Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1860-03-10
The Legislature.

We have noticed occasionally in news
papers i'm the rural districts. inconsideraie
articles condemning the present legislature
for what they term the unnecessary and I'M
usual length to which the session has been
pIotracted. Oar respected contemporaries
of the Banner and Ntics have recently, with
n intention, we are sure, to wound the
sensiblilies of any member, touched upon
the same subject. Apprehending that their
remarks may have prejudcial effect where
ever read, we feel that the interposilion of
word of defence Is not unealled for.
For many years past, the sessions Of the
Legislature have been long. Convening
biennially, they are necessarily longer than
in States where the meetings are annual
Their increase in length has been gradual; as
have been the growth of the population of
the State, the development Of her resources.
and the increase aud expansion of all
The interests which require the fostering
care and protection OF legislation. But,
since the inauguration of her system
Of railroad improvements, long sessions have
been more frequent and excusable The seq
sion that inaugurated the system expire
saIly in February. TIE one Immediately fol-
lowing. 1854, expired on the 9th of March.
that of 1856, on the 3rd of March and
that of 1878. on the 22d of March, I'm
portant as were these long sessions, they did
not transcend, in that respect, the present,
which it will be noted has not yet reached the
length of its immediate predecessor. Each
CT them was prolonged by important public
Business, and many measures, the beneficial
effects OF which are seen and felt every day,
in all sections of the State, would have failed
but for the time afforded for thorough in
vesiigation of their merits, and an enIight-
rned judgment upon them. The sessions of
ls5I-2, 1854, 1856, were prolonged by
the measures necessary 10 iHaugurate and
pefect our system of railroads-that of 1878
by the time necessary to adopt the code, aud
other important measures.
The present Legislature has had before il
the question of finance and currency-a SUBJ
ject which directly or Indirectly affects the
interests of every citizen-and has but re-
emily disposed of it. The legislation upon
this difficult question has been such as prom
ises to promote the prosperity of the people
and the State. and if nothing else of import
ance had been done. this alone would Justify
The time that has been consumed. Had the
session heen limited TO three months by the
constitution. who believes that with the views
and spirit that characterized the earlier de-
bales. that the Legislation would have been
30 advantageous. We believe the re-charter
oil the Union and Planters Banks would have
been delayed until another session, and no
o her bank chartered. Thus far the LegisIa-
ture. then. has done well, nobIy, if you please
There is yet considerable work of importance
TO be done. This can be done, and the Leg
islature adjourn before the 22d Of March, the
day on which the last expired. We trust that
members will go on and discharge their du-
ties irmly-the people have never complained.
and will not, OF the time given to deliberate
upon and consider their interests maturely.
And. On the part OF the citizens of Nashville,
w are u e we can say, members may rely
upon it that stay as long as they may, they
will be welcome, thrice welcome, to their
Inequalities.