The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1856-02-22

NN"''J 'iO S"aiSo HlAue ny MS riAcelIetsc
that theAnierican "came as Il thefin thenight,
NELL s. Brown denounced the charges a.
base. and false calumnies, and then most en-
Phatlcally declared "Andrew Johnson prefer
ed these false charges against members O
the American party who could part with NOR
honor and virtue than Johnson possessed, an,
never miss them"
Netherland and Others will hold forth I,
night, but | must conclude, as the mail i
about to close.
shall remain here few days, and vii
give your readers n slight sketch of the Go
ings of the Legislature.
Yours, in great haste, CAPT. SAM.
capt. SAM" IN THE OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES:
ONE DAY FAITHFULLY.
Nashville, Feb. IA, 1856.
Mr.. Editor: In my letter few days since
| had only time TO give you brief and hasty
sketch of the proceedings of the American
Convention during the day. At night, John
Netherland, Of Hawkins, made a tip top
speech; and was followed with eloquent
speeches from John A. McEwen, l.. NJ. Tenn
pie, james Mullen, Burton and Rains. All
was union, harmony and concert of action,
and we adjourned in fine spirits resolved to
stand by our principles in the coming contest,
and fully believing that triumphant victory
awaits the American party of Tennessee in
November next.
| went to the Capitol next morning, and
John b. Cobb, our gallant and handsome
Joint Representative, being absent, and being
rather good looking myself, it was decided
that could "fill the BILL" so 'pitched in,"
took his seat, and "flled it to the best of nv
skill and ability" Many of your readers are
no doubt anxious to know what our Repre-
senaiivcs are doing; they commence late,
touch light, and quit early. Any man who
has observed the manner of transacting bust.
ness in our County Courts, can form very
correct idea of the way that they do business
Excited aid H' Ii Confusion, and half dozen
conending for the floor, and all speaking at
once. At other times, one man will make
speeches for "Buncombe," whilst The re-
mander will read newspapers and smoke ci-
gars. But more frequently, some half dozen
will be transacting business, whilst the bal
ance are talking and laughing, toasting their
shins around the stoves, and paying no at.
tenlion 10 what is going on. Most generally
about twenty members are absent, and
| learn that all the members have never been
present at the same time. No matter wheth-
er member spends his time here or at home
he draws the "lour dollars day." The Leg
isla!ure will adjourn on the Sd of March, and |
have been in session l55 days. They could |
very easily have done all the business in one
third of the time, which is a strong argument
in favor of limited sessions. The people |
are justly indignant at this protracted session,
from the fact that but little has or will be
accomplished that is calculated to enhance |
the general interests of the public. The !
present Legislature will cost the State about |
one hundred thousand dollars. The honest |
taxpayers, who are compelled TO draw this |
money out of their pockets, should hold their
to n strict accountability for
the way they spend their time and the peo-
pies money, more especially as they are lib
.or,nonsot,d for tl,o;. ,or,;aaa r.,
Llcmen aspiring to Legislative honors may
themselves that they are not
members of the present "august assembly"
So much time has been squandered in doing
nothing, that they are now compelled TO hold
night sessions in order to accomplish the
business necessary 10 be done before they
adjourn. There are some talented, efficient,
and industrious members in both houses, but
n large number are ordinary men 10; fact, they
are extra ordinary. But in this connection,
am proud to say that more courteous,
afiab.c, impartial and gcntlcuianly Speaker
than Neill S. Brown never presided over
legislative assembly. Our Representative,
from McMinn, James c. Carlock, ESQ.,, has
distinguished himself as an efficient and in.
dustrious member, always at his post, aud
generally voting for the interest of the peo-
pie, except when he is led astray by the "di-
verging aud conveying lines of jacobs Lad.
der!"
The "Transfer Bill" is expected TO come
up in few days. Hon. Wm.M Churchwell,
President OF the Knoxville and Kentucky
Company, is here, using his influence to Sc.
cure its passage. As an evidence that You
were right in charging that there was "pri.
vate speculation" at the bottom of this Trans.
fer Bill, Churchwel has been exhibiting spe.
cimens of his Stone Coal; and under his in
iiucnce Eastman, of the Union, has come out
for the transfer, in order to influence the
Democratic members, but Eastman's inter-
ference and dictation is publicly denounced
by prominent Democrats, aud | am confident
that it will be defeated, unless they man
age to connect il with some other important
measure.
Since writing the above, the bill has come
up, and Moses While,thc Representative from
Knox, defended il, and assailed the character
Of the citizens of Athens, charged them with
ignorance, and penurious envioua disnosi