Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1869-09-07
Card from Mr.. Bass.

The fact that have taken no part in the
canvass for Mayor is, as l am informed,
being used against me, and / have been
held up before the public as an imperialist
and aristocrat, not TO say other hard
names, and unwilling TO assc Ciate with
my fellow-men or give public expression
to my views as to the afairs Of the city.
In reply to these charges, | wish to say
that al a public meeting at the Court
house, on the Dist ultimo, called for the
purpose of discussing the best mode to
secure unanimity in the election, a resolu-
ton was passed by the citizens that the
delegates should go to the convention with
out instruction or pledges. Without in
tending to censure others, | have been of
opinion that the whole matter should be
| left to the citiz ns Of the several wards in
their primary meetings without any argu-
ment from me, or attempts TO bias them
| and still think 80. Besides there are no
new issues to be discussed, all agree
| ing that retrenchment and reform must be
| the leading objects of the incoming ad-
ministration. On this subject the public
has already sufficient guaranty as to my
views. Moreover, the Mayor has no power
| t. originate any measure of Legislation. He
/ C IN only recommend, and the mode of SET
| ting the present financial difficulties OF
the corporation must be finally determined
BY the City Council. Finally, were the
above reasons not sufficient TO prevent my
engaging in the canvas, my duties as Re.
ceiver, being constant and onerous, would
forbid it.
1t has been also charged that l am one
of a number who propose to sell TO the
corporation the Academy grounds for
$250,000. This statement | deny, and, &c
far as | am aware, no proposition of the
kind has ever been entertained by any Of
the Trustee. | did say that if the Nc
GavOck Park had not already been bought,
aud the city had been in a condition 10
buy, the purchase Of the Academy would
have been a wise measure, but that thC
corporation was in no condition 10 buy any
thing, and TO this opinion ! still adhere,
| never thought or stated the property was
worth $3.50 900.
1t is also said / am to be paid five pei
cent. for collecting and five per cent for
Disturbing the corporation money. This
need only to gay that / am, as Receiver
acting az an officer Of the Chsncery Court
and will receive what the Chancellor re
cards a reasonable compensation. Thu
rests entirely at his discretion, and as fs
as know he has not Indicated to any ont
what the amount will be; Outside state
ments that cav am to receive $2O,O 600 ar
wi bout authority and entitled TO no credit
Equally without foundation is the acct
sation that have been identified with th'
Radical party or contributed means Il
further lis We've; though no politician,
refer TO my political record as one OF uni
form consistency. 1t may be proper be
fore closing this communication, to say IL
relation TO my course as Receiver, that a
NV request the Chancellor authorized m
10 disburse to the day lsborers of the col
, poration in preference to the large cred
, itors. their back pay, of which the
had been so long and unjustly deprived
and of which many stood in much nee,
? these payments amounted to about $50, OOI
/ This / refer TO to show how far | am III
e friendly to the poor man and Opposed
deprive him of his rights.
This much have felt impelied 10 say
iaslice TO myself and as due TO the publ
= 10 meet the charges brought against M
y but would have preferred TO remain slIen
JOHN NJ. Bass.