Messages of Pat M. Neff, Governor of Texas to the thirty-seventh legislature Page: 3 of 36
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SPEECH MADE BY PAT M. NEFF ON THE OCCASION OF
HIS INAUGURATION AS GOVERNOR OF TEXAS,
JANUARY 18, 1921.
Gentlemen of the Legislature, and Citizens of Texas:
Inaugural Address By the authority of the splendid electorate of
this State, and under the direction of this lawmaking
body, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court has, in the
presence of this magnificent convocation of friends, administered to
me an obligation as binding as ever linked the soul of man to the
Throne Everlasting. The oath to which I have just subscribed is a
comprehensive one. It is retrospective, introspective, prospective. As
it relates to the past it was responded to without equivocation and
without one mental reservation. Thinking of it in the light of the
present, there is not a fleeting cloud, to darken the clear sky of an open
eonscience. Looking at it in the mirror of the future, it nerves my
arm and inspires my heart for the heroic. The obligation recalls my
pledges to the people. The future invites me to fulfill them. Around
me are the representatives of the State. My friends are gathered
here. Words fail me to voice the emotions of the hour. This is no
idle ceremony. It thrills; it inspires; it humbles; it is a challenge to
the highest, the noblest and the best. While the solemn oath of office
is fresh on my lips, I wish to plight anew my love and loyalty to my
native State, and pledge to her unselfish service. Born and reared on
Texas soil, educated and trained in her institutions, honored beyond
measure by her people, proud that her sacred soil shall at last entomb
my ashes, I am ready to give my very best to her upbuilding. With
this high purpose in view I shall, within the next few days and from
time to time, submit to this body of lawmakers, as it is my privilege
and duty to do, suggestions as to needed legislation. This is neither
the time nor the occasion to discuss the tedious details of legislative
matters.
For nearly one hundred years Texas has been a potent factor in the
political affairs of men. During this eventful stretch of time, as emblems
of sovereignty, six different flags have floated over her. Into
her thrilling history of war and peace has been woven romance and
heroism. Today, for the thirty-seventh time, as a State, a new legislative
administration is being mobilized for service. Many are the questions
awaiting solution. Texas cannot live alone. The nations of earth
are interdependent. The people of the world are all neighbors. The
human race is passing through a period of transition. The old foundaPage
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Neff, Pat M. Messages of Pat M. Neff, Governor of Texas to the thirty-seventh legislature, book, 1921; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth5871/m1/3/: accessed April 23, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .