[90] Ibid., 200.
[91] Ibid., 1869, 204.
[92] Ibid., 1870, 78. Mr. McMillan characterized this spirit as follows: “That the House will pass it, I am convinced, for there is always something peculiar in the air which tells me when a bill of this character is sure of being put through, and I feel the breath of that air distinctly at this moment,” 268.
[93] House Deb., 1869, 330.
[94] Ibid., 264.
[95] “Such influence we all know has been exerted for personal aggrandizement and to such an extent that in point of fact the General Assembly was actually turned into a machine for the advancement of the individual interests of its leaders.” Bee, Jan. 24, 1869. See also Commercial Bulletin, Feb. 6, 22.
[96] Charges of bribery were brought in connection with the penitentiary bill, the slaughter house bill, and Chattanooga Railroad bill. The boldest charge came out on the paving bill: “I know who are lobbying this bill, and know the men they are using, and state upon the floor of this committee that this is simply for the benefit of that very man, and for the benefit of the lobbyists.” Ibid., 357-8.
[97] House Deb., 1869, 72.
[98] House Jour., 1870, 21.
[99] House Deb., 1870, 10.