A Servant's Reflection and Farewell

[Piov 2643]

Statement from the Office of Sir Terrence May GCM

A Servant’s Reflection and Farewell

14^th of Tobias’ Bounty, 1768

 

A convocation of the Imperial Diet at Varoche Hall, c. 1767

 

 

To the Orenian people,

 

For over three decades, it has been my highest honor in holding your trust of electing me to serve as your representative in the Imperial Senate. In my time in Helena, I have worked tirelessly for the benefit of our Empire and for the voices of the Northern frontier. To all of my supporters in the entirety of our land, I owe you equal gratitude and respect for the chance to be your senator and as leader in the House of Commons. 

 

I began my journey as a fisherman seeking employment after the end of the War of Two Emperors. I moved to the Duchy of Valwyck where I labored along the coasts. It was there that I was given the opportunity to embark for Reza where I represented Northern communities for the Baruch fiefdom. Shortly thereafter, I was appointed to the Imperial government as a junior minister in the capacity of the Auditor-General and Chairman of the Board of Notaries for which I served until my return to Haense in 1731. For a brief year, I served as Lord Palatine before my call to serve in the Imperial Senate by the late King Andrik III. 

 

Terrence May in his office, Helena, c. 1730

 

When I came to Helena as Senator-designate in 1736, it was an atmosphere filled with optimism; our chance of renewal was at hand. I swiftly got to work and introduced the Senate Committees Act of 1737, the very first bill ever passed in the Imperial Senate that created permanent committees to ensure that we, as the voices of our constituents, have the authority to oversee actions of the executive. I firmly believed it is important that the Senate assert its power to oversee the actions of our Imperial State and its officials, with the primary goal in mind to foster transparency and trust after nearly a century of uncertainty and instability. 

 

In 1740, I stood for re-election for the first time, with greater hope in our nation. With an overwhelming majority, you all gave me the chance to return to Helena to represent our values. We have promoted working opportunities to give businesses and laborers visibility and accessibility to promote our market growth in the Imperial Employment Opportunities Act of 1743. I also introduced legislation that creates standards for our education, ensuring that provincial schools and Imperial academies prepare our future generations with the knowledge and skills to take on the challenges of their time with the Scholastic Organization Act of 1745. I introduced legislation, the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 1746, to reform our law enforcement, the courts, and our treatment of those convicted so that our actions always reflect the values of an enlightened and modern society.

 

In 1746, I was elected President pro tempore of the Imperial Senate, an office that I assumed with great diligence and responsibility. My mandate was to ensure that the supreme legislature maintained its integrity in the eyes of the Orenian people. Together, we continued the business of the nation to ensure that every voice in the Senate was heard and respected. When we faced a budget issue that spanned nearly three years, we got to work and passed the Imperial Budget Procedure of 1751. Together with Senator Callahan of Kaedrin, I co-sponsored the Public Records Act of 1751 to maintain the transparency of the Senate’s work, a principle I held since my first day in this office. We confirmed many judges, Imperial councillors, and officials throughout our time here, promoting the dialogue that a just and balanced system requires of us. Surely, compromise is easier said than done. However, it is what is necessary for us. 

 

In 1750, His Imperial Majesty gave me the honorific as the ‘Father of the Senate’ to commemorate my service to the Empire by installing me as Grand Commander of the Order of Merit, the highest honor in the Imperial Order of Merit. However, it would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the support, hope, and strength that my constituents have given me in this place to work on their behalf. My successes are not merely mine, but that of the Haeseni people and of the entirety of the Orenian public, in whose name I legislate and serve. In 1759, I authored the Amyas Act after learning that our clinics and hospitals were lacking in necessary utilities to adequately care for patients. I also authored the Civil Unions Act of 1760, permitting the ability of the courts to institute unions recognized by the state for those hard-working subjects who do not adhere to the Canonist Faith.

 

However, I would be remiss if I did not also convey the challenging times that tested my resolve as I served in public service. Clashes with bureaucrats who saw their personal gain over the welfare of the State, malicious actors seeking to silence our deliberative body from acting in the best interest, or radicals who sought to undermine our security by bombing Varoche Hall, I am proud that our resilience has withstood the times. I remind you that it is the legislative’s prerogative to hold to account all who wield power over men, crusading for the truth, and standing in the face of corruption. Without the collective strength of good colleagues, impassioned voters, and the providence of God to uphold us, we would not have prevailed.

As we now embark on a new legislative journey brought forward by the Edict of Reform, the chance to renew our commitment and to make firm the equitable values of a great society is still a task for us. After winning an election with a clear mandate from you, I was struck with great joy and hope that we could forge a future fitting for the many generations who will come after. After being in public life for so long, I have learned that the greatest dignity one can achieve is in the unconditional service for others, especially those who struggle to prosper. It is their cause that must keep us fixated on what matters most. 

I address you all now as a man who has sought to keep your sacred trust with my entire being, knowing that there is still work that needs to be fulfilled. With many rapid questions facing our society, I have come to the conclusion that I no longer hold the strength to make these important decisions and legislate with all the means required of me. For over thirty years, I have been your Senator and Member of the House, working to achieve this vision; for this, I am truly grateful. 

 

Therefore, I am announcing that I shall step down as Leader of the Josephites and shall be retiring from the House of Commons. I do so freely and with great consciousness to the gravity of my decision for the life of the Imperial legislature and of my voters, to whom I am eternally grateful. It has been the greatest joy of my life to serve. To all of my staff, I am pleased with the work we have done together throughout the years. In consultation with the Josephite Committee and the convention at-large, I am happy to announce my successor, Jonah Stahl Elendil, who shall lead the Josephites into the future with great vigor. I may be retiring from public office, but I assure you that our cause continues to burn bright. I will continue to serve you all as I have done throughout my entire career. 

 

However, I must warn that as legislators sworn to the public interest, it is our duty to be cognizant of our words and actions. The spirit of factionalism is one that has increased the turnout of participation in our electoral politics, but we must not let the temptation of rancor, avarice, and malicious untruths tarnish and degrade our institutions. For if we allow this to fester, I fear that we need not look at the outside for a threat to our prosperity, but from within ourselves.

President pro tempore Terrence May during the Eighth Session of the Imperial Senate, c. 1751

 

 

To my colleagues, both past and present, there have been a great many names and personalities that I have come to cherish over this long career here in the legislature. To colleagues such as Sir Frederick Armas, Sir Charles Napier, Senator Vivaca Rutledge, Senator Siegmund Corbish, Senator Cyrus Basrid, Senator Arthur Callahan, Sir Konrad Stafyr, Senator Urrigon Drumm, Senator Lauritz Christiansen, and many others throughout these years have made this a fulfilling and honorable institution. To my new members who have joined me on this fight for dignity on the Josephite benches, I commend your work and strength. Many names have emerged like that of Jonah Elendil and Angelika Bykov with whom I had the pleasure to learn and work with. I also extend my greatest admiration for Leader Amadeus d’Aryn and the Everardine members, who continue to share in the work of a great future and who are so deeply invested in the welfare of our fellow citizens which we all love.

 

Some have dubbed me the ‘Father of the Imperial Diet’ or some other accolade far beyond my credentials, but in truth, the greatest satisfaction is knowing that I leave behind a generation of leaders poised to see that our country succeeds and our rights preserved. I know they will make the people proud and I will be with them on the campaign trail and as their counsel for as long as I am here. May God continue to bless us in these times as we look ahead to strengthen the Tapestry of Man. May the saints intercede for us and may the Frontier State prosper forever. 

 

 

Totally yours,
Terry

 

[Drew2_dude 2636]

“Helluvah ride ye ‘ad eh Terrence?” Sigmar Baruch chuckles as he leans back in the boat off the coast of Valwyck fishing with his old pal Terrence May

[Hanrahan 2983]

Charles Napiers Ghost looks on approvingly from the Seven Skies – His old Colleague finally retiring like he said he would.

[AnonymousAlexa 3890]

Angelika Bykov let out a sigh as she read the memoir. ”President Terrence May was one of the greatest politicians to ever live. I hope the new generation of young Josephites will make him proud. For the dignity of all!” She set down the memoir and began to work on campaign strategies for the upcoming election!