Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1865-12-12
HOUSE BUILDING IN NASHVILLE.

Probably the greatest and most pressing
need under which this city now labors, is
the want Of good, substantial houses, suita-
| pie for residences. The unusual demand
for family residences is shown by the num-
bers who daily flock to the various Real Es-
tate Agencies of the city, and go away house
less. Our population has vastly increased
within the past few years, while the house
room accommodations have not been cor
respondingly extended. These aceommoda-
tons must be supplied, or the people who
are coming here 10 cast their lots with us,
will 20 away. Neither can a great many of
them pay the exhorbitant rentals, induced
by the scarcity of houses.
1t will not do to say that they are strangers,
and il matters not whether they get place
to live among US or not 1t is population
which gives TO city property its great value
over country property. The people add
wealth to every city community. 1t is not
alone the house owner whose interests are
N4AiieiiNNh " al lhNlIsl1S vi an lliAuclIlOub
population. The merchant, the butcher, the
grocer-all classes are alike benefited. The
sober, honest, skilled laborer, when he comes
here, adds to the substantial wealth Of the
city an amount Of capital equal TO the sum
Of which his earnings would be the interest.
In other words, the mechanic, who
can earn $500 per annum, repre-
sents as much real capital as the man
who comes with a capital Of SIS 900, and re-
ceives ten per cent interest upon it, The
honest, intelligent mechanic, with frugal
and virtuous family around him, is the man
who contributes as much as the capitalist to
the growth, wealth and prosperity of every
city. When he is turned away, it is a posi-
tive and serious loss to the community. 1t
is the Interest Of all TO invite such popula-
ton. 1t is to their interest to come to Nash
vile, which is destined to be- in a few years,
the great seat of mechanical industry in the
border South. Ifthey can find homes, they
can now get employment. Factories will
spring up, and those in operation will be
enlarged. In her wholesome climate, her
eligible location, her public school system,
and in many other respects, Nashville holds
out superior inducements to settlement and
residence.
Whereupon we have a suggestion to make,
not to employ an idle moment or fill up |
space, but for the serious consideration of |
our people. 1t is this: That a joint stock |
company be organized for the purpose of
building houses in this city. There are car
pcnters and masons and owners Of vacant |
lots, and there are citizens who cannot buy
lots and build houses, who have something
to invest. Let all these be brought togeth-
or, with stock payable in money, in brick,
stone and woodwork, in vacant lots,
in lime, and sand, and paint, plaster,
paper and hardware The system of
Street Railroads, now on foot and soon
to be completed will bring the SUI
burbs very near to the business part of
the town, and the vacant spaces must be built
up. Erect good, substantial, neat and COM
Portable houses in different parts and the
effect will be wonderful. The extent and
lyle Of structure will suggest themselves.
Let the master-builders and contractors of
he city come together and apply to the Le-
;islature for an appropriate charter, and it
will doubtless be granted at once. Then let
hem make preparations to employ the whole
# the next building season in meeting the
lemand which is now so clearly seen and
cit.
As to the profits to accrue there need be no
ort of doubt