f the same Almighty Being who has led you
thus far to well merit the exalted title of 'good and faithful
servant.'"

After the applause which followed Mr. Washburn's address had
subsided, I responded in part as follows:

"My first duty on this occasion, after the magnificent reception
you have given me, it to express to you my profound sense of the
high honor you have conferred upon me. I have often, in a somewhat
busy life, felt how feeble are words to express the feelings of
the heart. When all has been said that one can say, there is still
something wanting to convey an adequate expression of gratitude
and obligation. This I feel now more than ever before, when you
have selected me for the fifth time to serve as a Member of the
Senate of the United States.

"Such trust and confidence reposed in me by the people of Ohio,
through their chosen representatives, imposes upon me an obligation
of duty and honor, more sacred than any words or promises can
create.

* * * * *

"And now, gentlemen, for the future term of service to which you
have elected me, I can only, with increased experience, do what I
have done in the past, and, with every motive that can influence
any man, seek to preserve the favor and confidence of a people as
intelligent as any on the face of the globe.

"As many of you know, I did not seek re-election to the Senate.
I sincerely felt that there were many citizens of the State of Ohio
of my political faith who might rightfully aspire to the dignity
of the office of Senator of the United States. I was very willing
to give way to any of them, but you have thought it best to continue
me in this position. It comes to me without solicitation or
intrigue, or any influence that is not honorable to you and to me.
I trust it will not prove injurious to any portion of the people
of the State of Ohio, whether they agree with me in political
opinions or not.

"I accept the office as a trust to be performed under the active
vigilance of political adversaries and the partial scrutiny of
friends, but with the sole object of promoting the honor and
prosperity of the United States. I can have no motive of selfishness
or ambition to turn me from a faithful performance of every duty
attached to the office.

* * * * *

"I assure you, gentlemen, that, without recalling that I am elected
by a party, I will go back to Washington with the earnest desire
to perform the duties that you have assigned me, with