Mr. Hogeboom offered for the consideration of the House a resolution, in the words following:

Resolved, That this House do now proceed to the election of Speaker; that the roll of members be called by the Clerk, and that each member, as his name is called, rise in his place and openly name his choice for such office, and after the election of Speaker shall have been determined, we proceed to the election of Clerk and Sergeant-at-Arms, in the same

manner.

The Clerk put the question whether the House would agree to said resolution, and it was determined in the affirmative.

The House then proceeded to the election of Speaker.

The Clerk called the roll, whereupon each member as his name was called, rose in his place, and nominated as follows:

George B. Sloan having received a majority of all the votes given, the Clerk declared he was duly elected Speaker of the Assembly.

The Clerk appointed Messrs. Husted and Cozans to conduct the Speaker elect to the chair. On taking the chair he addressed the House as follows:

Gentlemen of the Assembly: I am deeply sensible of the honor conferred upon me by the vote just announced, which designates me as your presiding officer. While offering you my grateful acknowledgments for this expression of your confidence, I may well observe that you have honored me not only beyond my deserts, but beyond any aspirations I have ever felt at liberty to entertain; and, I may also add that when I call to mind the delicate and oftentimes trying duties of this position, and the signal ability displayed in the same relation by my immediate predecessor, as well as by other gentlemen whose accomplishments have graced the office on former occasions, it is not easy to escape a sense of oppression which burdens me even now, as I enter upon the task you have given me to perform.

I might well shrink from assuming these responsibilities, were I not encouraged by circumstances which lead me to attempt their fulfillment. I recognize many members of this body largely experienced in public affairs, among whom are not only gentlemen who have served with distinction in this branch of the Legislature, but those whose names are honorably written on the journal of the Senate as well; and to such I believe I may confidently turn for that advice and counsel of which I shall so often stand in need.

Others there are of whom it may be said, though yet untried in the work of legislation, they are nevertheless strong in the knowledge of practical affairs, who are ready and willing to join their efforts in producing those salutary results which I have reason to think are desired by every member of this House; and persuaded as I am that all are animated by a common purpose to uphold the honor and integrity of the State, I anticipate such wise and judicious action as shall occasion no feeling of regret that we have had a part in its accomplishment.

We meet at a time of unusual solicitude and interest— a time when public attention is anxiously directed to the extraordinary circumstances attending the late presidential election. Differing opinions as to the methods to be employed in solving the question are entertained by gentlemen of distinction in the two political organizations, and it may naturally be supposed that these opinions are influenced to greater or less. extent by the predilections of the individuals themselves.

But however this may be, so pronounced is the determination of the people for a just and peaceful settlement of the matters in controversy, that violent or unconciliatory counsels are regarded by thoughtful and right minded men of either party as little less than vagaries not worthy of serious consideration. It may therefore be assumed, that patriotic effort, united with calm deliberation, having the support of an assuring public sentiment, looking to the welfare of the country as above and beyond all partisan considerations, will be found effectual in arriving at such results under the Constitution, as shall allay existing irritations, and be acquiesced in by the people generally, as just and equitable to all parties concerned.

Turning from the broader field of national affairs, to glance at what may be regarded more legitimately within the province of our own duty, we find promise of being able to answer the reasonable expectations of the people. The desire evinced in all parts of the State for rigid economy in every department of the public service, is one likely to overshadow demands that might otherwise be made upon us. It is, therefore, a satisfaction to know that the present condition of the finances, and the diminished public debt, are elements exceedingly favorable in adjusting

the rate of taxation to correspond with the prevailing depression in all departments of commercial and industrial pursuits. So far reduced are the financial obligations of the State that the requirements for the payment of principal and interest are comparatively trifling. We have, therefore, only to exercise moderate prudence in appropriating for the other purposes of government to render the burden of taxation so light as to be in no degree oppressive.

It will be a part of your duty to consider the question of reapportioning the Senate and Assembly districts of the State, in conformity to the provision of the Constitution, which demands such supplemental action after each enumeration of the inhabitants is made.

Another subject of moment will also engage your attention in the form of legislation required to give effect to the amendments to the Constitution, approved by two previous Legislatures and ratified by the people at the last election. I refer to the amendments changing the system of management of the canals and the State prisons. It is not necessary for me to urge the desirability of early and painstaking consideration of these measures, since you fully understand and appreciate their importance; but may I not in this connection take the liberty of suggesting the great advantage to be gained by promptly acting on all matters that may be brought to your attention?

Close and earnest application by the various committees of the House to the work in hand during the early part of the session, will render practicable that necessary attention to measures which, under other circumstances, are apt to be imperfectly prepared and much too hastily enacted.

By early action in the direction indicated, it may also be assumed that bills of doubtful utility will be more likely to be defeated than if allowed to linger on your files, until the hurry of the closing days of the session shall lend facility to their passage.

Other suggestions might be made did I deem them needful, but I believe my duty in that regard is already more than discharged. Your intelligence, your experience, and your full understanding of the requirements of the situation, afford in themselves the amplest guarantees that all will be wisely done. It only remains for me, therefore, to give assurance of my desire to co-operate with you in every practicable manner, to secure the best results in whatever we may undertake as members of this body, and to further add that, however conspicuous may be my faults as your presiding officer, the fault of intentional injustice to any member on this floor will not be found among them.

The House in like manner then proceeded to the election of Clerk of the Assembly, with the following result:

Edward M. Johnson having been named by a majority of all the members present, was declared duly elected Clerk of the Assembly.

The oath of office was then administered to Edward M. Johnson by the Speaker of the House.

The House then proceeded to the election of Sergeant-at-Arms, with the following result:

George A. Goss having been named by a majority of all the members present, was declared duly elected Sergeant-at-Arms.

Mr. J. G. Graham offered for the consideration of the House a resolution, in the words following:

Resolved, That Eugene L. Demers be and is hereby elected door-keeper of the Assembly for the session of 1877.

Mr. Weiant moved to amend by substituting the name of Thomas Burns for that of Eugene L. Demers.

Mr. Ecclesine moved further to amend by substituting the name of Hosea B. Perkins.

Mr. Speaker put the question whether the House would agree to said motion of Mr. Ecclesine, and it was determined in the negative.

Mr. Speaker then put the question whether the House would agree to said motion of Mr. Weiant, and it was determined in the negative.

Mr. Speaker then put the question whether the House would agree to said resolution, and it was determined in the affirmative.

Mr. Shannon offered for the consideration of the House a resolution, in the words following:

Resolved, That Francis Strickland be and is hereby elected first assistant door-keeper of the Assembly for the session of 1877.

Mr. Weiant moved to amend by substituting the name of Myron H. Hubbard for that of Francis Strickland.

Mr. Speaker put the question whether the House would agree to said motion, and it was determined in the negative.

Mr. Speaker then put the question whether the House would agree to said resolution, and it was determined in the affirmative.

Mr. J. G. Graham offered for the consideration of the House a resolution, in the words following:

Resolved, That Michael Maher be and is hereby elected second assistant door-keeper for the session of 1877.

Mr. Weiant moved to amend by substituting the name of James Atwood for that of Michael Maher.

Mr. Speaker put the question whether the House would agree to said motion, and it was determined in the negative.

Mr. Speaker then put the question whether the House would agree to

said resolution, and it was determined in the affirmative.

Mr. Lang offered for the consideration of the House a resolution, in the words following: