtues of calmness, fairness, courtesy, courage,
forbearance and integrity.

The Speaker replied as follows:

I need not say how gratified I am at this expression of
esteem from the members of this House of Delegates.
But I appreciate far more the words of the gentleman
from Washington county when he assures me that this
House believes that the Speaker has been honest and.

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