Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1875-01-27

hfDe RuctetN
ON the SIKH BaIIot-GOv' brown ont
OF tue Race-The Hcuse secreC Cnu-
Gus On the Hobbs Case.
Special Correspondence to Knoxville Chronicle.
NASHVILLE, Jan. 18th, 1875.
Beyond the Inauguration of Cover
nor Porter to-day, nothing of impor.
lance was transacted i'm the Legsla-
ture. The report of the Hobbs Cons
mittee was expected, but for some rea-
son did not make its appearance. 1t
was prepared yesterday as 1 learned,
and being production of the Sabbath,
it ought to be righteous document.
1t is pretty certain that it will be Il
unanimous report from the Commit
tee, and equally certain that it i'm
putes nothing improper to either Gov.
Brown or Comptroller Burch, or to
any other officer of the State Govern
ment. But even after this unanimous
report, it will be hard for Mr.. Burch
to satisfactorily explain his dsinter-
ested friendship for Hobbs prior to his
resignation, manifested by getting up
his official bond and other unsolicited,
though substantial favors. The whole
Hobbs transaction has bad smell 1"
which to be removed will require a
more powerful deodorizer than is fur
nished in this Committees report.
The Committee to investigate the
last Legislature, it is rumered, has
made some interesting disclosures. 1t
is said that one member received 5000
for voting for Hobbs, another S175, and
another, who sold cheaper, a suit of
clothes. This, however, is only rumor.
1t is expected the report will appear
some time this week,
The Senatorial contest warns up as
the time for balloting draws near. The
candidates are all here, those who are
avowed so, as well as score or two
who think the lightning" may
strike them They and their numer-
GUS friends are getting ready for the
fray. From early morn to the hours
when "ghosts and COLLINS pursue
their nightly walk" they are plying
Senators and Representatives in every
imaginable way. Sunday was field
day with them, and up to mid
night, excited squads of from
three to dozen men could be
seen standing in the corridors of the
Maxwell House, discussing the chances
of favorite, sometimes in low but
earnest tone, and again in more vo-
ciferous way, owing to the flow OF
spirits which animated the speaker
Sometimes basket of champaign, Oh
perhaps something stronger, found its
way to the headquarters of one OF
another of the factions, and then gen.
uine enthusiasm manifested itself in
various ways.
1t is universally admitted that ex-
President Johnson has more positive
strength by far than any other candi-
date, and it is believed in well-in-
formed circles that he will be elected
on the fourth or fifth ballot, at farthest
There is powerful lobby at work fol-
him, the most prominent portion Of
which halls from Memphis. His
friends from that locality are out in
their strength, and the Memphis dele
CATION will be solid for him, without q
change. Among those who are op.
posed to him is ex-Gov. Harris, who is
known to be one of the most effective
political wire-pullers in the State. His
most Virulent, vindictive, uncompro-
missing and INSCRIPTIONS opposition
comes from Kirby, of the Chattanooga
Times, who has been here several days
and who, it is said, draws his inspira,
ton from Gov. Brown and the Max
we'll House bar.
Gov. Brown and Col. w. H. Ste,
phens, of Memphis, are next to John
son, the most prominent candidates
and ii is hard to tell now which will
develop the most strength. A number
H.,
votes, but will be dropped on the fourth
or fifth ballots. The ballotting to.
morrow, it is believed, will be only q
sort of skirmishing, Smelling of the
woods" to develop the whereabouts OF
the enemy, and to learn something Of
his force. In the midst of all this the
ex-President is serene and hopeful.
The eX-President was present at the
inauguration ceremonies to-day, com
ing in the hall about thirty minutes in
advance of the retiring and incoming
Governor, unattended. He took a seat
on the left of the Speaker and remain
ed quiet observer throughout the Ger.
emonies. Ex-Governor Harris came
in with the Governors escort and took
his seat on the floor to the right of the
Speaker. These two distinguished
gentlemen interchanged no saluta
tiOns, each trying to appear as if Ia
was Unconscious of the others pres
ence. Among the dignitaries present
we noticed Landon G. Haynes, Gen
n. B. Forrest, who wants to lease the
Penitentiary, Hon. Edmund Cooper
Col. Kellar, Of the Memphis Aua
Ianche, besides the members of thu
Supreme Bench.
Quite a delegation is here from
Knoxville, among them Sheriff Swan
who is said to be looking after the bill
now before the Legislature to Diminish
the compensation Of jailors. W.R,
TUE OPENING OF THE FIGHT.
NASHVILLE, TENN, Jan. 10, rs.