Jonathan Hunt, VERMONT. NEW YORK. NEW JERSEY Rollin C. Mallary, William G. Angel, Benedict Arnold, Thomas Beekman, Abraham Bockee, Peter J. Borst, Jacob Crocheron, Charles G. De Witt, John D. Dickinson, Jonas Earll, Jr. John Magee, Henry C. Martindale, Thomas Maxwell, Robert Monell, Ebenezer F. Norton, Gershom Powers, Robert S. Rose, Ambrose Spencer, Campbell P. White. Lewis Condict, PENNSYLVANIA. From the State of James Buchanan, Thomas H. Crawford, Joshua Evans, James Ford, Chauncey Forward, Joseph Fry, Jr. Alem Marr, William McCreery, Daniel H. Miller, Henry A. Muhlenburg, William Ramsey, John Scott, Thomas H. Sill, Samuel A. Smith, {Kensey Johns, Jr. Elias Brown, Clement Dorsey, Robert Allen, William S. Archer, William Armstrong, Thomas T. Bouldin, Nathaniel H. Claiborne, Richard Coke, Jr. Robert Craig, Thomas Davenport, And a quorum, consisting of a majority of the whole number of members of the House, being present; The House proceeded, by ballot, to the election of a Speaker to preside over its deliberations, and, upon an examination of the first ballot, it appeared that ANDREW STEVENSON, one of the Representatives from the State of Virginia, was duly elected: Whereupon, Mr. Stevenson was conducted to the Speaker's chair; from whence he made his acknowledgments to the House, in the words following: "GENTLEMEN: I receive this renewed and distinguished proof of the continued confidence and approbation of my country, with feelings of deep sensibility and unaffected gratitude; and, since it is your pleasure that I should again preside over your deliberations, I accept the trust with an earnest hope that the choice of the House may not prove injurious to its interests, or detrimental to its honor. Of the importance and responsibility of this high office, it is unnecessary to speak. It has justly been regarded, both in relation to its elevation, and the nature and extent of its duties, as one of the most delicate and responsible trusts under the Government. Indeed, the great increase of Legislative business, both of a public and private nature, (occupying as it does so large a portion of the year) the number of this House, and the habit of animated, protracted, and frequent debate, have, of late, tended very much to render the duties of the Chair peculiarly arduous to the individual who fills it, and of increased importance to the public. How far it will be in my power to meet the expectations of the House, by an able and enlightened discharge of the duties of this high station, it is not for me to say. Distrustful of my own abilities, I can promise but little else than zeal and fidelity; I shall shrink from the performance of no duty, however painful; shun no responsibility, however severe; my time and talents shall be devoted to your service, and, in pursuing the manly and steady course which duty directs, I shall, at least, be cheered and sustained by a consciousness of the purposes, and a confidence in the principles which I shall bring with me into this arduous service. On your part, Gentlemen, I shall expect and need your kind and cordial co-operation, and that general confidence, without which all the efforts of authority would be nugatory; and I entreat you to afford me that aid and support in maintaining the established rules and orders of the House, so necessary to the character and dignity of its deliberations, and the despatch of the business of the nation. In assembling again to consider the condition of our beloved country, I seize the occasion to offer you my cordial congratulations upon its prosperity and happiness, and the still more exalted destinies that await it. Whilst our relations with foreign Powers are distinguished by alliances and good will, which serve but to render our friendship more valuable to each, and more courted by all, our situation at home, under the influence of virtuous and patriotic councils, is peaceful, united, and happy. How long these blessings are to be enjoyed by us, and secured to our children, must depend upon the virtue and intelligence of the People; the preservation of our Union; and the virtuous, liberal, and enlightened administration of our free institutions. That our confederated republic can only exist by the ties of common interest and brotherly attachment; by mutual forbearance and moderation (collectively and individually,) and by cherishing a devotion to liberty and union, must be apparent to every candid mind; and as our fathers united their counsels and their arms, poured out their blood and treasure in support of their common rights, and, by the exertions of all, succeeded in defending the liberties of each, so must we, if we intend to continue a free, united, and happy People, profit by their counsels and emulate their illustrious example. How much will depend upon the conduct and deliberations of the National Legislature, and especially of this House, it is not needful that I should admonish you. I need not, I am sure, remind you, Gentlemen, that we are here the guardians and representatives of our entire country, and not the advocates of local and partial interests; that national legislation, to be permanently useful, must be just, liberal, enlightened, and impartial; that ours is the high duty of protecting all, and not a part; of maintaining, inviolably, the public faith; of elevating the public credit and resources of the nation; of expending the public treasure with the same |