Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1869-10-05

=
weakness, and that the true prob
lem for Spanish craftsmanship in
regard to the island is how to get
gracefully rid of it,
,-a-.-------
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
A quorum of both Houses at
IL NJ. yesterday, the day ordained
by the the constitution, were pros
ent. The organization, so far as it
was carried, win be found in the
regular Legislative report. 1t is
probable that to-day, or tomorrow
at farthest, it will be perfected,
From intercourse personally with
a large proportion of the members
of the body, and from an inspection
as they sat in their respective
Houses, it is truth to say that, joint.
~, they constitute as reputable and
as truly representative body of
legislators as ever assembled in the
State The first FREQ election, or
one approximating that degree and
character of freedom attaching to
and distinctive of republican insti-
tutions, has produced a good result.
Tho circumstances considered, the
State administration is on the
threshold of q new term, under bet-
ter auspices than might have been
anticipated The Governor elect,
both in his official conduct as Chief
Executive for the past seven months,
as well as in his frank and manly
canvass for the succession, has
secured the esteem Of the people.
We believe that he will meet the
Legislature in spirit of concilia5
ton, and with a desire to coun.'
sci tremendously for the public
good: The body is composed of
men of wisdom and experience,
who in the present exigency, are
capable ofrising above the rage and
roar of partizanship. Of the one
hundred and ten members in both
branches, all ages from the veteran
verging on three score and ten,
to him who is scarcely of eligible
age, are represented. There are
men who differed politically before
the war; and men who held OPP
posing sides during the war; and
men, also, who have been politically
antagonistic since the war. But no
element greatly dependencies and
the body as a whole is animated
with tho right spirit. We augur
from the complexion of the General
Assembly, a most wholesome and
conservative administration of the
State government, and shall be
greatly astonished if this is not the
result.
In the Senate-a body which has
a half a score of men fitted to I'LL the
chair of the pending officer-the
Lieutenant Governorship under our
Constitution-Dorsey B. Thomas,
was unanimously elected Speaker.
Mr.. Thomas first appearance in
public life was as Representative
from Haywood county, in the leg
islature of 1896, in which he
made q reputation as d business
member. In 1855, he was elected
from Humphreys and Benton coun-
ties, On the general tic ket; and at
the Congressional election of that
year, was elected to Congress. lie
did not take his seat, how
ever, though he contested
it before the United States
House of Representatives. His
competitor, Mr.. Arnell, held
the Governors certificate, and had
the ear of the Radical majority of
that body. In 1867, Mr.. Thomas
declined to be candidate for Con-
gress, seeing no hope of fair and
free election. In 1868, he was a
warm supporter of the COnserva~
tive Democratic candidates for the
Presidency and Vice Presidency.
lie was elected to the State Senate
this year without opposition
almost; and his elevation to
the Speakership was de-
sci we'd compliment to his political
and personal integrity Of character !;
to his admirably balanced judg-
ment, and to his experience in leg
islative experience. He will make
an able and impartial officer, and
will quit the position with even
higher reputation than that with
which he has entered on it.
The contest for the Speakership
of the House resulted in the cleo
ton, after several ballots, Of VIM.
ONeiIl Perkins, the Representative
from Williamson, Maury and Lewis
counties. Mr.. Perkins is of one of
the historic families of the State
a gentleman of culture and ability,
and Of high and unblemished
character. He served a
term in the State Senate in 1854.
He will preside with courtesy and
ability, and will prove a popular
selection. Out Of the list voted for
for this position, any gentleman
offered would have been acceptable,
Roach of Carroll, Fleming Of Knox,
or Steele of Marshall. The first
named was the favorite of West