At noon on the first day of January, 1892, Roswell P. Flower entered the Assembly Chamber in the Capitol at Albany, which was already crowded with citizens, and was greeted by the retiring Governor as follows: Ex-GOVERNOR HILL'S ADDRESS. Mr. FLOWER: The people of the State by their suffrages have summoned you to the discharge of the high and responsible duties of the office of Chief Executive. I congratulate you upon the flattering endorsement which characterized and emphasized their choice, and upon the many evidences of popular approbation which your acceptance of the great trust has evoked on this auspicious occasion. In pursuance of a time honored custom, we have assembled in the Capitol in the presence of our fellow citizens, to participate in a few simple and appropriate ceremonies attending the transfer of the reins. of government of our State. It is always an event of peculiar significance and usually denotes an interesting epoch in our history. The transition of power without tumult, friction, or danger, is illustrative of the simplicity and excellence of our free institutions. To-day's occurrence marks the forty-ninth inauguration of a Governor of this State. From the day when its first Governor, George Clinton, took the oath of office in the old Senate House," in 1777, down to the present hour, the distinguishing feature of each occasion has been the plain and impressive character of the proceedings, and the sublime exhibition of the abiding loyalty and patriotism of the people. The position of Chief Executive of the Empire State has its attractions, its rewards, its honors, its responsibilities and its burdens. It is a station of dignity, importance and power. Permit me to reiterate the sentiments which I had the honor to express on a similar occasion in speaking of this office. "This field of public service is bounded by no narrow limits. It includes the responsibilities of Executive power; of directing the military forces of the State, as Commander-in-Chief; of determining the life and liberty of the citizen in the sole exercise of the pardoning power; of convening the Legislature in extraordinary sessions; of appointing many important public officials charged with the administration of great public trusts; of removing for just cause numberless officials of counties and cities throughout the State; of recommending to the Legislature appropriate subjects for its consideration; of exercising conjointly with the Legislature the vast power of legislation, establishing laws concerning every element of society and relating to every form and species of property, business and human conduct; of solely and wisely employing the tremendous power of the Executive veto; and generally the duty of taking care that the laws are faithfully executed throughout the whole commonwealth. These responsibilities affect the prosperity, honor and welfare of nearly six millions of people." You, sir, having performed every public trust to which you have been assigned with ability, firmness, and conspicuous fidelity, the people are confident that the same earnest devotion, the same rugged honesty, and the same resolute courage will characterize your forthcoming administration and secure for you the continued approval of our citizens. But after all the consciousness of duty well and faithfully performed is the noblest and highest recompense which it is possible to achieve in the public service. Of the principles which so signally triumphed in your elec tion and the policies which were thereby approved,- this is not the hour to speak. I may only observe that it is believed that the measures which your administration will enact will enhance the best interests of the State and add lustre to its annals. It is a cause for felicitation that the opening year of your term will find a Legislature in harmony with your political views and in accordance with the sentiments of a large majority of the electors of the State. Finally, allow me to say that as the retiring Executive and as an intimate acquaintance of many years' standing, it gives me great pleasure personally, as well as officially, to welcome you to the Capitol of the State and to greet you as my successor. To this Governor Flower replied, addressing first his predecessor and then the assembled citizens. GOVERNOR FLOWER'S REPLY. GOVERNOR HILL:- I thank you for the kind words with which you have welcomed me to the high office whose duties you have just relinquished and I am about to assume. The |