constant practice—can alone qualify him for its ready appli-
cation. The position of Presiding Officer is one not only of
great responsibility, but often a delicate, and, at times, a dis-
agreeable one. lean only hope to merit your approval by
the exercise, at all times, of entire impartiality, a proper regard
for the proprieties of the Senate, and the advancement of its
business. These are the lights by which my course shall be
guided.

It is neither necessary or appropriate, upon this occasion,
to discuss general political principles or matters of State poli-
cy. But you will pardon me for a suggestion or two upon a
subject of peculiar concern to us and to those we represent.
One of the many pernicious disorders of the times in which we
live, growing out of the demoralization consequent upon war,
and the unstable character of the currency, is an almost uni-
versal tendency to a too lavish expenditure of public funds.
The tendencies and temptations to this vice, in a body com-
posed very largely or (as ours) exclusively of one political
party, are numerous and powerful, and when reinforced by
the circumstances referred to, are inveterate, if not, indeed,
desperate. The reasons why we should specially guard
against extravagance are too numerous and familiar to us all
to be repeated here. Let us, therefore, resolve in the outset
to adopt a policy of wise economy. Another evil growing
out of that mentioned, and. against which one universal sen-
timent of opposition exists, with all but interested parties,
viz: the multiplication of unnecessary salaried officers, de-
mands correction. Our political opponents have set us an
example in this regard we would do well to profit by.

The good old State, of which we are all proud to be citi-
zens, is one of the few in which the old landmarks, hallowed
by time, and the exalted characters of those who established
them, have been in a, measure preserved. Amid the general
reck of cherished memories and valued precepts, let it be
our mission to preserve and perpetuate them, and, with
what of prudence, wisdom, and courage we may possess, un-
flinchingly to resist the demoralizing practices and destruct-
ive maxims of those whose chief boast is that they are in
advance and independent of inspiration and the wisdom of
their illustrations predecessors.

In conclusion, Senators, let us by mutual concessions and
singleness of purpose, so conduct the business of the session as
to leave as little ground as possible for just criticism by our .
foes, or complaint by our friends, that it may be pleasant for
us and advantageous to the State.

On motion by Mr. Snyder,

The address of the President was ordered to be entered
upon the Journal.