Isaac N. Quinn's Sine die Address of April 30, 1860

by Isaac N. Quinn

SENATORS:—Before the final adjournment of this body, I desire to return to you my sincere acknowledgments for the sentiments expressed in the resolution of approval, which you have adopted. Flattering as they are to me as your presiding officer, they induce me to indulge in the belief, that under the rules which are laid down for my guidance, I have executed with impartiality the will of the Senate. I know that I have ever endeavored thus to do, independent of any personal or partisan feeling; and however often I may have erred, it is truly gratifying for me to know, by the support you have given me, that you are satisfied that I have performed faithfully the arduous, and oftentimes, delicate duties that have devolved upon me.

For the general good order which has been preserved, the marked respect and personal kindness exhibited toward me by every member of this body, accept my warm and heartfelt thanks. If, from the many important and exciting subjects which have been agitated during the present session, any ebullitions of unfriendly feeling have arisen, may they at this hour pass away, to be remembered no more forever. Our action here as Senators has ceased, and will soon become a matter of history. Whatever of good or evil will result from our deliberations is now beyond our control, and subject to the approval or disapproval of our constituents and our own consciences.

It could not be expected that in the consideration and enactment of laws for the benefit of the varied and diversified interests of the State, our action would receive the approbation of all, but if it has resulted in "the greatest good to the greatest number," then the legitimate objects of legislation have been accomplished—providing always, that the right of the minority are properly regarded.

This hall, which has so long been the scene of our daily deliberation; and pleasant friendly re-unions, will soon be as silent as the chamber of death, and while we may congratulate ourselves that the "grim monster" has passed us by, and that we part an unbroken band, let us not forget that his ghastly hand has been felt in the other end of the capitol—that there is one who will return no more to his people—stricken down while in the discharge of his duties as a member of the other branch of this Legislature—just beyond the noise arid bustle of this capital city, "he sleeps the sleep that knows no waking."

The link that so long bound us together, will soon be broken, and though we may never meet again upon the shore of time, the recollection of our pleasant social relations, and our united services in behalf of the State, will long remain treasured up in the storehouse of memory. I cannot let this occasion pass, without tendering my sincere thanks to the officers and attaches of the Senate, one and all, for the assistance they have uniformly extended toward me, iu the discharge of my duties

Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey to your homes, a warm welcome from friends, the plaudit—" well done, good and faithful servant" —from your constituents, and an unclouded future of honor and usefulness—I now perform the last duty incumbent upon me as your presiding officer: I declare this Senate adjourned sine die.

Journal of the Senate of the State of California April 30, 1860