The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1893-01-17
A MIDDLE STILL.
All Is Not Pleasant in the Tennessee Le2is-
lature-1he GubernalOrial Ckair.

Nashville, Tenn, January 13.-(Speclal)
The serious illness of Goyernor-elect Peter
Turney and the unprObability of his being
able to come to Nashville to be lnaugu-
rated, has led to the development OF quite
interesting condition of affairs.
The situation at present IS q serious one
and the outlook for the immediate future
is not bright.
The validity of the right of the next
governor to the executive chair is involved
to some extent. and, even after Governor
Turney is sworn in the legislature will be
bound hand and foot unless he Immediately
RECEIVERS and will have to take Il RECESS
after providing for numerous Investigations
and getting It's committees to work.
Aside from this, Governor buchanan
may refuse 10 give up the office If IWney
is sworn in at Winchester. Then there
would be an interesting contest
Judge Iurney's illness has all a long eX-
cited the grayest fears, not only among
his personal and political friends, but among
democrats generally, as the constitution re
qurcS that q governor shall hold office un-
til his successor is qualified and elected.
If Il governor dies the speaker of the SEN
ate succeeds him, but there is no provision
for the successor in case the g0vernOr-elect
dies. Governor Buchanan, however, removed
all fedrs that he would attempt to retain
the office i'll the event of Judge Turney's
death by stating recently that he would ac-
cept the verdict of the people and retire
at the end of his term. Only a few days
ago it was thought Judge Turney would
be well enough to come to Nashville Monday
next and take the oath of office. a resolu-
ton providing for the inauguration passed
tie senate Wednesday.
Yesterday, however, this action was re-
considered and resolution provd-
ing for joint committee to
go to Winchester and witness the
administering of the oath was adopted.
in Inf, L.,
and it was at once transmitted to Governor
Buchanan.
Soon it became noised about that Gov
ernor Buchanan had declared his intention
of refusing to sign the resolution, and as
the information came from Adjustant Gen
eral Norman, prmcarily it was considered
authentic. Then again it was stated that he
would hold the resolution five days as he
is entitled 10 under the constitution, and
prevent the legislature taking any further
steps toward administering the oath, regard
less of his action. Afternoon sessions were
held in both the houses with the hope that
the governor would be heard from but re-
cess followed recess and no news came until
finally both houses became work.
ed up over the affairs and
in their anxiety appointed Il committee
to await upon the governor and interview
him regarding his intention. This action is
probably unprecedented. The committees
soon reported that Governor buchanan had
not Drcn III MS ounce since luN Resolution
had been laid upon his desk. Both bodies
then adjourned until tomorrow. and as the
members passed out o: the building it was
learned that Governor buchanan had Just
then entered his Office
Governor Buchanan would not Jalk for
publication but to members who approached
him. he is quoted rs saying that he re-
garded it rs necessary that the governor
elect be sworn N during an opening session
of the house and in its presence, and that
would be illegal for him to qualify at his
home. 1t is also limited that he is offended
at the apparent haste of the legislature for
him to retire, especially as GOyernor-eiect
Turney is physically unable to perform his
duties at present.
In the meantime Attorney General Pickett
has decided that the oath of office may
be administered to Governor-clect Turney
at his home and that it is not even neces-
sary that Governor buchanan approve the
joint resolution authorizing committees to
witness the taking Of the oath. In the
light of this opinion it is probable that the
committees will be sent on to Winchester
with the supreme court Monday and that
Goverenor-eect Turney will then be sworn
in regardless of Governor Buchanan's ac-
ton.
Governor Buchanan may decline to recog-
nize that his successor has qualified. If he
does the legislature will simply ignore him
and await the advent of Governor Tur-
ney.
'oeudtor i,aie Nsileu 1oFcFho[-elecC Iur-
ney yesterday and gives it as his opinion
that if the weather is pleasant Monday he
could make the trip. His residence. how
ever, is two and half miles from the de-
pot and he could not take the risk unless
the weather changes very considerably.
The legislature, however. is proceeding upon
the idea that it will be necessary to swear
him in at his home and such will doubtless
be the action Then the legislature can
only get ready to 90 TO work on second
reading through and into the lands of the
committees and starting the various COM
mittees of investigation and visiting COM
mittees to work. and take n recess No
legislation could be put through in Governor
Turney's absence.
1t is probable that the legislature will
hold on long as possible, however, in
order to have the recess extended over
March 4th, when they will probably attend
the Inauguration in a body