davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1870-06-22
REPUTATION

Our Democratic Legislature is fully de-
termined to repudiate a part of our state
debt Our special published yesterday
morning informs us that the 100 bonds of
the Mineral Home Railroad were declared
null and void But to break the force of
the disgraceful partisan act, the Senate
adds provision giving to the holders the
right to sue in court. But suppose they
should sue and recover, how could they
enforce the collection of their judgments E?
An Assembly mean enough to repudiate
the written promises of the state to pay,
would be mean enough to refuse to provide
for the satisfaction of any judgments that
might be recovered. The provision giving
the holders the right to sue is a solemn
mockery, and only adds to the turpitude Of
the act The bondholders are first rold
that, as a State, we refuse to abide by our
written obligations, and then, make us
pay if you cam Innocent holders of our
bonds are to be compelled to go TO the eX
pense and trouble of asserting their rights
in court, and then to find that they have
judgments which cannot be collected.
We do not know, but itlooks,very much
to us rs though the New York World was
right in characterizing some of our legis-
lators as tools" of the Wall street bro
kers Whether they are tools - or not,
they are not rejecting any honor upon our
State, and the sooner they are supplanted
by intelligent and honest men, the better
it will be for our people and the country
generally
Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1870-06-22
THE PRESIDENTS CUBAN MESSAGE.

The Democrats and the fow enthusiastic
friends of Cuba in the Eastern cities seem
to be very much displeased with the Presi-
dents message ON Cuban affairs. We do
not think any one at all conversant with
the principles of International law will
question the force or the wisdom of the
Presidents arguments upon the points in
volved We may all have our sympathies
with the Cubans struggling for indepen-
dcnce, and may wish, and even pray, for
their success, but such feelings should not
lead us to forget that the President, acting
for our Government, must be controlled by
well established principles of law to which
he is in good faith pledged to adhere.
There has not yet been such a force or gov
eminent organized or maintained by the
Cubans as would warrant the Administra-
ton in recognizing Cuba as a belligerent
power. This is the only question to be de-
termined. Until such government is
maintained by the Cubans they have no
right to demand from our Government
recognition as beligerents. The President
in his position cannot be governed by his
impulses or sympathies; for upon his ac-
ton in the premises may depend a war
with Spain. 1t may do very well for Mr..
Banks and his Cuban friends to talk elo-
quently of people nobly struggling for
liberty, and of the illiberal and tyrannous
policy of Spain; and such appeals may
touch the popular heart and provoke the
sympathies of our people, but such consd-
erations should have but little influence
upon the President and his Cabinet in de-
termining the policy of the Government,
when upon that policy depends the peace
and welfare of the country.
1t has been charged by the personal and
political enemies of the President that this
message was written by Hon. Caleb Cush-
ng. 1t would certainly be compliment
to any state paper issued during the last
half century to say that it was the product
of such an eminent statesman and profound
lawyer; for no ADLER papers than he writes
can be produced but it is enough in an
swer to this charge to say that Mr.. Cush-
ing himself denies it, But we care not who
wrote it, for we regard it as wise and able
state paper, and it reflects credit upon the
judgment and craftsmanship of the Presi-
dent
Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1870-06-22

is as dear and as much the heritage of our
plain honest East Tennessee mountaineers,
as it is of the wealthy planters of West and
Middle Tennessee, and they will see to it,
we hope that legislators are hereafter sent
to Nashville, who will respect and recog-
nize such rights AS we said few days
ago, the county of Shelby including its
law and criminal Judges, and its Chancel-
lors, has as many Judicial officers as oil Of
East Tennessee. This is unjust and unfair.
1t is unfair in any way we look at it. 1t is
the fruits of the legislation of this present
VIGOROUSLY incompetent and partisan As
sembly. Shelby county is the heart of the
can have just such legislation as it de-
mands.
While we have but one ,0eek of our Cir
cult Court in Knoxville, which is not suf-
ticient time to give the prisoners in our
Jail a speedy trial, not to say anything of
the hundreds of civil actions pending
Memphis has her three Circuit Courts and
three Images, with courts always in session,
afiording to her citizen speedy, but deliber-
ate. trials for all their causes. The differ
ence is remarkable, and we ask our people
to think over it and demand remedy.
We have had enough such miserable parti-
san local legislation, and should see to it
that we send to Nashville General As
sembly that will legislate for the interests
of the whole people, without regard to
their politics or location.
Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1870-06-22
GOV. BRowNLow AND GEN, MABRY.

1t is due to Gov. Brownlow, that we,
having been somewhat familiar with the
circumstances of Gen. Mabry's first cleo
ton to the Presidency of the Knoxville
and Kentucky Railroad, should dissent
from the statement of Col. Baxter, in his
letter No. g. wherein he states that the
gentleman succeeded to the Presidency of
the road mentioned, through Gov. Brown
lows friendship. AS Il State Director Of
the road at that time, appointed by Gov.
Brownlow, we know of no appliances being
brought to bear for the purpose of securing.
votes for Mabry. He certainly never init
mated to us, that he had any feelings on
the subject, and other gentlemen, then in
the Board, say that he never attempted to
influence them. We think Col Baxter
erred in his statement in this respect
Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1870-06-22
HOW TO ELECT JUDGES.

The Democracy have talked loudly and
written tluently against a partisan Judicial
ry, They have persistently proclaimed
against carrying politics into the Judicial
election. In East Tennessee, we were told
the people had enough of partisan Judi
ciary, and in the coming election men, and
not party, was to be the test But hardly
have these sounds escaped us before we
have call from "The Executive Commit
tee" requesting the Democracy to meet i'm
convention on the 4th July next, for the
purpose OF nominatinga Judge, Chancellor
and Attorney General. What consistency!
"2Hc Executive Committee propose to
organize victory or secure defeat They
are the gentlemen to fix up the party tick
ct They will nominate our Judges and
Chancellors, and then, doubtless, see that
they are elected. Well, gentlemen, you
are competent to do most anything, we
dare say; but, unless we are very much
mistaken, you who have determined TO
make this political race will find that the
people don't take to the lash so kindly
You will fix up your ticket, and the people
willtiX theirs, and we will see which sue
ceeds.
Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1870-06-22
AN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM WANTED.

We cannot suffer the opportunity afforded
by the commencement exercises of our
University and the assembling of the
Teachers of East Tennessee, to pass, with
out urging upon them, and the friends of
education generally, the necessity of de-
vising some practical method of canvass
ing and urging upon our Legislators and
people the great necessity for a general
system of education. We do not care to
stop now and cavil with any one as to the
special features of the system, but we want
some kind of Il system nor. We can well
afford to perfect the system in the future
when our particular wants are once devel-
oped. But we want and must have, now,
some kind of a system which will reach
the masses of our people. No real friend
of education can fail to see that we are
daily losing ground. Our people seem to
be too indifferent to this great subject.
They are not alive to their interests, and
the first important consideration which
presents itself is, how can they be reached
and aroused.
Our Legislators and many OF the most
influential men in the State seem to be
ayerse to any educational system which
breaks down this caste, which seems so
securely enthrOned in our public affairs.
If we can once get the people to interest
themselves in the matter, we can soon
break down all opposition.
We do not here propose to discuss the
merits of the different systems. After we
get our thousands and tens of thousands
of poor children under the roofs of school
houses, with faithful and earnest teachers,
we can afford to spend our time in improv-
ing and securing II more perfect system.
We will now be satisfied with most any
thing. All we want is to give the people
year or two of the great benefits of a
general free school system, and we know
they will see to It that those benefits are
continued and made greater. We hope to
| see this matter earnestly discussed, and
something practical and prompt result
from the meetings now being held in our
midst. We hope our citizens will give the
proper encouragement by their presence
and good cOunsels
Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1870-06-22
HON. W. L. ADAMS.

This gentleman, we learn, is candidate
for reelection to the position of Circuit
Judge in the Fourth Judicial Circuit-a
place he has filled in creditable manner,
for several years. He is one of the gentle
men legislated out of Office, to make way
for a Judiciary not partisan (?) in its charac-
ter We have no doubt he will be trium-
phantly elected, and that those who OPP
pose him on account of his devotion to the
government during the late war, will suf
fer such a rebuke as they deserve He has
the capacity to make good Judge and the
honesty and courage to discharge his
duty.
Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1870-06-22

debts. We will pursue any legitimate
course calculated to relieve taxpayers.
But we are opposed to incurring obliga-
tons without making provisions to meet
them. The man who will impose upon
his creditors, by borrowing money without
probability Of paying it back, is guilty of
downright dishonesty a State is no less
guilty.
The Legislature may not have meant
this reduction of taxes as tending in any
way towards reputation. Possibly they
may have thought that the rates establish
ed would provide for all demands against
the State. We would be pleased if such
were the case. We trust it may be, but
well informed men do not look for it, If
our obligations can he met with present
rates, we say amen to the action of the
Legislature But what right have we to
| expect any great falling offin the expenses
of the State? The General Assembly re-
mains for long period engaged in bung-
ling legislation, and we do not look for any
reduction from that source. Neither can
we expect il from other sources to an eX-
tent equal to the reduction of our facilities
for meeting eXpesnes. We again say that
it may not have been so intended, but it
smacks strongly of reputation.
Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1870-06-22
THE SCHOOL FUND.

The Democracy have had very much to
say lately about the Radical school fund
corruption. When the General Assembly
first met, the Democrats appointed a COM
mittee to investigate this whole matter
The committee have made report maxi
ing sweeping charges against the Republi-
can party, but the report docs not go far
enough. Our Nashville letter, which we
publish in to-day's edition of the Weekly,
gives very full and clear statement of this
whole matter. In the same connection, we
publish to-day letter from Senator Brown
low, which in its statements, as far as they
go, agree entirely with what we have be-
fore published. This Tennessee Democracy
is very pure t?) and honest (?) party. The
facts show conclusiVely that they have
stolen So 10000 the original principal of
the school fund, and yet they charge that
the fund was stolen by Republicans. Let
the facts be developed fully, gentlemen.
Let MS know whothe guilty parties are, as
you are ROW in authority and have all the
opportunities you desire. But we fear we
shall not now have such an investigation.
Our Assembly are too busy with their leg
islation i'm behalf of the Wall street specu-
lators to give any time or attention to de-
veloping their old rascalities. But if this
Assembly really intends making good its
threats to investigate this corruption, let
them now do il or forever after hold their
peace.
Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1870-06-22
PARTISAN LEGISLATION.

We have made a calculation of the dis
lance our Judge and Attorney General for
this Circuit must travel in order to attend
the Courts they are now required to hold.
As we have heretofore stated, this present
Democratic General Assembly, III order to
elect judiciary of their own partisan
character, have added to this Third Judi
cial Circuit four new counties-Anderson,
Morgan, Fentress and Cumberland. In
order to attend all the Courts now in the
Circuit. our Judge and Attorney General
would be obliged to travel, each year, over
seven hundred miles by private convey
ance and about Tree hundred miles by
railroad and steamboat This is Il severe
tax upon them both physically and finan-
cially, and more than ought to be required
of any men with the amount of business
this Circuit affords. East Tennessee, with
its limited facilities for travelling, is cut
out by the Legislature into immense Cir
cults. We have thirty-five counties in
East Tennessee divided into four Circuits,
or about nine counties to the Circuit, while
the other parts of the State where they
have much greater facilities for travelling,
they have fifty-two counties divided into
eleven Circuits, or four counties to the
Circuit.
But in East Tennessee, we are Republic
can and our Judges are of the same per-
suasion so we get no favors from the As
sembIy. But Shelby county-Memphis-
where Democracy unadulterated with n
single liberal idea il found, has as MANY
Judgcs rs all East Tennessee. This one
county of West Tennessee, with a popu-
lation but twice that of Knox county, has
as many JUdges la the tar Courts atone,
as the Hirty-fue counties embraced IN the
former Circuits Of East Tennessee. These
gentlemen Democratic Judges Of Middle
and West Tennessee, attend their Courts in
four counties and draw their salaries Tegu-
| larry, while our East Tennessee Judges
have nine counties to look after, ride their
seven and ten hundred miles on horseback,
and the business of the Courts drag on year
after year to the great annoyance and ycXa-
ton of litigantS. In this county we are
now embarrassed and perpleXed because
we can have but one week OF Court, when
in fact we have business enough for ten
weeks. The difference is--and we make
this explanation for our readerS-that our
politics, and the politics Of our Judges
don't suit this Assembly. If we lived in
the other divisions of the State, we might
fare better Will the honest people of this
Circuit not rehuke the set of men who will
disregard all their interests and map out
new Circuits, to elect partisan Judges T?
We think they will, and we ask them to
remember it in selecting their candidates
for the high and honorable position of
Judge, Attorney General and Chancellor
Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1870-06-22
SENATOR BRowNL0w.

The Athens Post, in speaking Of Sena-
tor Brownlow's letter published in the
CHRONICLE, in reference TO the School
Fund robbery, has the following, which
will he endorsed by all who personally
know the Senator:
I'VE have no hesitation in saying that we never
believed the Senator himself was a pecunary
beneficiary in the transaction under reference.
We never thought he would steal. SO much
in spirit of justice and charity toward man,
who, like ourself will soon be done with the
tolls, struggles, temptations and petty ambitions
incident to this lower life"
Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1870-06-22
REPUTATION IN TENNESSEE.

The question of reputation is one on
which honorable men everywhere feel SEN
sitive. The State that repudiates its hon
est obligations receives stain upon its
character which can never he effaced
Honest men very correctly say that II State
is Just as much bound to comply with its
contracts as are individuals. We believe IL
large majority OF the taxpayers of Ten
nessee are in favor Of II strict compliance
with all obligations heretofore assumed,
and are utterly aVerse to any policy look
ing towards dishonest reputation of our
public debt. He who advocates such a
policy incurs the contempt of honest men
of all parties. The State that refuses to
pay its honest debts cannot and will not,
be- trusted. We honor and respect the
name of Tennessee. She Is our native
state. Our whole interest is here Her
prosperity IS our chief desire. If she is
disgraced, we, as one of her sons, incur to
some extent The odium attached to her
name.
Having these views, we cannot but be
opposed to every movement which, by
implication or otherwise, could be con-
strued into an intention on the part Of the
Legislature to pTecipitate such Il policy
upon the people without their consent and
contrary to their wishes.
We have already spoken through these
columns of the action of our Legislature
in regard to certain railroad bonds Repu-
diation has been openly defended and en-
dorsed by the Legislature thus far. The
/ .;
characterizes this matter as II scheme to
swindle the public" brought about by in
structions from Wall street brokers to their
tools in the Tennessee Legislature
But there is another scheme for repudia-
ton inaugurated by the present Legsla-
ture, either designedly or from want of ca
pacity to appreciate the situation, which is
to our minds equally as alarming as their
action in regard to railroad bonds. We
allude to the rates of taxation at present
established. The funds realized under
present rates will reach about one-half of
the receipts of last year. OF this large
amount will be paid in State Bank notes,
which will be of little service in meeting
the current expenses of the State. The
will not discharge the expenses Of the State
Government, to say nothing of the interest
on our large bonded debt The actual eX-
pen-cs Of the state not being provided for,
what is to be done in reference to the In
terest on our bonds? + no provision to be
made for the payment of the Interest due
TO our creditors? Under this state Of az
fairs, is not reputation already Inaugural
ted? No matter how able and honest the
Comptroller and Treasurer in charge of our
finances may be- and we are pleased 10
know they are capable and honest, what
can they do toward discharging our honest
obligations without the funds with which
to discharge them?
We would rejoice as much as any one to
see the heavy harden of taxation made
lighter. We would advocate any policy /.
which would reduce taxation, and at the /
same time provide for tAe payment Of our
Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1870-06-22

IN the United States, laboring men are
well paid well-fcd, well-clad, and in most
OF the Northern and Eastern States, have
unsurpassed facilities for acquiring IA re-
spectacle education for their offspring.
The consequence is, they are Independent,
happy, prosperous and contented. BY
industry and economy, they may acquire
wealth, and enjoy, not only the necessities,
but the luXuries of life.
In England, the laboring classes are
scantily paid, half-fed, half-clad, are igno-
rant, miserable, and are regarded by their
masters as but little better than cattle, be-
ing always treated as inferior beings
Free traders who desire to open up our
markets to foreign countries without re-
strctions would bring this pauper labor
in competition with our American me-
chanics, and place them in a condition as
similatng to that of English laborers.
He who opposes protection to our Anne
rcan industries, indirectly favors the
reduction of American laborers and me-
chanics to the same level with those of
England and other Eastern countries.
Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1870-06-22

WE HAVE not heard much lately of Il
practical character from our Board of Trade.
We had hoped they would take vigorously
hold of some of the measures necessary to
encourage the manufacturing and business
interests of the city. We do not desire to
reflect any upon the gentlemen comprising
the Board, but we do think they are not
meeting public expectations. We need
some such work as they are competent to
do, and we have Il right to demand it of
them. We caAnot shut our eyes TO the
fact that we need to make some efforts
very soon, and who can better begin and
direct these efforts than our Board of
Trade? Gentlemen, let us put our hands
to the pillow, and WOrE! We will co-ope-
rate with you, and do all we can. You
represent the capital and business talent Of
the city, and upon you rests the prosperity
of our city.
Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1870-06-22

w w Cruze, of Gap Creek, has placed
bers for the WEEKLY CHRONICLE.
Col. j. C.. Parker, of Scott county, also
sends us a handsome club for our weekly.
Every mail brings large accessions to our
list.
Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1870-06-22
THE NEW ATTORNEY GENERAL.

The Hon. Amos r. Alderman the success
sor of Judge Hoar as the Attorney General
of the United States has been prominent
lawyer and iurist of the State of Georgia.
He is a Lative of the State of New Hamp-
shire but has resided in Georgia something
over twenty years. He was Il member of
the late Constitutional Convention of that
State, and his iirmness, ability and pru-
dence did much to bring about changes in
the Constitution which are universally
conceded to be marked Improvements.
These changes are more noticeable in the
Judiciary article, which is understood to
meet the warm appreciation of the bar
of the State. He is about SO years old and
somewhat resembles i'll personal appear
ance Alex. H. Stephens. He is the only
representative in the Cabinet from the
Southern States south of the Potomac.
Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1870-06-22

Carksville held its first Tobacco Fair on
the 18th inst. The project was Instituted
by the Board of Trade Of that town, and
WAS hiSh-. successful.
Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1870-06-22

Joshua w. Owen, for killing Felix Cof-
fee recently, at Brentwood, has been bound
over TO the Circuit Court of Williamson
county, in tn am of s., 800.
Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1870-06-22

Rev. Mr. Wyatt, of Ohio, has accepted
u call to the Presbyterian Church, at Kings
ton.
Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1870-06-22

The aggregate taxable property Of Nc
MINI county, for the year 1870, il s., 500, =
29Q,34.