Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1857-1858, 1857-10-08


mechanism required by the farmer, the merchant,
the mechanic and hOusekeeper.
The mechanics Institute" of Tennessee has done
much, it is believed, by its annual Fairs to stimu-
late the mechanical and manufacturing interest Of
the State, and to develope much talent peculiar 10
the successful prosecution of these branches of in
dustry. The leading principle upon which this in
stitution is established, is paramount in directing
the mechanical genius Of the young men of the
country in that branch of mechanism to which it is
best adapted. In brief it is designed to stimulate
and bring out the latent mechanical talent and ex-
cite laudabe ambition among mechanics, manu-
facturers artizans and inventors to excel to foster
and to encourage the arts IN every way, and uti-
mately to establish school of design for the bene-
tit of the youth of the State, whose opportunities
are limited for the want of pecuniary means or
otherwise. The institution is not established upon
such a basis as desired by the Directors though
they have been struggling against many difficulties,
it is believed they will ultimately succeed in its per
manent establishments They desire to erect Han
suitable for the institution and have already leased
a lot of ground convenient and favorably located for
the erection of suitable buildings.
The Legislature with great hberality has aided
other important interests in the State such Rail-
roads and Agriculture. VIII it not, therefore eN-
tend similar aid to manufacturers and mechanics,
and in doing, place these great interests on an
equal footing with the other industrial pursuits OF
the country, and thereby exonerate the Legislature
from the charge of invidous and partial Legislation?
II you legislats for one, tegislate for The Uh0le.
HERMITAGE.
It was made the duty of the Governor, by act
entitled 4" An Act to purchase the Hermitage"
passed by the last Legislature, to purchase for the
State of Tennessee, five hundred acres Of the late
residence of Andrew Jackson, deceased, including
the Mansion Tomb and other improvements known
as the Hermitage, and said act authorized him 10
issue six per cent. Coupon Bonds 20 the amount of
forty-eight thousand dollars ($4s,Oo0) in payment
of the same.
In compliance with this law, the purchase has
been made, the five iundred acres, including the
Mansion, Tomb and other improvements, known ~
the Hermitage, has been run out aud plated by =
competent and skilIul surveyor, and title unen-
numbered has been made to the State, which title
has been registered in the Registers Office Of David
son County, and is now on file in the office OF the
Secretary of State II also made by said act,
the dnty of the Governor to tender the said proper
~ to the general government OF the United States
upon the express condition that It be used as site
for q branch Of the Military Academy at West Point.
This tender has been made by the Governor in per-
son to the Federal Government through the Presi-
dent of the United States the President transmit
ted the tender, as made, TO both branches of Con
gress The subject was there taken up and referred
TO the appropriate committees. In the Senate Il
referred to the committee on military affairs,
which committee, after consideration made a favor
able report, accompanied with Bill, accepting OF
the five hundred acres, upon the terms and condi-
tons authorizing the tender to be made The pro-
position the time far as it could be ascertaECd,
seemed TO be favoFably entertained by both houses
of Congress. But it being the short session, and
much important business remaining to be disposed
Of Congress adjourned the fourth Of Mach,
without having any definite action upon the propo-
sition, and it is still pending before the Federal
Government for lis final determination.
In the event the Federal Government should
fuse accept of the property rendered by the State
would it not be better t. set it apart permanent
residence for all future Governors If the State? In
so doing, the property would be preserved from
misuse and dilapdatiOu, and the State hereafter
saved from a heavy expenditure in the erection ot
an Executive Mansion. Would thus, furthermore,
preserve IS the property OF the people, the sacred
spot of earth which contains the mortal remains CE
her most gifted and distinguished son, whose rcuowa
as a patriot as one who loved the people and the
Union as a statesman and a soldier, Is co-eEtensiye
with the civilized world. His deeds civil and nsi.
tary, are the property Of the Nation, bis Tomb be-
longs the people OF his adopted State, who ven
crate his name aud still love and cherish his memory
and who will witness the transfer Of its ownership
10 other hands with deep regret and much dssai.s
faction.
STATE CAPITOL.
1t has been more than twelve years since the
corner stone OF the State Capitol was laid and tho
work is still dragging along, and the Capitol IN an
unfinished con dtun. Progressing at this slow rate,
II has already cost the State, including appropnt-
tons directly from the Treasury, labor performed by
the HCnteutary COuNlct> anu ieehahcG OF otAtt
Bonds &c one million, two hundred and four thou
sand and seveuty-two dollars and twelve cents
Isl, poi, O72 l2l To raise this amount, in part
there has been issued eight hundred and forty one
thousand dollars l$S4l,uOo) Of six per cent. State
Bonds the principal and interest 10 be paid Gus OF
Of the State Treasury. These Bonds constitute -
part of the State debt, and must ultimately, be
paid out of the peoples taxes.
Il would seem that the time had arrived when
the Capitol should be completed, and THE source Of
expenditure have an end. lis believed il the work
had from the beginning, been pressed With energy
and economy, that il would have been completed
long before this time and az much less cost 10 the
people. il is hoped that the Legislature wii adopt
some means by which its completion viii be brought
about At an early day, and this continued Issuance
OF State Bonds, year after year, and the payment a.
interest thereon, be brought 10 a speedy and hnGl
close. ! would suggest the pFopuety Of adding -
the present board of Building Commissioners, the
Secretary OF State, Treasurer and ComptFoler.--
These officers are in most instances, from different
portions Of the State and would feel themselves re-
sponsible TO the people of the State FOR he manner
IN which they discharge their duty and further