The Daily Nashville true Whig. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1851-1855, 1855-11-05
SKETCH OF THE
REMARKS OF Mr.. WILLIAM B. STOKES

REMARKS OF Mr.. WILLIAM B. STOKES,
In the State Senate-on the Bill to change the
manner of electing the Keeper of the Penten.
tary. Nov. ..
Ma SPEAKER:-I rise for the purpose of dis
charging duty that feel owe to the people that
have the honor to represent, aud in justice 10 my.
sell, and those of the committee who agree with me
the passage of the bill introduced by the Sen
ator from Davidson to change the Law TO elect
the Keeper or Agent Of the Penitentary, by the
joint ballot Of both Houses OF the Legislature, in
stead Of appointing him by the Board OF Inspectors,
at the bidding OF the Governor. 1 have never con-
sumed much Of the time of the Legislature in the
discussion Of questions that have arisen at either of
the sessions that | have been a member. | have
been hOnOTed with seat, Sir, two sessions before
this, and have never been troublesome, as gentle
men On this floor will bear me out in. Being an
humble farmer and not in the habit of speaking has
often kept me from expressing my sentiments pub
licly on this floor, was and is my right TO do.
And, Mr. Speaker, / would not at this time, attempt
to DO So but for the that justice demands it.
Now. Sir, let Us for a moment examine the Report
of the minority. made by the Senator from Coffee,
that is published, and gone forth to the world. He
sets out by referring US 10 the different acts OF the
Legislature, and states that there is no for
change In the law-he has heard Of no complaint
and therefore, the mode Of electing or appointing
the Agent or Keeper, ought not 10 be changed.
Now, Sir, when you come TO examine toe different
Reports made by the Keeper or Agent, you will see
that the Institution was as well managed prior to
1916 as il has been since Prior to 1885, the Agent
was appointed by the Board Of Inspectors, who
we're elected by the joint vote of both Houses Of
the General Assembly. ! will refer you, Sir, 10 the
Reports made in 1884,. The profits Of the Insitu.
ton for the two preceding years were 81, 1874 80.
The Report made TO the Legislature IN 1906,
shows a net profit OF SlS,2Sa 40. The Report
made ia lS47-S, shows a net profit of SlS,19S 90
As to the truth or correctness OF the Reports,
have nothing TO saw II correct, then have sue
ceeded in establishing the fact that the Institution
was as well managed before the act of 1916 was
passed, as il has been since. The Senator IRON
Coffee states In his Report that he has no doubt If
Col Gentry had been elected, no such bill would
have been introduced. Now, Sir, let me say to the
Senator, that the majority OF the committee were
actuaed by no such motive as the Senator attempts
10 brand them with-he is unqualifedly mistaken.
Let me- Sir cite the Senator 10 the action OF the last
Legislature. There was a bill introduced TO the
same effect Of the one introduced by the Senator
from Davidson, and would ask, Mr.. Speaker If
Col Gentry had been defeated No, Sir, he had
not even been a candidate. Sir, what induced the
member two years ago, 10 introduce the billy
presume be was ac,1ated 10y the same motives, or
partly So at least that actuated the motives OF the
Senator from Davidson, IN The Introduction OF TINS
bill.
desire Mr.. Speaker, 10 call the Senator's atten-
ton 10 the course pursued by Governor johnson
two years ago lie sent in bis nominations for In
spectors 20 the Senate for their confirmation or re-
lection, honorable men, no doubt) The Senate
confirmed them; they went forward In the discharge
OF their duty, elected Keeper, a Mr.. Page, an
honorable, high-minded gentleman Of Davidson
county, well qualified, no doubt. in every respect,
70 discharge the duties Of the Office. What nexts
IL turned that Page did not suit Governor John.
son. consequently be must be turned out Of Office.
The commissioners could do H. but they would not
What then must be done 20 satisfy this high Priest,
this Archbishop, this Rnleri Why, cir, senator
directed no doubt by the Governor TO move for a
reconsideration Of the vote confirming the nomina-
tioas. IL was reconsidered, and second Board Of
Inspectors Was nominated aud sent 10 The Senate
BY this high Priest the Governor. They were also
confirmed. They entered upon the discharge Of
their duty. They elected Nc. White, Keeper, log
Mhop h2ya.. noshlng q say,l ths isyor.e o. Goy,