Year: 1873

NASHVILLE, Feb. -, 1873.


EDITORS CHRONICLE: AS the General
Assembly draws to close there seems to
be more determined purpose on the part
of both branches to push business along.
I am now satisfied that three or four of the
most important bills will be passed. The
school question I regard as virtually set
tied. The Senate, for the last three days,
has been busiIy engaged in discussing its
merits, and endeavoring, if possible, to
harmonize conflicting views. The result
was, after a few unimportant eliminations,
the whole question was narrowed down to
a basis which, it is thought, will be
acceptable to all parties. To be sure it is
not just the thing the more advanced adj
vocates of popular education desired, but
recognizing the difficulties in the way-the
lack Ofa just appreciation of this great work
and the exhausted condition of the public
treasury-they are willing to accept it as
the best system which the times will al
low. 1t provides for the appointment of
State S Iperintendent and County Super
intendents and of raising fund of about
four hundred thousand dollars and up
wards. While this is not sufficient to meet





population to their fullest extend, yet it
is so infinitely beyond what
many expected that it seems to be liberal.
1 regret that I am not sufficiently familiar
with all the features of the bill as to give
your. readers q better understanding of it.
They may rest assured, however, that un-
der all the circumstances of the case, when
they come to understand it fully they will
be satisfied with it.


l.
the legislative mind upon this vital sub.
ject. Considering this, am prepared to
say that bold step has been taken, and
the people of Tennessee have come to be
thankful. You will perceive that have
been writing alone of the Senate. The
House, am assured, will heartily concur
in the Senate bill, though, 1 must say that
it won't do, always, to count chickens
before they are hatched.n


The other bills alluded to are, the Agri-
cultural bill, the finance question and i'm
migration. The first one mentioned has
already passed the House, and is now be-
fore the Senate, where it will be favorably
acted upon, as hope and believe.


The Governor prepared and sent to the
Senate special message OH the subject of
immigration, in which he took encOurag.
ing ground and insisted that liberal ap-
preparation be made to aid the commits
sioners IN the prosecution of their work,
l am hopeful of the result. a very modest
appropriation is demanded, only $500
Last year not dollar was granted, and
yet, Notwithstanding this, more than two
thousand immigrants, through the Bureau
of immigration, were bought to Tennes-
see from Europe. With a judicious use of
the amount indicated, hundreds upon
hundreds may be brought thither during
the present year,


On the finance question there is being
formed more encouraging sentiment.
Conflicting opinions are giving way, and
members are striving to understand each
other. Hence, when the time comes for
final action a scheme will be agreed upon
which believe the country will endorse.
Perhaps the over due bonds will be fund
ed, while those not due will remain as
they are.


The Centennial Commission closed its
labors after harmonious and useful meet
ing. \ work of wide proportions has been
laid out over the State, and it is thought
that most valuable results will follow.
Col. Caldwell and Col. w. F. Prosser,
deserve much credit for the interest they
have taken in this great enterprise, and
for the good sense they have shown in
its prosecution. ALONZO DANTE,