1870.] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES. 5

Hon. Ferdinand C. Latrobe having received a majority of

the votes cast,

The Chair declared Hon. Ferdinand C. Latrobe duly
elected Speaker of the House of Delegates.

The Chair appointed Hon. Wm M. Mervick and Hon. E,

G. Kilbourn to conduct the Speaker elect to the chair.

On motion of Mr. Chapman,

Hon. Wm. M. Merrick administered the oath of office to
the Speaker elect.

Whereupon the Speaker delivered the following address :

Gentlemen of the House of Delegates :

I appreciate and thank you for the honor you confer in
selecting me as your presiding officer.

I am sensible of the responsibilities connected witli the
position, and I promise to discharge its duties faithfully, to
the extent of my ability. I ask your full confidence, assuring
you in return, that in my course as Speaker of this House, I
will be governed by no personal or party motives, but by
what I believe to be for the best interests of the State.
Again has that rare occurrence in our country happened in
Maryland, of a Legislature composed of members of one
political party. Let us not forget, and I am sure we will
not, that as Delegates, we represent not a party, but the
people of the State. Let our efforts be to promote their inter-
ests by judicious, and especially to lighten their burdens by
economical, legislation. Let us give to all subjects that may
come before us, that consideration which their effect upon
the prosperity of our people demands at our hands. Let us
avoid hasty action at all limes, by a stiict adherence to the
rules and forms of legislation. Let us, above all, maintain
the fair fame and honorable record of our State, entrusted as
it is to our keeping, and when we return to the people who
sent us here, we shall have the satisfaction of knowing that
we have done our duty as their representatives.

Again. I thank you, gentlemen, for the honor you have
conferred upon me.

Mr. Blake submitted the following order :

Ordered, That the address of the Speaker lie placed on the
journal.

Which was adopted.

The members elect were then severally qualified by the
Speaker, in the presence of each other, by subscribing to the
oath of office prescribed by the Constitution.

Mr. Merrick moved that the House now proceed to election
of Chief Clerk.