SENATE CHAMBER, } TOPEKA, January 9, 1866-4 o'clock P. M. J Senate called to order. President in the Chair. Roll called. Quorum present. Senator Horne offered the following resolution, which was adopted: Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Lee, of Topeka, be requested to act as Chaplain of the Senate, until some definite action shall be aken in regard to the permanent selection of Chaplain. By consent, Senator Akin introduced Senate bill No. 1, "An et to amend an act, entitled 'An act relating to records and roceedings in Douglas county,"" Which was read the first time. The following message was received from the House of Representatives: MR. PRESIDENT-I am instructed by the House of Representtives to inform the Senate that the House has organized by the Fection of Hon. JOHN T. BURRIS, of Johnson county, as Speaker; JOHN T. MORTON, of Shawnee county, as Chief Clerk; and JOHN T. MORTON, Chief Clerk House of Representatives. Senator Eskridge offered Senate concurrent resolution No. 3: That a joint committee of the Senate and House of Repre sentatives be appointed to prepare joint rules for the government of both branches of the Legislature. The resolution was laid over, under the rule. Senator Grover offered the following resolution, which was adopted: Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed, to act with a like committee on the part of the House, to wait on His Excellency, the Governor, and inform him that the Legislature is now organized, and ready to hear any communication he may have to make. The President appointed Senators Houston, Legate and Grover as such committee. The Senate adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow morning. A. R. BANKS, Secretary of Senate. Message from the House of Representatives, by the Chief Clerk: MR. PRESIDENT-1 am instructed by the House of Representatives to notify the Senate that the House has concurred in the Senate resolution in reference to the appointment of a committee to wait upon His Excellency, the Governor. The committee on the part of the House consists of Messrs. Stotler, Glick, Harvey, Foster and Griswold. JOHN T. MORTON, Chief Clerk House of Representatives. Senator Houston, chairman of special committee, made the following report: MR. PRESIDENT-Your committee, appointed to wait on the Governor and inform him that the Legislature is organized, would respectfully report, that they have performed the duty assigned them, and that the Governor will report through his private secretary, at 10 o'clock A. M. HOUSTON, GROVER, Senator Grover offered the following resolution, which was adopted: Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary be instructed to inquire into what additional legislation, if any, is necessary to more fully carry into effect the provisions of an act entitled “An act to provide for the sale of the school lands," approved February 22, 1864, and to report at an early day, by bill or otherwise The private secretary of the Governor read the following message: GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE. Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives: With profound gratitude to Almighty God, who has directed us safely through four years of the most fearful and bloody civil war that ever tried the patriotism of any people, or tested the stability of any government, I, this day, in accordance with constitutional requirement, communicate to you in writing, and recommend such measures as in my judgment are deemed expedient. One year has passed since you last assembled to enact laws for the government and well-being of the people of this State. During the year the formidable armies of the rebellion have been crushed. Peace and prosperity again return to bless the land. And, while we live to enjoy the blessings of this, the best of all earthly governments, let us never forget the brave patriots who perilled their lives for the perpetuity and lasting glory of the Republic, and in a substantial manner remember, care for and amply provide for the families of those from our own State who sacrificed their lives upon the altar of their country, to transmit the blessings of this free government to future generations. Our government owes its very existence to the efforts of these brave men. Our statesmen have constructed and put into successful operation a government which is both the wonder and admiration of the present age and a model for the future. What we have already accomplished only shows what we are capable of doing. The sun of Independence rose fair and bright on many a people before it warmed us into being; but, in every instance where the vital influences of gratitude, freedom and christianity have been wanting, their sun soon set in a night of despotism that was dark, drear and stormy. |