Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1871-02-07
TENNESSEE LEGISLATURE.
SENATE.

| @ L SENATE. ="
MONDAY, Feb. 6.-The Senate wsE
| called to order at IL o'clock, Speaker
Thon as in the chair.
| USE OF HALL.
House resolution granting the use of the
hall of the House of Representatives tc
the alumni of the University of Nashville,
on the night of the 22d of February, was
concurred in. t -zzcl
COMMITTEES.
On motion of EIr. Nelson, a committee
of one was appointed to visit the execu-
| tive Office and ascertain whether there
were any communications from the Gov
ernor. Mr.. Nelson was appointed as said
committee, and soon afterward reported
that he had visited the executive office
and found that there were no communi-
cations to be transmitted.
HOUSE MESSAGE.
A message was received from the House
stating that that body had non-concurred
in the Senate amendments to the bill in
relation to turnpike companies. l
POSTAGE.
Mr. Fleming offered q resolution that
Mr.. Embry receive the sum of $13.72,
being the amount due as postage on pa
pers received by the members of the Gen
eral Assembly, as the same had uninten-
tionaly been omitted in the appropriation
bill. Adopted.
THANKS TO THE SPEAKER.
Mir. Etheridge presented the following
resolution, which was unanimously
adopted:
Resolved, That the thanks of the Sen
ate are due to the Hon. Dorsey B. Thorn
as for the able, dignified and impartial
manner in which he has performed the
duties which have been imposed upon
him as the presiding officer of the Senate.
Mr.. Cooper, of Bedford, in rising to
second the motion, offered some appro-
| pirate remarks, and was followed by Mr..
Etheridge in brief but well conceived
and able address, in which he compli-
mented the Speaker upon the able man
ner in which he had performed the du-
ties devolving upon him.
Speaker Thomas was visibly affected,
| and was almost overcome with emotion
while making the following remarks:
FAREWELL ADDRESS OF SPEAKER THOMAS.
Gentlemen of the Senate: In response
to the resolution you have just adopted,
| | fear l shall not find language strong
enough to express my feelings.
More than year ago we met as one
branch of the Legislature, under peculiar
circumstances. Though nearly five years
had elapsed since the surrender of the
Confederate armies, yet the black clouds
of civil strife still hung loweringly over
our political skies, shutting out the bright
sunshine of peace. Our statute books
were filled with laws discriminating
against large bodies of our people. Many
were required to pay taxes and help bear
the burdens of government and not al
lowed to participate in its management.
Race antagonisms existed to an alarming
extent. Trade, commerce and produc
tive industry dropped and Ian.
guished from want of confidence.
| A feeling of insecurity and distrust
pervaded every department of society.
The sound of the drum and fife and the
tramp of the soldier were heard, and the
glitter of bayonets to be seen on ouI
streets. The long lines of tents were to
be seen from this capitol, indicating wal
rather than peace. How is it to-day
The indications of strife have passed
away. The tents have disappeared, and
the sound of martial music and the heavy
tramp of the soldier are no longer heard.
AL proscriptive laws have been repealed.
Confidence has been restored in every
department of society. Trade and com,
merce have revived and productive in.
dustry is rapidly on the increase. The
clouds have disappeared from our pohti-
cal horizon, aBd peace and civil law
reigns supreme throughout the State.
You, aided by the other branch
of this Legislature, the Elk
ecutive and Judicial departments
of the State have been the agents in the
hands of the people in the consumma,
ton of this great work. As the patriot
soldier justly feels proud of his efforts
in defence of his country, so will you
ever feel proud of your efforts as Senator;
in the restoration of peace and prosper.
ity to your State-'iFor peace hath her
victories no less renowned than war;" II
your lab0rs you have been patient, for.
bearing, industrious and vigilant in de
fence of the interest of the people. In
your social relations as brothers. To me
you have been kind, indulgent, guiding
me by your counsels and covering my
errors by your charity. My heart shall
ever warm with gratitude in remembrance
of you. To the officers of the Senate,
for the faithful discharge of your duties
return my sincere thanks. By your
faithfulness you have made light ant
pleasant the duties of my position. May
your future be as happy and as successful
as you have been industrious and faithful
To one and all, may your lives be long,
useful and happy, and when done with
the cares of life, may we all meet where
scenes like this are never Witnessed
where parting is no more. 1t now only
remains for me to say farewell.
THANKS TO THE CLERKS.
Mr.. Cooper, of Bedford, asked leave tc
make his last report from the Judiciary
Committee, and offered the following:
Resolved, That the thanks of the Sen
ate are hereby rendered to the principal,
assistant and engrossiLg clerks, the ser
geant-at arms, and other employees of the
Senate for their energetic and faithful per.
Torrance of the arduous duties which
have devolved upon them during the
several sessions of this General Assembly
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
THANKS TO THE GOVERNOR
The following resolution was received
from the House:
Resolved by the thirty-sixth Genera
Assembly of the State of Tennessee, Tha
the thanks of this General Assembly arr
due, and are hereby rendered to his Elk
cellency, the Hon. Dewitt G. Senter
Governor Of the State, for his kindness
affability and personal and official bear
ing in all his intercourse with either o
both branches of the General Assembly
The resolution was unanimously con
CURED in.
There being no further business before
the Senate, the Speaker declared tina
body adjourned sine die.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE
MONDAY, Feb. 6.-The House wa
called to order at II o'clock by Speake
Perkins.
THANKS TO THE OFFICERS.
The following resolution was read:
Resolved, That the thanks of thi
House are hereby rendered to w. ON
Perkins, speaker, for the able, impair
tial and dignifed manner in presiding
1 - n