1900. ] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES. 2035

has only been by our united forces, by the harmony, by
the determination which has pervaded our ranks here, we
have been able to resist the attacks directed against us. I
truly appreciate your kindness. This token you have
bestowed upon me is a memento of many happy hours.
To-night at 12 midnight, our legislative duties for 1900
will have ended. With that hour and a few succeeding
ones we will have said good-by and parted for our re-
spective homes. The separation accompanied with these
words from those with whom we have associated in unity
and friendship are always sad; but when I return to the
sun-lit valleys of the county of my nativity, I shall recall
the faces which now confront me, and as I note the time
of the day by this beautiful gift which I now hold in my
hand, my thoughts will travel in affectionate remembrance
and sincere appreciation from Garrett and Allegany down
to where the waters bathe the shores of Somerset county;
and in memory we will all still be united. This gift I
shall hold dear to my heart. I shall keep it always
about me. It shall be the pleasant and happy reminder
of the association with those before me, and in time to
come it shall go down to him who bears my name, ac-
companied with the words "keep and cherish all through
life this gift as the one from whom you received it. "
Again sincerely thanking you, my republican associates
and friends, for the high tribute of appreciation you have
paid me, I wish you health, happiness and prosperity, to
you and yours, in all the days to come.

The hour of 12 midnight having arrived,

The Speaker thereupon addressed the House as follows:

GENTLEMEN: —The hour has now arrived when it be-
comes the duty of your presiding officer to formally end
the Legislative Session of 1900, by adjourning this body
sine die. Before doing so, however, I desire to extend to
each and every member of the House my sincere thanks
for the uniform courtesy with which you have treated me.
I have tried to be just in my rulings, and while at all
times they may not have met with your approval, I be-
lieve there is in the mind of each and every member the