In the face of this wholesale corruption, Alden and his associates were re-elected. It now became evident that, unless some heroic measure was resorted to, the entire property of the city would be confiscated by their rapacity. A tax-payers association was formed, which began a campaign of public agitation. Public meetings were held in various parts of the city, and resolutions were adopted denouncing the “Alden ring” in the most scathing terms. It was finally decided to seek relief through the courts. All the judges throughout the State were Radical, but in striking contrast with all the other officials of the Radical régime, they were men of unquestioned integrity, and, for the most part, lawyers of high standing. They had displayed great independence in interpreting the franchise laws, and in curtailing, as far as possible, the excessive use of the military power. Mr. Thornburg, the defeated candidate for mayor, filed a bill in the Chancery Court of Davidson County, in which he alleged that the city administration was inefficient, that its members were guilty of fraud and corruption, and that of right their offices were vacant because they were not owners of real estate, as required by law. He therefore prayed that the city officials be enjoined from the further issuance of checks and notes, and that they be declared usurpers and turned out of office, and that a receiver be appointed to take charge of the affairs of the corporation. Pending the coming in of the answer of the defendants, and the final decision of the case, Chancellor Shackelford granted a temporary injunction restraining the mayor and the city council from receiving any salary or perquisites of office. On December 7th, final decision was rendered, the Chancellor using the following language: “I am of the opinion that the complainants are not entitled to the injunction or the receiver prayed for, and the application is therefore refused.” In May, 1869, Col. A. S. Colyar, editor of the _Union and American_, and one of the most distinguished lawyers in the South, made a thorough examination of the city’s books and records. At a mass-meeting of the citizens, he made the most startling disclosure in regard to the extravagance and corruption uncovered by that investigation. He declared that the city was in the hands of thieves, and expressed the opinion that there was not a judge on the bench of Tennessee who would refuse to grant relief. On June 1st, he filed a bill at Gallatin, Tenn., before Charles Smith, Chancellor of the Seventh Chancery Division.