Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1871-04-30

,catur RailEoad, and he answered tnas ne
vas q -
Ex-Goy. NELL s. Brown next addressed
the court in opposition to the lease by the
Louisville and Nashville Railroad Company.
He said be could not sanction the lease, be-
cause he wss not satisfied that
it was best for the interests of
the people among whom he lived.
More Light was needed, at any rate, and
the proposed delay might afford chance
to investigate the situation of the North
and South Railroad, the Nashville and De-
catur Railroad, and the terms of lease by
the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. In
formation was important to judicious &C.
ton on such important occasions. Hasty
legislation was to be deprecated when such
great interests of the people are involved.
Gov. Brown disclaime0 being at all preju-
diced against any particular corporation
or combination, and said he regretted that
the young gentlemen who preceded him
were not alike free from prejudice. He
had the kindest feelings toward
the people of Kentucky, but was not dis
posed to see the control of our institutions
given over to corporations outside of Ten
nessee. Gould not consent to do SO unless
first satisfied that it was to our interest to
do so. Gov. Brown said that the people
of the South were and ever would be dear
to him. If our own people can raise the
means necessary to keep and control our
railroad connections here, and further
South, let it by all means be done. Col. Cole
and the gentlemen with whom no is asso-
ciated in this proposition and appeal are
solid and substantial men, and would
faithfully fulfill the promise implied in the
proposition before the court. The guaran-
tee in the Louisville lease to make ship
ments South cheaper from Nashville than
Louisville was too indefinite, and might
mean the smallest possible fraction Of a
cent. If the twelve directors of the Louis
vile and Nashville Railroad were the
Twelve Apostles, he would not
trust implicitly to their assurances
on all the points involved. The
lease of railroad or anything else for
thirty years was big thing-the time
meant the lifetime of a generation. Time
was wanted for reflection and investige-
ton. Gov. Brown said the county OF
Davidson ought to enter its solemn protest
against the contamination of bargain SO
likely to be hurtful or dangerous to the
interests of our own people. The pro-
position was new one-not month old
and embraced among other serious
things a new way to pay old
debts. He was opposed to the idea Of
giving the control of home interests to
foreign corporations, and did not wish to
see home institutions in the control of
strangers. 1t was better to struggle
along, and ourselves do the best
we possibly could to retain both
the management and possession of
our own property. What citizen Of
Davidson would not infinitely prefer to see
our own property owned and controlled by
our own people. Gov. Brown eloquently
appealed for the delay asked for by the cit
izsns' meeting. The proposition involved
millions of dollars, andthe hopes and fears
of our people who have SO literally given
of their means in support of railroads.
Were Impossible now to hear the voice of the
people, there would be no possible doubt
of their wishes and inclinations in favor OF
home people contro' ling home institutions.
There was reason to spprehend danger in
haste. Gov. Brown said he had learned to
submit to necessity as memorable law, but
was not willing to submit to the terms OF
this cunningly devised bond so long as the
bitter cup could be honorably averted. Give
Col. Cole and his associates chance, and the
people would cordially endorse the action,
and be lastingly grateful for this Difference
to their interests and wishes.
Gov. Browns speech presented some
interesting facts connected with railroad
complications. and we regret that it is not
this morning possible to give his speech
more fully.
Justice Saunders moved an adjournment
till Tuesday, which motion was carried.