Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1854-01-13
Legislators, Judges, Jurors, &c. But which is the

Legislators, Judges, Jurors, &c But which is the
most efficient system?
Mr.. s. then discussed the merits of the bill under
consideration-his main objection was that the tax
was too hght-the whole amount levied under this
BILL in addition TO the present school fund would
make only about 100000, which is too ittle-bet-
ter have enough or none-ths would be less than
s per scholar. Mr.. s. then quoted various autho
rites in support of his views Massachusetts spends
more than one and half million per annum: and
she has also within ten years expended sixty mil
lions in ailroads, and she is growing rapidly in
wealth aud resources. Mr.. S. also referred to the
example of New York,-showing that internal i'm
provements and common schools are not incompat-
ible. Gentlemen need not fear to lose popularity,
the man who accomplishes the desirable end of
establishing good system of free schools, will i'm
mortaze himself. Mr.. s. went on to discuss the
advantages of the different methods proposed to
carry out the objects of the BILL referring to the
plan in use in Massachusetts,. He (Mr 81 propo-
sed TO raise general fund and distribute it amongst
the counties according to scholastic population and
then require each county to raise within itself as
much as it receives from the general fund; and then
there will be enough and all the counties will be on
footing of equality.
Mr.. S. was not willing to levy little tax that
would do no good to any body If the system he
proposed could no: be adopted then he would pre-
fer the county system and let each county tax her
self for schools much she pleases.
After very able and lucid speech Mr.. Sykes re :
sumed his seat and was followed by
Mr. FAsRINGNoN who called the attention of the
House to bill No. q. He did not wish to weary
the House with dissertation on Education. He
wished to compare the general system with the
County system. He was not opposed to taxation
for this purpose their was as much reason for this
as to levy taxes for the support of government
But while this isso, we may honestly differ as to
mode. Mr. Harrington said he was opposed 10 the
bill Of the gentleman from Wilson, because it did
not do enough as the gentleman from Maury had
proved. The present school fund is utterly useless
tits money wasted Besides Mr. Harrington main
tanned that the general system was unjust and I'M
equal He denied that the State of Massachusetts,
had ever used the general system as here presented
She distributes fund.- but no part of it is raised by
taxation. Mr., harrington then proposed to show
the injustice and inequality of the general system
as proposed by the gentleman from Maury and IL
Illustrated his views by comparing its operation in
different counties. He considered the operation of
this aystem as species of agrariansm. Mr. Far
rlngton had much affection and sympathy for the
poor children as the gentleman rom Wilson, but
this is not chartabls fund but school fund that
asked to raise. Put it on the ground of mere
charity, and he (Mr. Farrington) would never hold
back he would 60 as far any man. Mr., Far
that the people were prepared for the operation of
this law of direct taxation. If they had he would
like them to produce it. The gentleman from Will
son had this morning travelled to Europe Mr.
Harrington proposed to take him back there this
afternoon, and to remind him that direct taxation
was dangerous experiment, which had once been
tried by certain George the H. who thereby lost
his finest colonies.
Mr.. FARNGToN then proceeded to explain the
al h NJ
TON concluded by moving his own bill in lieu Of that
of Mr.. Thompson
Mr. THOMPSON replied to Mr.. Harrington, and in
defence of his bill NO. 20) The gentleman from
Shelby seemed to conflict with all systems He
did not contend that this bill perfect but let US
at least begin and amend and improve as we GO
He objected 10 the county system-it was a State
duty educate its children and should not be con
fined to any county.
Mr.. FARRINGTON rejoined in refutation of Mr.
Thompson's remarks. He had spoken of the two
systems comparatively, aud he still insisted that the
general system was unequal and unjust. He called
for the proof that Massachusetts raised her fund by
direct taxation. The townships raise tax of so
much per capita.
Mr.. HARRIS said i. was customary for gentlemen
when they to speak to say that they did mot
intend to make a speech" lie did not intend to
make speech; he only rose to make motion
He alluded to the prosperity Of the country in all
natural advantages, but no education. This subject
was enough to rouse any from apathy. The
fire in the flint did not shine forth until it was
struck. Should this Legislature deny the children
an education ShGGlG 1t be said with the Poet
Gray that
knowledge to their eyes her ample page
Rich with the spoils of time did ne'er uhroll;
Chill penury repressed their noble rage
And frOze the genial current of their soul.
Full many gem efpurest ray serene
The dark uniathOmeI caves of ocean bear:
Full many flower is born To blush unseen,
And waste its sweetness on the desert air
Alter few additional remarks Mr. Harris re-
sumed his seat, and was followed by Mr. House
Mr. HOUSE did not intend to bore the House with
a speech. He hoped the gentleman who spoke last
would allow him (dr. House, to use that speech as
an exodium to his own. Mr. House said he thought
this discussion not calculated to do good to the
children or any body else The bill proposed would
only allow about one dollar per annum to each
child which would spread the money so thin all
over the State that it would be OF no use to anv
body, but would inJure schools What is the use of
getting up here to make fine speeches about educa-
ton, whose advantages no one denies? Ifyou want
TO do anything raise enough money at once to es-
tabilsh an efficient system. and then you will effect
a permanent good. Less than that would only raise
an excitement, without any corresponding blessing
and the people will become disguised with the
whole subject.
WI. DIfOSD Ot5Seu 10 HteITup the regular or
der OF business in order to ofera Report in answer
to the Resolution offered this morning asking infor-
nation of the Comptroller and Treasurer, relative
to apparent discrepancies in the balances stated to
be III the Treasury and in the State Bank These !
discrepancies were explained by the Comptroller /
and Treasurer. Mr.. Buford of the Committee re-
ported that the Committee had examined the whole |
subject, and that the explanation given by the Of
icers was satisfactory. Regular business was then /
resumed
Mr.. HARRINGTON asked the gentleman from VIII
ION if his tax on privileges would raise the tax
IN merchants. Mr.. Thompson admitted that it
would. Mr.. harrington said he wished TO call the
attention of the House to that fact. Mr.. Earring
on bill (No. 2S) was then read and Mr.. Earring
on moved to substitute it in place Of Mr., Thomp-
on's bill (No 28)
Mr.. MARTIN moved to lay bill No, % on the ia
lie, which motion was adopted-ayes 80 noes So
Mr. TEMPLE moved to adjourn until halEpast
line o'clock tomorrow, and the House adjourned
FOR MEMPHIS.
I>HE L. 5. Mail Packet EMBASSY, tFWs-- D.
L Capt. DAVIS, leaves here this day at skk1its~rS
A. NJ connecting at Memphis with r-ZrS-5,skIrrlE9S-.