Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-03-17

of the youth of our State-and, notyith-
standing the general want OF education, but
few counties In the State had, through
their County Courts, discharged their duty
and provided for this vital want If thew
changed the appointing power, they had as
well repeal the law passed last session, table
! the present bill, and leave the delinquent
taxes uncollected.
Mr.. Freeman (Republican) did not want
to see the power Of appointment placed in
the hands Of the Governor. This growing
tendency toward Capitalization was danger
GUS to the best interests Of the State.
MIR. Rosson congratulated the gentleman
on his opposition to Capitalization, though
coming at the eleventh hour.
Mr.. Lewis Insisted that the object sought
in the bill would be defeated by letting the
County Court elect Commissioners. Ex-
perience had shown how imperfectly such
plan would work. lie was confident that
the Governor would select such men as
would see to the prompt and efficient exc
cution of the taxes. The system of cleo
pioneering so prevalent in the County Courts
resulted but too frequently In the choice of
utterly incompetent men.
Mr.. Chambers offered an amendment to
the amendment of Mr. Harris, which The
latter accepted, providing that no Magistrate
interested in the lands to be sold for taxes
shall be eligible to the Office of Commits
sioner, nor vote when such officer shall be
elected.
Mr.. Martin referred to the local Influences
80 VIGOROUSLY used In County Courts,
where the successful candidates were al
most invariably elected on the strength of
nnrSnnul claims and mill
to their fitness for Office.
Mr.. Freeman contended that these Sin
fuences" could be used by the Governor
with just as much effect. The bill gave
Governor Brown authority to appoint men
In every county who would work for his
denomination.
MIR. Leach suggested constitutional OBJ
jections to the appointing of the Commits
| sioners by the Governor. If IL was a
county Office, it could be filed only hy the
people or by the County Court
Mr.. Lumpkin said administrative patron
age had come to mean the perpetuation Of
administrative power, and referred to
Grants rapid strides toward Capitalization.
He was, however, far from rejecting upon
Gov. Brown, who, he believed, would not
use his authority or lend his official inhu-
ence in that direction.
Mr.. Freeman remarked that be, too, was
far from rejecting upon Gen. Grant when
he referred to Capitalization.
Mr.. Ferguson claimed that he belonged
TO the illustrious Squirearchy of the State,
and they didn't want TO have anything to
do with electing these Commissioners.
Mr.. BufOrd was convinced that if the
County Courts should elect the Commits.
sioners, the bill, when passed, would not
bring a copper into the State treasury.
The amendment of Mr.. Harris to the
amendment offered by Mr.. Dick was then
adopted, after which the amendment as
amended was rejected.
The bill then passed In its original shape,
ayes so; noes 10.
To secure the payment of State and
county taxes by issuing a writ Of posses
sion to put the purchaser of lands sold for
taxes in possession of such lands.
Mr.. Harris offered an amendment prOvid-
ing that notices of land sales shall be pub
lished in some newspaper Of the county as
well as by posters. Adopted.
Mr.. Mccall moved to amend by requir-
ing purchasers of land sold for taxes to ac-
count for rents, etc, in cases where the
lands are redeemed after having been sold
and writ Of possession given. Lost.
Mr.. Carr offered an amendment making
purchasers accountable for waste and de-
struction of property. Lost.
The bill, as amended, was then passed.
ayes A, noes 20.
HOUSE BILLS ON SECOND READING.
To cancel instead of burning Bank Of
Tennessee notes. Passed.
Requiring that all pleas in civil cases shall
To verified by affidavit. Rejected.
Adjourned till 1880 A. ", Monday.