6 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS [Jan. 3

of pleasure, there also accompanies it a great apprehen-
sion that I may not be able to meet all the requirements
of the position. Whatever I may lack in ability I hope
to make good with the earnestness of purpose that I
shall bring to the discharge of every duty.

To the majority of the members of this body I want
to say that the recent political contest in this State has
resulted in sending to this body a large majority of
members of our political faith, and upon us will rest the
responsibility of all legislation. We will be entitled to
the credit for the passage of good laws and to blame for
bad ones. We are on trial before the people of this
State, and it behooves us to scan closely every measure
presented for our consideration, and to be assured that
it is for the best interests of our people before giving it
support. We should always be found standing together
in the support of all measures that have for their end the
public good. At the close of the session let the verdict
of the people of this State be "well done good and faith-
ful public servants. "

We must be economical in the disposition of the people's
money. Useless offices must be abolished, unnecessary ex-
penses lopped off. In making appointments to office, the
appointees must possess the necessary qualifications to
discharge their duties. While insisting on this, I appre-
hend there will be no difficulty in finding such men with-
in the Democratic ranks.

I want to assure the minority members of this Body
that they will always receive that consideration, that as
members they are entitled to. A well organized minor-
ity is always an aid to good government, as it is apt to
keep the majority on their good behavior.

The position to which I have been called is at many
times a trying one, but with the hearty co-operation of
my fellow members I hope to discharge its duties in such
. a manner as to meet your approval.

Thanking you again for the honor, I am now prepared
to take the oath of office, and will ask Mr. E. S. W.
Choate to administer the same.
On motion of Mr. Lednum,

The Speaker's address was ordered to be spread upon
the Journal.