Inaugural Address, delivered in the Hall of the House of
Representatives, January 12, 1885.
MR. PRESIDENT, AND LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: Many thousands of years ago it
was said, “Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself, as he
that putteth it off.” And upon an occasion of this character, such an
admonition is peculiarly pertinent.
My predecessors can tell of duties performed, of purposes accomplished,
of deeds and words that are now a part of the history of Kansas. I stand
on the threshold of two years of official labor and responsibility, and
look into the unknown future with grave anxiety and apprehension. A
great State has signally honored me. A brave, intelligent and generous
people have given me their confidence. How can I deserve this kindness
and partiality? How may I acceptably fill a place so worthily occupied
by a long line of able and eminent men? These are the questions to which
I must make answer, not here and now, in the presence of this vast
audience, but in the days that are to come, each bringing its new cares,
duties, and responsibilities.
I have known all the Governors of this State, many of them intimately,
and I take this occasion to say that I believe Kansas has, in the past,
been fortunate in the choice of her chief Executive officers. First on
the list, in eminence and usefulness as well as date of service, is the
name of Charles Robinson. Long before Kansas was admitted into the
Union, his splendid courage and comprehensive ability had made him the
leader of the Free-State men. He enjoys the distinction of having been
elected Governor under two Constitutions, and of having guided the State
through the darkest and stormiest years of its history. The old War
Governor is still hale and hearty, and as honored in private life as he
was in public station.
Following him came Thomas Carney, a trained man of business, who, in a
critical period of our history, performed the part that Robert Morris
did in the infancy of the Republic—pledged his private fortune to save
the financial credit of the State.
Samuel J. Crawford, a gallant and enterprising soldier, succeeded
Carney. He served the State creditably, and is still in its service,
employed as its Agent at Washington.
Then came James M. Harvey, a steadfast and sturdy soldier, plain and
unpretentious, but of sterling honesty. Assuming high station without
pride, he resigned it without murmuring. Yet he alone of our Governors
reached the goal at which so many of them have aimed—the United States
Senate.
Thomas J. Osborn, the most adroit and skillful politician of them all,
followed Harvey. He stepped out of the Executive office into the
diplomatic service of the country, in which he has grown gray and
handsome.
George T. Anthony, a man of imposing presence, an eloquent and forcible
speaker, and a thorough man of affairs, succeeded Osborn. He has, since
retiring from office, borne a conspicuous part in the construction of a
great National thoroughfare connecting the Republics of the United
States and Mexico. Now, returned home, he is again in the service of the
State, representing his district in the Legislature.
Then came John P. St. John. A ready and impressive speaker, he has since
achieved a National reputation as an advocate of the temperance cause.
Last on the list is the name of my townsman and neighbor, George W.
Glick, the first member of his party to be elected Governor of Kansas. A
capable lawyer and an experienced legislator, always energetic and
industrious, I think I may say, here in his presence, that even his
political opponents will credit him with a sincere desire to promote the
welfare of the State, however much they may disagree with him concerning
the methods or policy by which such a result is best attained.
With the example, the experience, the precedents established by these,
my predecessors, I enter upon the duties of the office to which I have
been elected. And if, at the close of my term, I can surrender to my
successor the trusts I now assume, and know that my administration has
been marred by as few faults and failures, and distinguished by such a
record of duties honestly, faithfully and intelligently discharged, as
are the records of my predecessors generally, I shall certainly feel
that I “have kept the faith.”