The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-07-17

The county court met yesterday at about
10 O clock q. m, and transacted bushel
OF business. The first thing in order was
the tax levy for 1888, which elected con-
siderable debate. The committee re-
ported in favor OF school tax OF b
cents on the 500, instead Of 10 cents
as last year, and explained that even
5-cent tax On the present increased assess
ment would yield $4,000 more revenue
than last year. 'sqire Harroll objected to
any reduction and showed that the condi-
ton of the public school system OF the
country by reason of inadequate approprl-
atoms was disgrace TO civilization.
Squire Wellborn spoke in a similar strain,
and declared that the average number OF
school days for country chilren did not ex-
coed 100 days, and that unless better pro-
vision was made for such children they
would grow up in Ignorance.
Squire Brett made ilorid speech with
poetical establishment, upon the text that
little learning is dangerous thing.
The Hon. J. NJ. Harris also lifted mp his
voice eloquently in behalf OF more gener-
Gus provision for the county schools.
Squire Elliott spoke in opposition to
an increase from sc TO l0c. DIR. Hen
derson, county superintendent, was al.
lowed to take the floor and made
MANY votes for the increase.
by his graphic account Of the needs Of the
schools lie said that last year the fund
barely suiiiced for 100 dayso Of school, while
the furniture OF school-houses was OF the
rudest description, some OF the black
boards being unfit for Use. Squire Pope
Il. -. ~ ftnr
some further debate the tax was fixed, by
vote OF "a to 10, at 10 cents, the same rs
last year, which will yield very comfort
able provision.
The case of q colored man who lost horse
and wanted compensation from the county,
also caused lively debate. The colored
man lives in Squire Wellborn's district
and his horse had the CHAMBERS. The
neighbors, fearing for the safety of their
stock, summoned Squire Wellborn, who
organized de facto, but not dc jure,
commission, aud sentenced the horse 10
death. The point raised was that the
horses death was matter OF public
necessity, and that the informality OF
the proceeding did not destroy the
equity OF the case. The county
health officer admitted that had he seen
the horse he would have decreed his death.
County Attorney Jordan decided there
was no law to Justify an appropriation.
John Barry suggested that the horse would
have died anyhow, but ii not 500, the
amount asked for, was rather fancy
price. The majority seemed TO favor an
appropriation, when Squire Cross threw q
bomshcll into the debate by innocently
inquiring Of the chairman whether II an
illegal appropriation were male, an indict
ment would lie against all the members OF
only those who voted in the affirmative
That was clncher. The previous ques
ton was called, and the appropriation de
- featcd by n vote OF u TO 10.
The contract for the bridge acrosi
Hatchie river was awarded 20 the Mother
well Iron and Steel company, Of Logan
o., that company having made the loves
bid, sll,5i5.
Superintendent OF Public Works l.. NJ
Cole was, upon his own application, au
thorized TO purchase transit 10 cos, $3.50
The salary Of the pest-house physician
was fixed Mt s75 per month from now 4
January |, the person elected 10 give bon,
in the sum Of $1,000. The election vii
take place today.
County Health Officer williford was al
thorizcd to purchase $50 worth of vaccn
matter for use in the country districts. ii
was also, at the request Of Squire llughey
instructed 20 go 10 Buntyn station an
dsinicct a house where asmallpox patien
had died.
The loose manner in which business
sometimes rushed through the count
court is evidenced by the following inc
dent which occurred toward th
close Of Yesterdays session. Squire Barr
rose and said he had n petition, an
that two other magistrates besides himse
had Endorsed Il and recommended that III
prayer Il contained be granted. Some yer
busy man in a hurry 10 get away sale
"Move the granted" Another anxious-t
getaway man said Second II, the cha
put the motion, and Il was actually carrie
without being read. II wasn't Barry's fau
nor the clerks, nor the charman's, simp
the fault OF the men who were In a hurI
10 get away. Just for curiosity TnE A
PEAL reporter and the county attorn'
pccpcd al the petition, and found that
was a request TO reduce the assessment q
Mahoney's property.
The court will meet again today TO n
NJ. A.. ILL stn Aftattaf ala.sito