The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-05-05
THE MEETING or TIE LEGLSLA-
TIRE

TURE.
The Legislature, pursuant TO resolution
passed by both houses to take recess I'M
til the 9TH inst, is expected to meet at the
Capitol on Tuesday morning for the con-
sideration OF the Moody bill, which was
vetoed by Gov. Taylor on the morning Of
the day set for final adjournment. The
readers OF TIE APPEAL will readily recall
the pros and cons OF that affair
the indignation OF the leading mem
bers OF both houses and the SUISSE
quent display OF temper by the
Governor. So far rs the Senators
and Representatives who we're present
when a recess was decided upon and
taken, are concerned, there can be no
doubt Of their disposition in the matter,
but those who were not there have never
been heard from upon il publicly, and
there is reason, therefore, 10 doubt that
there viii be quorum present on Tues
day when the roll is called. Politicians
who have expressed any opinion upon
the subject, say that many OF the members
are satisfied with what was accomplished
by the passage Of the Moody bill; that 1t
places the Democratic party before the
State as committed to the abo-
lition OF the convict-lease system
and tho branch prisons; that both
the great parties are thus committed
10 this great reform, and that II has thus
become State policy, one that the next
Legislature will be compelled to deal with
in n sweeping and definite way. For this
reason 1t is held that those OF the
members who are farmers, Just now
taken up with their crops, are not
likely TO be willing TO leave their
fields for tho mere purpose Of rebuk-
ing the Governor, who is by his speeches
and messages committed to the same pol
icy. So far as the individual members are
concerned this policy may commend itself
TO them and they may be able 10 placate
their consciences aud reconcile themselves
to II as n duty. But above their per-
sonal conycnlcnces rises their duty TO the
State and the maintenance Of the dignity
OF both Houses These should DO adj
journed pro iorma; and Us this cannot be
done without quorum a quorum ought to
assemble. Besides, tho Moody bill should
be passed 80 that the first preliminary and
necessary steps looking 10 the construc-
ton Of a new peniientiary may be taken
aud conclusive plan be prepared with
specifications and costs by the time the
next Legislature meets. This Ia absolutely
essential to the abolition OF the lease sys
TEN, which will be extended by the defeat
Of the Moody bill. and II "a quorum Is moi
present We think II will be incumbent on
the Governor TO call an extra session
for the purpose Of considering the ques-
ton Of building new penitcntiary
and Of passing such bills as may be deemed
necessary to reconcile the conflicts that are
held TO exist between the Dortch act, the
registration act aud the Lea act, which
provides two polling places for each pre-
cinct, ward or beat at elections TO DO held
for Federal officers and members Of Con-
grcss. This Of itself would DO a good
reason for the assembling Of a quorum on
Tuesday, aud we think Il supplies TO the
Governor a jusiiiying cause for calling an
extra session in case quorum is not oh.
tanned before the week closes.