Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-08-04
SOME NOTES ON THE NEXT DELE
CATION From DAVIDSON COUNTY
IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

The time is not far distant when the
people of Davidson county will be required
to choose persons to represent them in the
General Assembly. The matter is already
eliciting public attention, and should do SO.
1t is incumbent on the metropolitan county
of the State to furnish a delegation which
shall be influential in the personal character
and qualities of its members, and truly
representative of the important and varied
interests which large and populous county
embraces. The Legislature to be elected
in November will, be the first to assemble
under the new apportlOnment, which gives
Davidson county five immediate members
one Senator aud four representatives. A
floating Senator is also to be elected In con-
junction with Wilson county.
The delegation should consist of at least
two matured lawyers. The writer is not
lawyer himself, nor has he in his mind
any two particular persons ofthis calling;
but, it is fact that the character of knowl-
edge possessed, and the business pursued
by men of that profession, gives them
some peculiar qualifications as law makers.
They should possess, in addition to these,
a general acquaintance with the people,
and thorough common-sense comprehen-
sion of leedful and timely legislation.
The business component should be well
represented, and by 8 man or men ID emit
fed with one or more of its leading branch
es. The term business is collective in the
Specification in which it is here used. 1t
comprises the intricate, important, and
foremost question of finance; the mercantile
interest, and closely allied to this, the
transportation or railroad interest, and the
manufacturing interest with its extensive
ramiicatiOns. This element in the dele
CATION should be "solid." Sagscity, ex-
perience, integrity and liberality of views,
exemphfed by personal success in private
matters, should characterize it.
Much has been said recently of the ne
cessity Of representation of the agrieul-
tural interest, and as those who compose
it are the prime producers, this claim is
well founded. There are, perhaps, more
persons in the county directly engaged in,
and depending on farm pursuits, than any
other single calling, but every single person
in the county, of whatever pursuit, is con-
cerned that legislation which may promote
that general interest should be had; and it |
is difficult to conceive that any specific. or
general species of laws detrimental to it |
would be advocated or sanctioned by any
one. However, it is a commendable pride |
that the farmers should wish to represent |
themselves, and the delegation should have |
such constituent. A reading and think |
ing as well as practical farmer, who compre- |
hends the dignity, the usefulness, and the |
true relationship that simple but noble |
calling holds with all others, and towards |
the general policy of the State and country, |
is fit and proper member of q General |
Assembly, and Davidson county should |
have such an one.
The number to which we are entitled |
will permit of selections sufficient for all |
these described special purposes, and one |
other element which it is not so easy to de- I
scribe, but which every man who has OBJ |
served the composition and course of State |
Legislatures and similar bodies, knows
the value Of, as an ingredient In an |
efficient and influential delegation. 1t |
is not proposed to portray the successful |
trick he never so plausibly, nor \
the oily-tongped manipulation, nor the COM
PLEASANT compromiseF, nor the assiduous |
stter-up with artless country members, nor
the speaking member par excellence, ever |
loud and ready with his tongue, in season
and out of season. These classes, as
rule, do more harm than good, either by |
mischieVous legislation, or mar
ring and defeating that which is wholesome |
and proper. Among the five, the capital
county of the State should have one man
no matter what his profession or bust
Informed in all public
matters of whatever kind, and competent to
speak forcibly and convincingly whenever
occasion requires. lie should know the
States condition and necessities, as well as
that of Davidson county. He should I'M
derstand men and their motives. He should,
by his endowments, his character and his
qualities, be popular, without being seek
er of popularity. He should be able to
command influence as leader, and former
Of opinions man dignifed and yet ia
miliar; learned in public affairs, but not
pedantic; able, but not arrogant. This is
a high style OF man, but there are such
among us, and they owe it to the people to
consent 10 serve, and the people owe it to
themselves to elect them.
1t will be conceded that the men who are
10 make laws and and establish a policy for
5he State, come they from counties howev-
Pr small and comparatively obscure, should
be possessed of more than ordinary general
capacity ana some characteristics adapting
hem for the task. How nearly, in the
average Legislatures of the last quarter
Of a century, this has been the case
with the majority of members, it is not
necessary to inquire too particularly. The
standard of qualifications might have been
higher without detriment to the public in
,erests. But, it is of paramount imPor-
ance, that the leading centres of intelli-
yence, commercial activity, and general en-
,erprise should have delegations of COM
handing influence. For, while talents may
be found anywhere, it is time that the
arger cities and towns and populous coun
les generally do, and probably should give
orm and tone to the legislation of the ses-
ZION. 1t follows, therefore, that the higher
he grade of men commissioned by them,
he more certain will be their power in CIV
ng impress and direction, and the greater
he guarantee of wise and sanitary iegisla-
ion. These are truisns, and they apply
With special force to the metropolitan coun-
v. In the care of such e delegation as
las been described, the local interests of
he people of this county viii be securely
and positive and controlling