Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-12-16

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Be il further enacted, That the public
welfare requires this act to go into effect
ON its passage or first reading in the
House of Representatives.
This was read with due gravity by the
Clerk, Neill Brown, jr., but was received
with roars of laughter, in which the dig
nified and eminent Speaker, Mr.. Per
kins, seemed inclined to join. He finally,
however, ruled the amendment out Of
order. SO much for the House.
This subject is all important to the
people of Tennessee, and those OF Shell
by county in particular. A bill passed
on its third reading in the Senate yes
terday, fixing the rate of taxation for
1871 at eighty cents on the one huhdred
dollars-at present it is twenty. The
bill was vigorously opposed by Messrs.
Cubbins and Etheridge. and one or two
others, but was passed by vote
of fifteen to eight. This indicates
the spirit of the Senate. The bill,
however, was recalled from the House
to-day, and may be reconsidered. 1t is
pretty sure that the House will not, or
would not, agree to such a high rate;
hence the bill may be reconsidered be-
fore it goes to the House. i still think
sixty cents will be about the basis finally
adopted. The merchants tax will, in
all probability, be increased in Che same
proportion on what it has been since the
18th of last January. Those who are
familiar with the law will know what
this means without me giving the figures
do not think the tax on imports will be
revived, though the merchants privilege
tax and dd pdlorem may be made pay
able in advance as near as 1t can be as
certained. An incredible amount Of
Tennessee money is abroad, and if for
nothing eAe, it is necessary to raise all
kinds of taxes to take in the stuff and
burn it as soon as possible.
A BIG SETTLEMENT.
Mr.. John League, late County Court
Clerk, and Mr.. Pennebaker, the Comp
troller, failed to agree on the terms OF a
final settlement. Some months ago Mr..
League reported that he had $4,000 in
Tennessee money, and $4,000 in cur
rency ready to turn over. The Comp
troler was ready to receive the curren-
CIV, but not the deprecated money with
out examining the dates. Mr.. League
refused to turn over cent until he could |
make final settlement Mr.. Cubbins,
i seems undertook TO adjust the matter,
and finally succeeded. He Immediately
to Mr.. League, who hap
oened to be in Mississippi at the time,
,ut returned to Memphis Sunday and
came on here. The settle
nent was concluded to-day, the funds
Ibove named were turned over, and Mr..
league has receipt in full in his pocket
md looks very happy.
DELINQUENT RAILROADS.
The committee appointed to sell the
interest of the State in delinquent rail
Dads reported this morning why they
ad not done so. The reasons were set
ortn at length. The principal one was
hat the interests of so many individuals
ere concerned, and the complications
0 great, that the sale could not be eff
scted or title made to the property
ithout further legislation. The com
littee reported bill, which, if adopted,
$ it no doubt will be, will prepare the
ay for adjusting the interests Of all
arties, and ultimately selling the roads
nd making good titles. This, however,
i'll involve many suits in the Chancery
curt of Nashville, some of which may
e appealed to the Supreme Court
Ience no sales can be made for some
lonths to come.
STRINGENT LEGISLATION.
The Comptroller was 50 severe on tax
ollectors in his report that bills have
cen introduced calculated to regulate
hese gentlemen considerably. Such Off
ers may look out for some very sharp
nd particular laws to be made for the
special benefit Of revenue collectors.
Ir. Pennebaker is considered an able,
vigilant officer BE has the
ar and the confidence Of the Legisla-
ire, and his word in matters Of revenue j
next thing to the law. Hereafter tax
ties are to be Of more value. There
i'll be an act passed on this subject cal
Hated to wake up delinquent tax
ayers. The truth is, this Legislature is
ping a vast amount Of hard work, and
as much as should be ex-
ected in the face Of such embarrass-
tents.
NEGRO rs THE SUPREME COURT.
Yesterday morning Mr.. W. NJ. Brien, .
T., a Radical lawyer, moved, in the Su-
rene Court, that Samuel Lowry, Esq,
duly licensed lawyer be sworn in to
ractiee at that bar. No one knew Sam !,
Ell Lowry, but the Chief Justice said let
i'm be sworn. The Court and the spec
ators were little surprised, doubtless,
'hen a eommon-looking negro stepped
onward and, with iheepish look, took .
he necessary oath. As soon as possible ,
he SUNK away, evidently feeling very
mean and cheap. Brien expected an
objection would be raised, and that the
affair could be turned to political effect
But 10 this he must have baen s.dlr AZ.