The Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Tenn.) 1888-1946, 1896-08-21
TENNESSEE STATE NEWS
The Legislature Called in Extra Session.
Nashville. Anr- 1A-Gov- Tnrnav

The Legislature Called In Extra Session.
Nashville, Aug. 14-Gov. Turney
issued the following call this afternoon:
Whereas, At the extra session of the general
assembly OF 1892 an act entitled an act to pro-
vide revenue for the State OF Tennessee and the
COUNTIES thereof was passed June II. approved
June II, 1895; and
Whereas 1t appears that by said act the ad
yalorem tax which is collected by various trus-
tees was reduced 33ls per cent, a great many
privileges were reduced and many stricken en-
tlrely out. The tax on railroads was reduced
SSl3 per cent; the revenue Of $1,000 formerly
received from the lesseeS of the penitentiary is
gone, and il is believed that the cost of main
tanning the cOnYiets viii exceed the amount re-
ceiyed from their labor. The estimated decrease
IN the amount of revenue under the new law is
$525,O0O. There was an increase in the apprO-
prlations by the Legislature of 1895 over that Of
1893 for judicial salaries there being an in.
crease in Judges, office expenses, charities, ETC..
OF about $4,000. From these estimates it neces-
saTily follows that there will be deficit in Jan
uary, 1897 and still larger one in January,
1875. THESE deficiencies can only be cured by
legislation prior to November, 1896.
As plan to ecOnomiEe the expenses of the
State the legislature at its regulsr session Of
1885 passed an act entitled an act to amend the
criminal laws OF the State chapter 205, page 1O4,
OF Acts. That act redeines grand and petit
larceny, the crime of fraudulentIy conceaIing
or aiding in the cOncealnent of stolen goods not
exceeding SEQ, and provides the punishment and
payment of costs in such cases. Ii the law had
been sustained and enforced it would have been
a saving to the State of many thousands OF dol
lars. The supreme court held such act uncon
sttutional because of defective or insufficient
title or caption. l think there can be no doubt
OF the power in the legislature to enact such a
law, and suggest its re-enactment, with proper
caption or tide be considered.
As shown by the Journal it was manifestly
the opinion OF large majority of the Iegisla
ture, irrespective OF party There being only
nine senators and thirteen representatives Yot-
ing againsD, that the assessments would be
amply sufficient to meet the Obligations and pay
the current expenses of the government Many
OF the members of the house explained their
votes in favor Of the BILL aud among other
things saidi I'VE believe that the new assess.
ment law will result in the increased valuation
of property, thus-urging an additional reason
Tor reduction i'll the rate OF taxation. For
these reasons We vote yea"
At the time there were good foundations for
such opinions, but subsequent events brought
disappointment. Instead OF an increased Valu-
alton OF property there has been general de-
out the Union. The depreciation in Tennessee
is large, thus disappointing the reasonably we'll
founded opinion Uf the legislators.
Now, therefore, j, Peter Turney, governor, by
virtue OF the power and authority in me vested
by section g. article 3, OF the constitution, do by
lhlS proclamation convene The general assembly
IN extraordinary session in the capitol ut Nash
vile on Monday, September Z, 1896, at The hour
OF II m, ana when assembled it will take under
consideration and enter upon the following bus
mess, tO-wit:
0 enact all legislation, either independent OF
amendatoryi thai il MAY deem necessary TO pro-
vide a sufficient assessment Of property and
privileges, the increase of privileges and such
other assessments as may he legitimate and
proper to take care of the credit of the State
and meet its Indebtedness and expenses;
A re-enactment OF chapter 2O5 of the Acts OF
1895, under roper caption, and to pfovide for
the payment OF the expenses OF the extra ses-
sion.