Brownlow's Knoxville Whig, and rebel ventilator. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1863-1866, 1865-11-29
Literary and Commercial Association.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn, Nov. 18th, 1865.

I
KNOXVILLE, Tenn, Nov. 18th, 1865.
To tie Editsrs Of Bro1cuIosr's Wig:
Permit me to furnish your paper, and through it
to the many readers, information in regard to
q society Just now being formed, and which number
already among its members the most prominent cit
liens of this place. The society in accordance with
its constitution, assumes the name of The Knox
vile Literary and Commercial Association; = its
objects are numerous. The more immediate, and
at present. the general object is in the words of the
Constitution: To promote the social intercourse,
and diuse general literary, mercantile and polit-
cal intelligence among the citizens of the city of
Knoxville, Tenn, and to enable them in an apprO-
pirate manner to extend to all strangers who visit
our city, such Inequalities "a will make them feel
the desire on our part, to make heir soourn amongst
US as pleasant and profitable as possible"
1t IS the desire Of the members of this society to
draw closer together the different merchants pro-
feSsionss and mechanics TO stimulate amongst them
the desirable qualities Of associating and combin-
ing, far possible their different interests for
the welfare and good of the community at large.
1t provides set of rooms, comfortably arranged,
where persons can meet and in conversation bring
forth genial remarks, different views and thus pleas
antly and ntelgently harmonic as far as possible,
conflicting views and ideas
1t is to become the centre of intelligence and sta
bility, and by these influences difuse virtue refine
| ment, brotherhood, friendship and integrity.
1t is to stimulate enterprise not only in CONNER
cia but in all circles of this our common and beau
tifu country, to aid far as in their power the
building of the Railroad from Cincinnati Ohio and
at any time hereafter assist in developing all ideas
and undertaking, tending to make East Tennessee
prosperous.
We have at present:
1st. A collection of the most important newspa-
pers of the day for the perusal of any person. menu
Der or visitor.
I'd. a supply of the necessary stationery to ena-
blp ali strQDpprS or thOSp yUhO hava suita HE
place, to write letters, &c.
Sd. Library is being started to contain works
upon all subjects for common use.
Aside of a regular meeting each month for the
purpose of discussing topics, and especially upon
the proper means of achieving the laudabe purpo-
ses of the society," opportunity is offered to meet
each other at the rooms of the Association
Men become by such intercourse to know each
other better points of character otherwise perhaps
unheeded and unnoticed brought to light, which
either heghten our esteem orswarn US from assUnl-
| ing similar features.
| Especially is all energy directed to one centre,
and that is to promote social relations and thus lay
foundation for future happiness and welfare.
| The Association eontemplates employing prOmi-
nent men to deliver lectures upon all matters of in
terest aside of obtaining the assistance Of its own
members for similar purposes.
! As the commercial, manufacturing and mining
interests in East Tennessee increase the Association
will extend its field of operations, and create a
Board of Trade for the purpose of furnishing prop
er opportunities to citizens TO invast capital 20
an advantage in country, without the neces-
sity of going abroad and contribute 20 make other
States prosperous while nothing is done to aid our
| own.
It will be the object of the Association TO cult
yate and maintain friendly relations with similar
institutions existing in other portions of the State
and so strive to connect the different interests
and by a unity of means produce prosperity over
/ the entire State
/ It will be from this imperfect statement of
the objects of the Association that its ultimate
cess depends upon the number of citizens who join
and give these plans their interest. For this pur-
pose not only residents Of Knoxville are admitted,
but all citizens of East Tennessee; neither IS the
! Association to be composed only of merchants but
/ Of mechanics, lawyers, doctors, any man who
/ follows an honest calling.
1t is, in my opinion, OF the utmost Importance
that the manufacturing portion of the community
! be strongly represented in this Association; and,
| likewise that the travelling and mercantile popula-
/ ton almost to man, connect and identify them
| selves with it-for these reasons:
| The influence of man separate and uncOnneeted
with Others, is but feeble, and have no benefit
! ing results either to himself or those whom he
wishes to serve.
| We're each person alone and unasSsted to strive
/ for the accomplishment Of his own de-ires noble
and good as they may be, conflicting views and
| means would be the result and instead of benefit
1
! Furthermore, were one class of people only to
join this Association and thus combine and strength
their party and enable it to WELD influence and
power, imperfect as human beings are, would not
their influence naturally be used for their ben
eft, and thus Illustrate the very object Of the As
ISOLATION.
Therefore if all classes representing the different
interests Of the people in the Association they
will have voice in all matters eecting their vel
fare and forming, it were league which, from
its very foundation, must result in nothing but the
very best for all concerned.
1t may be in place to say that TO the energy of
Capt j. W. Patterson we owe the foundation of the
society; his desires as manifested in his actions and
conversation, was not selfish, but of a noble and
commendable purpose and that is, in devising some
means to enable he citizens of East Tennessee to
contribute its share in the general progress of the
age, and take and keep place among the more adj
| vanced States, and exercise good share of infu-
Gnce in literary and commercial circles through the
medium of its Association.
| The names of the officers elected for the veal
ending November, 1866, are,
! JOHN BAXTER President
b. S. CHAMBERLAIN, Vice President
BAILEY, Secretary and Treasurer
/ j. ". PATTERSON, !
L. A. GRAFT,
! Il. A. CooPER, Directors.
| W. r. PATTERSON,
! NJ. P. CHAPIN,
| Very Respectfully, &c,
L. a. GRAFT.