Joseph P. Hoge's Sine die Address of March 3, 1879

Gentlemen: I am now about to perform the last official act of my position, and before doing so I wish to express my thanks for the confidence which you have reposed in me, and for the manner in which you have assisted me in performing its arduous duties. I can say to you, because you have said it, that I have endeavored to perform the duties impartially, with the sole view of aiding you in your deliberations, and bringing them to a happy termination. I will leave these halls without a single unkind feeling towards any member of this body. The duties assigned to you by the people of this State, were certainly of the greatest importance, more so, perhaps, than any which devolve upon the citizen—the framing of a new Constitution for the government of a great State, perhaps for a long term of years. That you have performed your duties most faithfully, most honestly, I can bear testimony. [Applausei] Whatever else may be said, the truth of that assertion cannot be denied. You have done your work, and it remains now to be submitted to the people, and whatever may be the result—if it be the judgment that your work is good, or that it is ill, we must be satisfied. Gentlemen, my last duty now is to declare this Constitutional Convention adjourned sine die. [Applause.]

Debates and proceedings of the Constitutional convention of the state of California, convened at the city of Sacramento, Saturday, September 28, 1878 March 3, 1879