1 cotton, tobacco, oats and cotton seed oil, were put upon exhibition. A special medal was awarded to the cotton exhibit, a medal to the collection of agricultural products, and honorable mention was made of the wool exhibition. STATE AID TO YELLOW FEVER SUFFERERS. During the prevalence of the late epidemic the Treasurer of the State, under my advice, expended $4,971.77, of the public money in the purchase of supplies for the sick at various points in the infected districts. Vouchers for the expenditure are in the hands of the Treasurer, and I respectfully ask for an appropriation covering the amount of it. CONTRIBUTIONS For the yellow fever sufferers were sent from all parts of our own State. And from the imperial city of New York down to the mos unpretending village in the land, from Canada and from the old world, golden gifts were made for the relief of our sick and destitute, with an overflowing generosity that claims recognition from the representatives of a people, upon whom these timely benefactions were conferred. RAILROAD, TELEGRAPH AND EXPRESS COMPANIES. During the prevalence of the late epidemic, these corporations rendered invaluable service. The relief contributed in other States and localities was distributed without charge, and the freest correspondence was permitted by the telegraph lines upon the same terms A conspicuous service like this should be recognized in a resolution of thanks. LIEUT. H. H. BENNER, U. S. ARMY, Commanding the relief boat sent out by the citizens of the northwest to supply the wants of the yellow fever sufferers along the line of the Mississippi river, died of the fever at Vicksburg, Miss., on the 17th of October last. The expedition was moved by the noblest philanthropy and sustained by a courage that has excited the sensibilities of the entire country. Tennesseeans were beneficiaries of this enterprise. It would be becoming, therefore, in their representatives to notice in fitting terms the death of its heroic commander. CONCLUSION. My two terms of office cover the longest period of financial distress known to the history of the State. This condition has brought difficulties of administration and of personal duty that I have endeavored to control with my best judgment and to perform without fear. In the execution of this purpose I have had the encouragement and assistance from the officers with whom I have been associated, that comes from official fidelity and an intelligent performance of duty. Executive Office, Nashville. Tenn., Jan. 6, 1879. JAMES D. PORTER. |