Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-12-13


thinking, working members after read
ing Comptroller Pennebakers report
saw. what the most of them knew before,
that an early adjournment would be fol-
lowed by a call from the Governor con-
vening the body again to hold a special
session. Some resolutions have
been introduced in both branches
of the Legislature with view
Of setting day to adjourn. These
will probably fail, because no one can
tell how long it will take to provide for
selling the interest the State has in rail
roads and to meet the current expenses
of the State. There is enough Of impor-
tant and pressing business before both
Houses to keep them several weeks and
IL final adjournment does not take
place just before Christmas, IT will doubt
less be postponed until toward spring
The financial difficulties of the Slate
have been clearly set forth by Mr.. Pen
nebaker, and begin to be generally COM
pretended. Just.think of it The war
has been over nearly six years, and yet
the State Of Tennessee is so crippled IN
money matters that the Judges cannot
be paid, and many of them talk OF re-
signing on that account.
The money that is collected in taxes
is nearly all paid in the old Tennessee
money, species of currency that seems
10 be inexhaustible> There is NO way to
get around Chief Justice Chases decis-
ion: hence the State must beg, borrow
or repudiate. Various plans have been
suggested for relieving the State, but
none of them have been generally dis
cussed, and it is probable that MIR. Pen
nebaker's suggestions will be in the main
adopted. The people may as well make
mn their minds for an increased rate OF
taxation next year. 1t is coming as GER
tain. almost, as Christmas. Instead OF
twenty cents on the one hundred dollars,
the rate win be nearer sixty. In fact, |
have no idea that it will be less than
sixty. This is appalling, but there is no
help for II. Senators Cubbins, Asa
Faulkner, Cooper and others have reluc-
family come to this opinion, and many
in the House likewise. The
State is deep in debt, and may as well
stop getting in deeper now as any tune.
There is also strong disposition to
overhaul the merchants tax law, which
is quite reasonable tax, comparatively
Some members are boldly in favor Of re-
wing the former enormous tax. when
the subject is once opened, there is no
telling what viii be done. The Shelby
county members have as much influence
AZ any three men could have. notice
with pride and satisfaction that they are
on all questions, and are pop
llar with members from every section
IF the State. But three men cannot
control the Legislature always, and as
he merchants tax law is decidedly
Memphis measure, it may fall. Shelby
county, regret to say, is not in the best
.epute up here. A prejudice exists
against nearly everything that comes
rom Memphis, except our worthy repre-
,entatives. There may be some cause
or Mr.. Pennebaker's structures. This
10 not discuss; but there is evidently a
in the minds OF many
members in regard to Shelby county.
ANY measure coming from this county is
apt to be scrutinized very closely.
This week there will be some good,
hard work done, no doubt, as both
bodies or branches have concluded to
shoulder the responsibilities presented,
and do the best they can. In another
letter / will give something of the per
sonnet of the Senate and House
The city is very quiet just now, and
times are duller than in Memphis. The
Supreme Court is in session and closely
engaged. Colonel Heiskell, the Attor-
ney General and Reporter, works day
and night to keep up.
The Maxwell House is the great center
where strangers most do meet, especially
after supper time. 1t is an ornament to
the city, and for elegance, comfort and
convenience is not equaled in the South.
Mr.. Thomas j. White, formerly Of Mem
phis, and one Of the best hotel men in
the country, is always glad to welcome
and to seat his Memphis friends Mr.. j.
J. Venable, formerly Of the Huntsville
Hotel, at Huntsville, Alabama, is also
here He is the mditre d hote, and what
he does not know about the business is
not likely to be found out for some years
TO come. find the LEDGER here every
day, furnished by one these gentlemen,
and, Of course, read it with mach inter
est. There are several Memphians here
Just now. Besides Messrs. Cabins and
townsend, who board here, / see on the
register the names of d. A. Brewer, of
the Avalanche, James Speed, Mr.. Red
wine, Colonel John G. Finnie, W. J.
flack,W. B. McDonough, Enoch TAYLOR
John League and wife and Mr.. in
Ford and wife. The couple last named
constitute a select bridal party. Jus,
from Huntsville, Alabama, where the
lovely and accomplished Miss Howard
became Mrs. Ford. The happy young
husband is a son Of Mr. Newton Ford
and a promising member Of the bar.
They go hence to Louisville and other
places North.
/ Tvs SOUTH = =ide-awake and enter.