Ten years ago it was my privilege to be an humble member of the Legislature that assembled within these walls. Then the fierce flames of hate were busy in the land, and States were arrayed in an effort to divide and destroy the nation. This State declared for the perpetuity of the American Union, and Michigan, without a murmur, did her whole duty for the accomplishment of that object. As I look upon this House and contrast the circumstances under which it now assembles with that dark and perilous period, I feel rejoiced that with a full heart I can proudly congratulate you upon a nation preserved, a people united; and not only prosperous and free, but the freest and the happiest in the world.

Again thanking you for the honor you have bestowed upon me, and sincerely hoping that this new year, which opens so auspiciously upon us, may be freighted with the choicest of blessings for each of you, as well as for our country, I enter upon the discharge of the duties your kindness assigns me. On motion of Mr. Chamberlain,

The House proceeded to the election of Chief Clerk, with the following result:

FOR DANIEL L. CROSSMAN.

The Speaker announced that Daniel L. Crossman, having received a majority of all the votes cast, was duly elected to the office of Chief Clerk.

On motion of Mr. Bonine,

The House proceeded to the election of Sergeant-at-Arms, with the following result:

The Speaker announced that Edward M. Fitch, having received a majority of all the votes cast, was duly elected to the office of Sergeant-at-Arms.

On motion of Mr. Kellogg,

The House proceeded to the election of an Engrossing and Enrolling Clerk, with the following result:

received a majority of all the votes cast, was duly elected to the office of Engrossing and Enrolling Clerk.

The oath of office was administered to the Chief Clerk, Engrossing and Enrolling Clerk, and Sergeant-at-Arms elect, and the several officers named entered on the discharge of their duties.

Mr. Scott offered the following:

Resolved, That the Clerk of this House be instructed to furnish each Member with a copy of the Manual of the last regular session of the legislature.

Mr. Shaw moved to amend by adding thereto the words "and the Compiled Laws of 1871;"

Which motion prevailed.

The resolution, as amended, was then adopted.

Mr. Warren offered the following:

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk, Sergeant-at-Arms, and the Enrolling and Engrossing Clerk be and are hereby empowered to appoint each an assistant;

Which was adopted.

Mr. Greusel offered the following:

Resolved (the Senate concurring), That Benjamin F. Stamm of Wayne be and is hereby appointed postmaster of the Senate and House, to distribute all mail matter belonging to members of the Senate and House, at a compensation of three dollars per day.

Laid over for one day under the rules.

Mr. C. W. Watkins offered the following:

Resolved (the Senate concurring), That Don. C. Henderson of Allegan county be and he is hereby appointed postmaster. Laid over for one day under the rules.

Mr. Hertzler offered the following:

Resolved, That the Speaker of the House is hereby authorized to appoint six messenger boys for the House at large, and one special messenger for the Speaker, and the Clerk be

authorized to appoint a special messenger for himself; all at a compensation to be hereafter established;

Which was adopted.

Mr. Bartholomew offered the following:

Resolved, That a committee of two be appointed to wait on the Senate and inform that body that the House, having elected the Hon. Charles M. Croswell of Lenawee county, Speaker, and Daniel L. Crossman of Ingham county, Clerk, are duly organized and ready to proceed to business;

Which was adopted.

The Speaker appointed Messrs. Bartholomew and Burns as such committee.

Mr. Kellogg offered the following:

Resolved, That the Speaker be authorized to appoint a fireman, assistant fireman, and keeper of the cloak-room;

Which was adopted.

Mr. Shaw moved that the rules requiring concurrent resolutions to lie over one day be suspended, and the following be put on its immediate passage:

Resolved, By the House (the Senate concurring), That the joint rules of the Senate and House of Representatives in joint convention of the last Legislature be and they are hereby adopted as the rules of the present Senate and House until otherwise ordered.

The rules were suspended by a two-thirds vote of the members elect, and the resolution was adopted.

Mr. Gilmore moved that the rules be suspended, and that the following be put on its immediate passage:

Resolved (the Senate concurring), That a committee of three be appointed on the part of the House, to act with a like committee on the part of the Senate, to wait upon the retiring Governor and inform him that the two Houses are now organized and ready to receive any communication he may be pleased to make.

The rules were suspended and the resolution was adopted.