The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1866-02-23
LEGISLATIVE.

and will return to Virginia on the Rich
mond train tomorrow forenoon.
LEGISLATIVE.
The Banner of Saturday, says: "The
proceedings in the lower branch of our
General Assembly yesterday afternoon were
marked by an occurrence which disturbed,
in rather disgraceful manner, the parla-
mentary dignity of the House, and for
time threatened to lead to consequences of
a most serious nature. We give the details
of this unfortunate affair as we have them
from witnesses of unimpeachable veracity.
The consideration of Mr.. Mullins new
franchise bill which came up on Thursday
was, by the consent of both parties in the
House postponed until yesterday, with the
distinct understanding that the bill should
at that, time be open to full discussion and
amendment. Regardless of this solemn
pledge and agreement, the Radicals who
were friends of the measure, and were
largely in the majority, demanded the pre-
vious question yesterday, on the passage of
the bill on its third and last reading.
The Conservatives at once perceived with
what character of men they had to deal, and
naturally resorted to the tactics for which
+ their antagonists had SO shamefully aban
! doned all pretense of honesty and fair play.
When the roll was called, on the final
! passage of the bill, several of the Conserya-
tives refused to answer to their names.
! With these omissions, the summing up of
/ the vote failed to denote a quorum. The
Radicals demanded that the members who
refused to vote should be compelled to do
so, and that the Speaker should exert his
authority for that purpose.
The Speaker remarked that the remedy
lay not in his power, and that he could not
compel a member to answer to his name.
After a sharp debate on this point, Mr..
Mullens took the floor in a very excited
manner, aud In loud voice charged that
there was not only preconcerted arrange
ment among members (meaning the Con
serVatives) to postpone action on the bill,
but that the Speaker himself was cognizant
of the fact. The Speaker instantly replied
that Mr.. Mullins was 'd--n liar and
rascal or words to that effect, at the same
time hurting his gavel with great velocity
and precision at the head Of the offending
member.
The two gentlemen at once commenced
hostile demonstrations; Mr.. Heiskell apring-
ing down from the Speakers chair, and
Mr., N. advancing from his desk. Mutual
friaeEs, however, interfered, and thus ter
Tor tbsspresent, an episode which
"a ~ XsasaR enYiable
page la4ouf Iegls4sl 'gI1ac'
The Union and -AasS,,'7 ". of Tuesday,
says: "This body is still at a dead lock.
There being no law to compel the sttend-
ance of absent members, the present statts
is likely to be preserved for awhile. The
State Constitution CART. 2, eec. III defn-
ing the powers of the Senate and House Of
Representatives says:
''Two- thirds of each House shall consti-
tute quorum to do business; but a small
er number may adjourn from day to day,
and may be authorized by law to compel
the attendance of absent members"
The Legislature never having passed any
law authorizing either House, when below
quorum, to compel the attendance of alb
sent members, the Speaker and the House
are powerless.
Since the foregoing was in type the fol
, lowing compulsory process has been issued
by the Speaker.
We understand that Messrs. Garrett, o.
OveTton, Thomas of Coffee, Willis of Haw
kins, and one or two others, whose names
we did not learn, have rendered their resig
nations. In the present condition of th'
: country it would be wise and patriotic !
the Legislature would adjourn sine die anC
, refer all these matters back to the people
who elected them. The country wants
peace. 1t will not be secured, we are sure
. through this Legislature.
The following is the order referred to;
4 HorsE OF REPRESENTATIVES.,
Speakers Desk, Feb. 19, 1861
| To tie Principal Doorkeeper Tor his assist
anti, Of tie House Of Representatives. Q
the State Of Tennessee:
You, or either of you, are hereby com
:. manded to bring, or cause to be brought t.
: the bar of this House, such of the fOlloWin!
t named absentees as you can find:
: N. Brandon, of Stewart; Asa Faulkner
= of Warren; ]. R. Hood, of Hamilton: A. D
! Micks, Of Dickson; G. n. Ordway, of Giles
Il W. p. Scales, of Dyer; VIM. Simmons, Q
s Franklin; A A. Steele, of Marshal; w. w
y Willis, of Hawkins; "A. r. Wynne, of Sum
:. ner; and Samuel P Walker, of Shelby.
Given under my hand aud seal, the da
7 and year aforesaid. WIN. HEIsKELL,
e Speaker of the H. of r.
It The Dispatch of the 21st says messag
s was received in the Senate, on the goth
4 - - n 3