Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-04-01

GOOD WORK DosE THE LEGIsLA-


. SUNDAY, APRIL 1. 1883
! GOOD WORK DONE BY THE LEGIsLA.
TURE.
1t is impossible in advance of the pnblica-
tion OF the laws 10 pass an accurate iudg-
ment on all thai has been done By the presenl
General Assembly. No Legislature since the
war has bsea 50 thoroughly representative as
the one that mas just adjourned. There was
common purpose uusl.erably fixed in the
minds Of the Democratic members to carry
out the will Of the people, and where differ
ences arose they were only in the mode Of
carrying out their Instructions. Col. Colyar,
the editor Of the Nashville american, who,
before and during the session, was disposed
to criticize the Legislature, in a speech Oh
Friday, in the House, just before adjourn.
ment, reiterated that he Endorsed all the
legisl alton Of the session, and declared that
it was the most auspicious day tbs. Tennes-
see had witnessed for a quarter of a
century. For the first time since the war
the Legislature has literally carried out
the pledges made 10 the people. The return
OF the Hon. Ishsm G.. Harris to the Senate
was the fret good work accomplished. The
"State-debp act was passed in copformitv
TO the platform of the Democratic marty
adopted at the convention held on the 2Olb
OF June, and there Is little doubt of the
creditors accepting the settlement. We m.
derstand that come OF them are now MAKING
application 10 fund under the new law. The
railroad question was handled with marked
ability, and notwithstanding the power Of
the lobby and the persistent effort 10 defeat
legislation on the subject, bill was enacted
into law that will give very general salts.
faction. The caucus bill was thought 10 be
too severe, even BY EJu.s oil It's advocated
Our own representative, Col. Patlersos, while
he advocated its passage because il was A
party measure, was willing, all the time 10 rec
more moderate legislation prevail and Ssna-
tor Porter, while he voted for he caucus bin
was in favor Of amendments that would
modify some Of its features which he deemed
too harsh. II seemed TO be the policy
of the leaders OF the House TO send to the
Senate a strong bill and trust to that body
to make such notifications as were needed.
The decided and firm attitude Of the House
had its effect, no doubt, on the Snate, for
the Edmundson bin, which was adopted by
the Senate, and which was considered az
providing for a mere advisory board, was
greatly improved aud strengthened by strik-
ing out some OF its provisions and amending
others. The Com mission will have full power
TO supervise and revise the schedule Of rates
Fixed by the railroad companies. Some Of
the provisions Of the caucus bill were en-
grated upon the Senate bill, and
altogether it may be pronounced a
good, strong, conservative law, under
which intelligent and faithful commissioners
may secure to the people Of the State all
needed reforms. There was also a bill passed
for the settlement of the Torbeit Issue, and
while it provides for lis final absorption, it
will be done in such a manner SO not to en-
bsrrass the State. 1t is to lie presented TO a
board 10 determine its genuineness, and fer
that which is genuine treasury warrants are
TO be Issued, payable after five years; but in
the meantime these warrants are 10 be re-
ceived in payment of all back taxes and
judgments in favor of the State. Alter FIVE
years it will be received in payment of all
taxes. 1t is believed that nearly all Of it
will be absorbed in the payment Of back
taxes and Judgments, SO that it will not in
terfere with current revenues. The Legisla-
ture also enacted a non assessment and
revenue law, and provided fully fer
the payment OF interest on the State debt
when funded. An act was passed for the re.
lief OF the Supreme Court by which the
judges are authorized TO appoint three
referees, to which will be referred cases
pending on the calendar of that court. The
referees will report the law and facts arising
on each record considered by them, and the
Supreme Court will pass on any exceptions
FLED to such report. 1t is thought this plan
will greatly relieve the court. The present
lessees Of the penitentiary were granted an
extension OF their lease for five months, on
condition that they pay at the rate of $780,.
900 per year for the extension, and on the
further condition that they enter into sufii-
cient bond TO begin the biddings at $780,.
900 per year for a new term of six years,
beginning January l, 1884. This is $4,000
per year more than is now paid under the
present lease, and it is conceded 10 be livery
wise and excellent arrangement. We under
stand that there were a number of laws en-
acted Of a general nature which will lie
highly beneficial, and smong these are i'm
portaut changes in the road laws. Memphis
has every reason to be grateful 10 the present
General Assembly. Every measure she re-
quired was enacted into law. Our repre-
sentatives did not fail in single instance,
and the affairs of Memphis were never in
better shape. This is a mere summary OF
important measures. This Legislature has
accomplished great deal for the State, and
it will be long remembered as body OF
earnest, intelligent and faithful public
servants. From a party standpoint,
the Democrats have accomplished all
that could be desired. There is ALSO
lutsly no differences among Democrats now.
The eye of the most malignant enemy Is
unable to discover the scar which remains
after the healing process We understand
that there was quite a Jubilee enao1g ths
Democrats on FriG4y Tor several hours be-
fore adjournment. Songs were sung, speeches
were made, and all were agreed that SO much
unAniInity and good feeling never before pre-
vailed in the Democratic party. Tennessee
is now prepared to head the column OF at
tack against monopoly and the protective
tariff in 1884.