Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1875-03-07
MEMPHIS. TENN. SUNDAY. MARCH r, 1875

the senate by Mr.. MoseIy to meet the
governors objections, which were that
the jurors would be compelled To wait
until the termination Of the suits before
they could be paid, and if the losing par
ty were insolvent they would not get
their pay at all. Mr.. Mosely's bill pro-
vides that the jurors shall, as now, be
paid by the counties, and that the jury
fees shall be taxed in the bill OF costs,
and when collected shall be returned to
the county treasury. IL some such meas
ure as this is not, adopted there is dam
ger that the law just passed will be re-
pealed at the next session. There is
considerable opposition to the passage
OF the jury bill, but it is hoped that it
will work we'll and become popular
Another law is now needed to
reduce the expenses of the GRIM
inal courts by decreasing the number
Of small felonies, the trial Of which con-
sumes so much time and causes such
great expense. Some measure Of this
kind will be adopted. Although not
very many bills have yet been passed,
still this legislature will, think, adopt
some very wise and efficient measures,
which will very considerably reduce
public expenditures. 1t is doubtful
whether the salary bill will do as much
as many expect. 1t is very probable that
after the necessary deputies are paid, the
amount collected from the fees OF the
Office will not be more than enough to
pay the salaries. Is there not mistake
about the large sums made by office
holders? There are bills before the leg
islature to prevent the discrimination by
railroad companies in their freight ana
passenger charges. Whilst there may
be, and doubtless are unwise and per-
haps unjust determinations in many in
stances, does not experience show that
all attempts to regulate this matter by
legislation have turned out disastrously
to the people? Had it not better be left
to the competition between rail-
roads to work out the cure? Is
not some of this discrimination
which is complained of the necessary
result of the difference between through
and way freight? And does not the fact
that cheap rates are obtained at compet-
ing points operate to the benefit Of the
whole country? Experience is the best
teacher on this as on other subjects, and
all laws attempting to correct these sup
posed evils have turned out badly, and
have in most instances been repealed
after having been fairly tried. They are
trying in Wisconsin to get repeal of
what is called the Potter law,n which
was intended to regulate freight charges,
or to prevent determinations on rail-
roads. This has been decided upon by
the commissioners appointed under the
law, and is said to be in compliance
with the popular wish. The remedies
for railroad determinations do not lie in
that direction. There will probably be
bill passed authorizing an issuance Of
comptroller's warrants sufficient to pay
the interest on the State bonds, and the
current expenses of the State govern
ment, and perhaps to pay portion of
the bonds. II too many of these war.
rants are not issued, and if the rate of
taxation should be sufficient to take them
in in one year, they might answer
very valuable purpose, since they are
to be receivable in payment Of taxes;
but if anything like sum amounting to
ten millions of dollars is issued, the dan
ger is they will be worthless and not an
swer any valuable purpose. The policy
OF issuing them at all is considered very
doubtful by many, but by no means
should they be issued to any great eX-
tent or in large sums. The legislature Is
desirous Of meeting the obligations of
the State without imposing very heavy
burdens on the people; and if there were
suffi .iency Of currency in the country
to answer the purposes OF trade and
commerce, there would be no disposition
to resort to anything like large issu-
ance of State warrants. 1t is the scarcity
of currency that causes resort to these
measures Of relief. This legislature is
working, intelligent body of men, and
is trying to advance the public interests.
They may commit errors, but their pur-
poses are good, and they will, think,
pass many-vEg many-wise and judi
cious bills.
The negrcSis here, thus far, have not
attempted t : asit the theaters or hotels.
How soon they will do SO no one knows.