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1876.] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES. 1531
welcome was expressed by honoring me, one of the youngest
of our number, with the highest position within your gift,
that of your presiding officer.
Our session opened after one of the most bitter and hotly
contested political campaigns ever known in Maryland. As
the result of this fierce struggle, nearly one-half of our time
has been consumed in the discussion of what might be aptly
termed political questions, as contra-distinguished from those
measures usually presented for the consideration of Legisla-
tive Assemblies. Having, therefore, practically, for the pur-
poses of general legislation, had but one-half of the period
prescribed in the Constitution for our sitting, it cannot but be
a source of pride and gratification to us all, that we have most
thoroughly completed our labors in this departmtnt. The
severe and unremitting labor exacted of you to accomplish
this end, will be appreciated by all who have ever had any
connection with law-making assemblies.
Our work is done. The people are to judge whether or not
it has been well done.
In entering upon the discharge of the duties of the posi-
tion, which by your kindness I now occupy, I frankly stated
that I had great misgivings as to my ability, properly to fill
so delicate and responsible an office. That my fears were well
founded, you were doubtless soon convinced. And yet, so
considerate and indulgent have you been on all occasions, as
to leave me unconscious of many mistakes, which I feel I must
necessarily have committed.
How well I have kept the promises made in my opening
address, you, gentlemen, are the best judges. Your verdict
you have to-day rendered; it has been that which I have
longed for, hoped for. And now that it has been recorded, I
trust I will not be regarded as too exultant in proclaiming
this as the triumph of my life.
Sorrow and grief have entered some of our hearts during
the progress of the session. Death has visited our hearths,
and stricken down those whom we most dearly loved. I have
been called upon to mourn the loss of an only sister, and soon
return to a home from which the brightest light has been ex-
tinguished. Our owa roll has net been diminished. Those
who came so pleasantly together, for the first time in this
Hall, are all spared by a most merciful Providence to answer
to their names to-night.
I cannot sever our official relations, without returning my
thanks to the officers of this House for the manner in which,
they have discharged their several duties, and especially com.
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