Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1875-02-05

nessee assured.
OUR MINERAL RESOURCES.
The Importance of a thorough geological
survey of the Stare is a matter of great in
terest to people, many Of whom are al
ready apprised Of the fact that within the
boundaries of Tennessee, there are more
extensive deposits Of iron ore in ~iuxtapOsi-
ton with stOne-coal and limestone, than in
any State in the Union, and that iron CT
every description can be produced at less
cost in Tennessee than in any other part
of the world, and yet, for want of a prop
er survey Of the State, it is impossible to
make an intelligent and reliable exhibit Of
our incompatible resources. The work
heretofore done in this direction, in cOnse-
quence Of the iDsuficieney Of the apprO-
priatiOns, was incomplete aud Unsatisfac-
tory; but it is believed that a thorough
survey would u the surplus capital Of
our own citizens, now invested in stocks
and bonds, to be employed in manufa to-
ries at home; and whenever we can
demonstrate to iron manufacturers Of other
States, that the advantages offered by Ten
nessee are superior to those. DOW enjoyed
by them, no difficulty will be found in at
tracing their capital and machinery. l re-
commend that the Legislature take such
steps as may be necessary 10 ascertain the
probable cost Of a thorough survey Of the
State, and if the work is authorized, it
would be well to direct the GeolOgist to
collect specimens Of all the minerals of-the
State and to deposit them, suitably label
led, in the capitol.
APPROPRIATIONS.
The Comptroller, in his report to my
predecessor, calls attention to the Tequire-
ments ofthe Constitution, that money shall
only be dra8n,from the Treasury in conSe-
quence Of appropriations made BY law:
Constitution, Art. ?, Sec. a; and also to
the requirement in the Code, that the
Comptroller shall, at stated times, report
"the Un~expended balances Of the several
appropriations" Notwithstanding this pro-
yisiOnin the Constitution, with a legislative
construction clearly indicated in the Code,
it is believed that specific appropriations
are the exception, and that for many years
ire public moneys have been expended
without the authority contemplated by the
Constitution. IL that instrument is Obeyed
and estimates required from the executive
offices. the Legislature is enabled to see
what amounts may be necessary, and can
place a check upon expenditures by pre-
SOLUBLE. q AlLlAE NENulau MAlEl NAlEN Sldll
not 20. The mere fact that an ~appTOpria-
ton is to be made requires investigation Of
the amount necessary to be set apart for
the purpose, and promotes inquiry into
former as well as present expenditures,
while the systemnOw practiced does nothing
to insure a faithful performance Of this
important duty. Under the present svs-
TEN the Comptroller complains Of the ex-
tent Of the discretion practically left TO
him. He is to examine and adjust all ac-
counts and claims against the State which
are by law to be paid out Of the Treasury:
Code, 207, S. 5. 1. With a proper system
it is believed that nothing could be the
subject Of a warrant but such as had been
included in some appropriation made by
law.
SOURCES OF REVENUE.
New sources Of revenue cannot be
created, nor can established ones be made
more productive by legislation, but the
burdens Of taxation can be equalized. and
every species Of property be made to con-
tribute. Ii Is believed that there are many
corporations in Tennessee, including the
railways, subject to taxation that aid in
nothing to the support of the government,
and while l recognize the fact that there is
no real a~ntagnOism between these corpora-
tiOns and the general public, such legisla-
ton should be adopted as will cause them
to bear a reasonable share of the public
burdens.
BUREAU OF AGRICULTURE.
recommend the amendment OF the act
| creating this Bureau so as TO require of the
Secretary the collection, classiicati on and
publication Of a full statistical report Of
the material interests of the State, with
special reference to transportation. manu-
features and trade. Slch a report would
be Of material aSslstan'e in furnishing cor
/ rect data for future legislation on questions
relating to the assessment aud taxation of
! certain property, and would furnish a char
acter Of information invaluable to persons
looking to our State as a future home.
RIVER IMPROVEMENTS.
The improvement Of the Mississippi,
Tennessee and Cumberland rivers should
be urged upon the Federal Congress. They
all drain a vast territory, rich in everything
that contributes to the wealth of a State,
and if their navigation was made more re-
liable, a new and great source Of wealth
would be open TO Tennessee and the ether
States bordering these rivers, and l do not
doubt but that a material increase to tie
population Of all these States, would
promptly follow their Improvement. The
appropriations heretofore made have been
Of considerable benefit, but what is now
wanted is such an appropriation rs will en-
able the officers in charge Of the work 10
prosecute it to completion at an early
day.
IMMIGRATION.
This is a question Ofgreat concern to The
people Of Tennessee, and while our State
possesses unsurpassed attractions to the i'm
migrant, in climate, fertility Of soil, CHEAP