The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1871-11-02
The Governors Message.

bly, last week. 1t is lengthy. ana pretty |
thoroughly discusses the great interests
of the State. 1t is too voluminous for
our space, and we copy the following
notice of some of the leading points
from the Union and Ame,fcon:
The late hour at which the first annual
of Gov. Brown was read yes
terday afternoon prevents us from CIV
ing that important document the eX-
tended notice which it deserves. We
can say, however,t that we believe its tone
is such as TO commend it to the favora-
BILE consideration of the people of the
State,tand that its recommendation
WilfAfeceivc their cordial appreciation.
He treats at greatest length, and very
properly, the subject of finances. 1t will
be seen that reputation is distinctly
and emphatically repudiaied. A min
ute statement of the character and
amount Of the Indebtedness of the State
is given. The net bonded debt is stated
at S19,493,66, of which the principal is
Sl5,000.0O0. and the remainder is inter-
est. The whole net debt. including
Bank of Tennessee notes and floating
debt, is placed at sd ,l6l ,59093.
The propriety of taxing county and
corporation bonds in the hands of citi-
zens of the State is suggested, and the
application ofthe same principle toState
Bonds is mentioned. The taxation Of
litigation before Justices of the Peace is
recommended. under the belief that an
annual revenue Of Sl50.000 would be
thereby yielded to the treasury. A tax
alton of the bonds of Trustees is also
favored.
His Excellency is of the opinion that
the floating debt, together with the cur
rent expenses Of the State government.
can be paid by January |, 1873, out OF
the taxes heretofore levied but yet un-
collected, with an assessment of fifty
cents on the hundred dollars for the
next year. This showing will be in the
highest degree gratifying not only to
the people of the State but satisfactory
to her creditors. 1t is the opinion Of the
Governor that we can fund the accrued
interest on the bonded debt and resume
the payment of interest on the lst oi
January, 1874, at the rate of fifty cents
on the one hundred dollars or even at q
less rate if the necessary reforms in the
revenue system are effected and the new
sources Of revenue made available
Here. again. we have matter of congrat
ularion. both to the people of the State
and to our bondholders.
The funding OF all bonds and coupons
matured or maturing to lst of July
! 1873. is recommended.
The absolute necessity of some amend
nents OF some OF the laws rcia'lNe II
tax sales ana the assessment OF proper
ty Is distinctly insisted upon
The necessity OF repeating the law
allowing solvent roads to pay III pas
due coupons the interest on the Dond
loaned them by the State Is urged be
cause the State Is bound to pay inns IN
terest to the bondhoIder IN currenc!
wnicil ilius' Go,iIe lio,,l tle .aHa.ion .,. ~, y
act Of Jonuorv 90 1870, TO allow Rail
road Companies to retire their indebt
edness be repealed or amended so as t
require all roads which have not com
piled with its provisions to paw all aC
crued interest. as well AS the sinkin
fund not heretofore paid in. Our raj
roads received the most liberal ASST,
tance from the State. which was extend
ed from time to time with lavish prod
oaltv until thereby the State has bee
reduced TO the verv verge of bankrup
CIV. The solvent roads will we presum
come to the help of the people in tn
their hour of need bv promptly comm
forward and paving the interest due b
T them and retiring their indebtedness,
any, under the act of January 90. 1877
If thew refuse, the tax.pavcrs cannC
longer suffer bv legislative indulgenc
to them.
Opposition to bringing convict labc
into competition with the mechanic,
pursuits of the citizen: and a vigorol
enforcement of the law against erin
mails of every character is pledged bv IL
Executive department. .'-..
In reuora to Countv RoodS tho mo
Sooo saws. .....
Tho innortorco of imnrov;no tbo y
dinarv thorouqhCares Of the country
so manifest that an argument in that d
rection is .uperfuous.
> Itis universally conceded and lamen
, ed that the Comfy Roads are i'm
worse condition since the war than G,