Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1877-12-08
rHE EXTRA sEssION-rHIRD DAY.

The two houses have come to a dead
lockin regard to the terms ofthe govern
or's proclamation calling the legislature
together. The senate committee reported
as its opinion that the general assembly is
not confined to a simple acceptance or
rejection Of the proposition as made by
the Tennessee bondholders, but that it is
competent for the general assembly
under the constitution aud proclamation
of the governor to enter upon the legis-
lative business for which it has assem-
bled," which according 10 the opinion Of
the committee is "the adjustment of the
bonded indebtedness Of the State, and
that, whilst considering the award of the
arbiters, it is competent for the general
assembly to modify or amend the details
thereof" This view Of the question pre-
vailed and was adopted in the senate.
Nothing else was done in that end Of the
capitol.
In the house the committee appointed
to Investigate this matter reported that
after q careful examination OF the sub.
jsct i IN the light of the 9th section, Sd
article Of the constitution, a majority Of
the committee are Of opinion hat the
legislature is restricted by the terms Of
the governors proclamation to an &C
ceptance or rejection Of the proposition
made BY the arbiters at a conference
held at New York, March 8, 1877. to sd
Just the State debt by the issuance Of
new six per cent. bonds at q rate of sixty
per cent. OF the total amount of the prin-
cipal and past due interest; to levy a tax
sufficient to meet tie interest on the new
bonds, to provide a sinking fund for the
extinguishment of the debt and for the
more efficient collection Of revenue; and
to provide by appropriate legislation for
the expenses of the legislature.
Mr.. Phelan submitted the following
minority report:
We, the undersigned, beg leave to pre-
sent the following dissent from the re.
port of the majority Of the judiciary
committee as to the power of this gen.
eral assembly at the present called SEES
sion. We are of the opinion that, under
the constitution of Tennessee aud the
proclamation of the governor, this gen.
eral assembly has the power to consider
the adjustment Of the State debt upon
any basis or figure whatever.
W. Z. TRAVIS,
GEO. r. PHELAH,
GEo. B. PETERS, JR
VIZ A COLLIER.
The following was also submitted:
We do not fully concur in the minority
report, but think this assembly has the
power to consider all matters legitimate
ly growing out Of the proposed adjust.
ment By the arbiters, including a modi-
fcation of the same. c. B. %SIMOHToY,
] Fl. SAVAGE,
j. I. GLEAvRs,
A. s. CoLYAR
In the midst Of a discussion Of the mi
nority report a motion to adjourn pre-
vailed. The action Of the senate vii
have some bearing, and it is not improb
able that the minority report in the hous,
will be adopted. This will open th,
whole question to be discussed until thi
expiration Of the twenty days. 1t seem
to be understood that the full time viii
be o%ccupied. They can sit as long 3
they please over twenty days, but with
out pay; therefore no quorum will b
present and the session will not be pre-
longed. Governor Porter could call an
other extra session at once, but we thin
he will lave enough Of extra sessions b
that time So will the people who pa.
forthis one At the rate of over $500 pc
day.
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