The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1857-10-16

dividends of the Union Bank, $l57, 1875 92.-
OF this amount SlO5,l03 IA, have been in
vested in per cent. bonds of the State. In
pursuance of the provisions of the same act
there has been paid of the dividends, arising
from the School Fund Stock, in the Union
and Planters Bank, upon the Governor and
Comptroller's order, the sum of fifty-nine
thousand dollars, which sum has been vested
in six per cent. State Bonds and the receipt
of the President of the Bank of Tennessee
taken for the same.
The message next takes up the subject of
Banks, and renews the former recommenda-
ton of the Governor to put the Bank of Ten
nessee into n state of gradual llqnidation.--
In making this recommendation again he says
it must not be inferred or understood by any
that he is in favor of the creation or contin-
uation of Stock OF Free Banks; he would be
sin favor of winding them all up, so soon as
it is practicable and consistent with the COM
mercial, agricultural and mechanical wants of
the country to do So" Incidentally, he con-
demns the proposition to increase the capital
of the State Bank, and to make it the great
regulator Of the monetary affairs of the State.
1t is also recommended that law be passed
prohibiting the circulation of bank notes of a
less denomination than five dollars, the law
of the last session failing to effect the object
of its enactment.
Attention is again called to the subject of
uniformity of weights and measures through
out the State, and statement made of what
has been done by the Governor and Superin-
tenden: in compliance with law, and il is re-
commended that law be passed to tix defn-
itely and intellgibly what is the standard of
weights and measures and to annex penalties
for violating it.
The tax on merchants is referred TO and
reduction again recommended.
Our system of public roads is reviewed, and
a modification recommended
The subject of law reform is again pressed
upon the adoption Of the Legislature, and the
announcement is made of the completion Of
Meigs & Cooper's Diges. Of .he laws of the
State.
Reference is made to the operations of the
Agricultural Bureau, and recommendation
made to assist the Mechanics Institute.
1t is stated that the Hermitage has been
purchased, in compliance with the act of the
last session, and rendered to the General
{ overnment; and in case the tender is not
accepted, the Governor recommends that the
property be retained as a residence for the
future Governors of the State.
In reference to the State Capitol, the mes.
sage says it has already cost Sl,204,072 I2,
and is yet unfinished. The hope is expressed
that the Legislature win adopt some means
by which its completion will be brought about
at an early day. 1t is added
would suggest the propriety of adding to
the present Board of Building Commission
ers, the Secretary of State, Treasurer, and
Comptroller These officers are in most in
stances from different portions of the State,
and would feel themselves responsible to the
people of the State for the manner in which
they discharge their duty; and, furthermore,
their Offices are all in the Capitol, convenient
to the work now being performed, and also
for consultation il. reference to the best mode
ofhaving it done, and as to the most vigor-
Gus means of its prosecution.