Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1870-01-27
THE CONVENTION.
Sapererogatory Liquidation.


To the Editors of the Union and American:
From certain indications, it appears that
many delegates to the State Convention,
now in session, are disposed to relieve the
General Assembly, to considerable extent,
of the ordinary business Of legislation, and
to take it into their own hands. The dis
credit brought upon the bonds of the State,
by the reeklessness and impTovidenee Of
few past years, has so frightened certain
alarmists of weak nerves, who cry ont bank
ruptcy, Reputation, etc., that, in their ter
rible panic, it is to be apprehended, they
will so tramel and clog various enterprises
as to put stop to internal Improvements
throughout the State. Tennessee Is yet
far behind many of her sister States, net SO
old, in the development of her natural adj
vantages and resources. Her rlch soil,
abundant water power, inexhaushble min
eral wealth and boundless forests only re-
uuire the facilities of railroad transporta-
ton, in various sections, to bring forth
such an increase of production as will great
ly enrich the State and enable her to pay
the principal and interest Of her bonds,
without depressing her people.
The State of Indiana, one of the younger
class, has more railroads, in proportion to
her territory, than any other; hasincreased
| most astonishingly in wealth and resources;
| is nearly out of debt and still progressing
rapidly With her Improvements. Her ex-
ample is worthy of imitation.
Perhaps the delegates from some sec
| tions and counties may be influenced by
| selfish considerations, to say, swell, our
section has already obtained sufficient aid
and facilities and needing nothing more,
we will set our faces against any further
expenditures. 1t is probable that but few
| will acknowledge such unjust, ubgenerous
motives, however illiberal may be theil
conduct.
State aid for building railroads Is not now
| expected. nor would it be available i
| granted. But there are various counties
and sections that are greatly in need O
these improvements and are willing tt
apply their own means and resources tc
the construction Of them. If the State bt
discredited, the counties and individual
are generally solvent and out of debt, anC
should not be hindered in the development
of their natural advantages. The compile
ton of a continuous line of railway
throughout the State, to connect witt
those of Virginia, and especial,
that recently put under contract from NOT
folk, along the North Carolina line, to me
our works, in upper East Tennessee, is
matter of such vital Importance to tn
whole State, that any impediments throy
in the way of its prosecution and speed,
completion, would be great misfortune
much to be deplored This new line 9
railway, from Norfolk to East Tennessee
to be completed in two years by contract
and in connection with the Tennessee work
is intended to be a portion of the mos
| direct route from the Atlantic to the Paciti
| Ocean. Whatever restrictions may be I'M
posed by the Convention, upon the grant
ing of State aid, by the Legislature, t
works of internal improvements, it is hope
that no difficulties may be created tina
will retard the progress of this, the great
est and most important Of all the I'M
provements of the State. Ldtsse: non
faire Let the people work.
WEST TENNESSEE.