Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1869-09-03
THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTA-.
TlEES.
who Shall be Speaker?-SuggestiO
OF Correspondents,

Who Shall be SpeakeF?-SuggestiOn
OF Correspondents.
To the Editors of the Union and American.
The name of William O'Neal Perkins,
the able and dignifed Representative
from Maury and Williamson, has been
mentioned in connection with the speak
ership of the next House of Representa-.
tives. Mr. Perkins has had experience in
the line of legislation, is perfectly familiar
with parliamentary law, an urbane and
dignifed gentleman of sober habits and
closely attentive to any business entrust~
ed to his care and management. BE is
honest and impartial, and possesses in an
eminent degree the traits Of character
necessary to good presiding officer. l
| venture to say no one could be selected to
that position possessing so many qualiti-
cations for the discharge of its duties.
His claims to the speakership have been
already mentioned by several papers in
this and the western division of the State,
and do not hesitate TO say that on no
one could the duties of that Office be de-
volved who would discharge them more
faithfully, efficiently and politely than
Mr.. Perkins. 5.
| To the Editors Of the Union and American.
Inasmuch as the organization Of the
| ensuing Legislature has become the subs
| iect of newspaper articles, we desire
through the columns of your excellent
| paper, to call the attention of the public,
and especially the members elect of the
lower house of the General Assembly, to
the claims for Speakership of that body,
of Abner A. Steele, Esq, member elect
from Marshall county.
| presume the courtesy that has always
characterised the liberal, high-minded,
and honorable parties Of this State, will
concede the Speakership Of that body,
this session, to Middle Tennessee, and
the Speaker will certainly be selected
from the members representing that
section of the State, provided, that the
same efficiency can be found among
them that can be found among the other
members, representing the other porr
tons of the State. 1t is equitable and
just that this rule should govern, all
other questions being equal. Without
disparaging the claims of any aspirant,
VIC think no member of that body can be
found who is better qualified to preside
over It's deliberations than Mr.. Steele,
and ! believe there will be no one in
that assembly that is moro deserving Of
the honors to be conferred in the organl'
cation than he. He is the Oldest legis~
lator, | believe, elected to tho House
having served three sessions previous t.
; this, and his familiarity with and thor
. ough knowledge of parliamentary law o.
legislative usages renders him highly
competent to preside with dignity anC
efficiency over its deliberations. Ii
was the first man in the State of Tennes
, | see that lifted his voice in publi
| speeches against the despOtism of tn
| Brownlow oligarcby, under which W
have been grooming for the last fou
years, and for which he was ostraclse(
by the JacObins who held their despOtiC
orgies 10 the capitol Of our State in 1866
e and we should not be 60 ungratetul /
| this, our hour of triumph, as to forge
4 those who then stood by US. ID
has ever been a firm friend Of tn
United States government in a
her trials, but was ) honorable an
magnanimous toward those who attempt
g ed its overthrow in the South, and ha
e been the champion of their rights sine
] the war ceased. He served the ConserN
g alive party in the late presidential can
e paign. as electOr for the fourth congress
ional district. His election to the speal
ership can give no offence to any part
/. North or South, but would be a we
It deserved honor to an able and true an
patriotic gentleman.
The organization of our Lsgislatul
with such champions of liberty and la
to preside as A A. Steele, will give q
assurance of a speedy and happy sol'
q ton AMI adjustment Of all our dificu
N ties T..