Clarksville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1865-1867, 1866-11-02
WIEN MILL III End.
,ofre,po,dencs Of the 6hronicl,.

Cofrespondence Of the Chronicle.
EprroRs CHnoFrcIE.-lt must seem EVIL
dent to person who Is the least obssr<aat
Of passing events, that the landlords Of
Clarksvilie have determined that the further
progress of the city shall be effsctually
blockad,d, aud that business of all kinds
must gradually cease until there is literally
nothing left, commercially, of our once
proud little city. For years these great An
acondas have been tightening their folds
around us, and we are now well nigh the
death struggle. 1t is well established fact
that the true basis or all great commercial
centres is a manufacturing and industrial
population. Encourage the mechanic the
laboring man, the bone and sinew of the
country, to try their fortunes in any loca lity
where the natural advantages are such as
these possessed in and around Clarksvilie
and the future prosperity of the city Is In.
surcd. Discourage the influx and pcrma-
nent settlement of this vital element, and
our doom is sealed-written as plainly in the
future as was that sentence upon the wall
which caused the knees of Belshazzar to
knock together. ft
Now propose to show how and why the
action Of our landlords is calculated to bring
about this latter deplorable state of things.
For several years past rents have been rap
idly raised, until it has now become serious
question with the working man whether or not
he can pay such exhorbitant rents and have
enough left to support his family. Only
think oft: two hundred and forty dollars a
year, twenty dollars per month, for a house
barely sufficient for small family, and that,
too, far from the business part of the city.
II is certainly enough to appal the stoutest
heart and discourage the most resolute. 1t
is downright oppression. 1t is requiring at
least twice what thing is worth, simply
because they think they have it in their
power to force a compliance with their
terms. Why, it would be cheaper for a
man Of small family to board, and am
greatly mistaken If many renters do not
avail themselves Of this alternative next
year. F.... b. .
Why should rents DO higher next year
than this? Are working men to get more
for their labor? We see no prospect of it.
VIII they be able to pay more 2 No I Ough.
they to promise what they have no hope of
performing2 Certainly not. Why is
rise in rent contemplated Simply be-
cause landlords think renters will stand il,
and not because justice or circumstances
require it. City property has not increased
one cent in value for twelve months past
and believe it eau be bought cheaper now
than one year ago; but poor man cannot
buy, and he must rent. Unless there is
change for the better, We will soor he una
BILE to rent, and will he forced to seek some
location where landlords are less inimical 10
our interests and condition. A working
''''" N"h hot pay oHc-tulIu Ol Ills earnings
for house rent, and live as he deserves to
live. The course at present pursued by our
landlords is calcu lated to crush and drive
out the industrial population. Whether this
be their desire, or whether it is the less
excusable one Of avarice, the result will be
all the same. The effect is certain unless
the cause is removed.
In view of all the circumstances, | think
il would be advisable for renters to hold a
meeting, exchange opinions, confer with
landlords, and endeavor to have the rates
Of rent kept within the bounds or reason.
speak particularly to those who are not
even able to promise the exhorbitant prices
now asked for houses next year. To those
who are able and willing to submit TO the
extortion, I have nothing to say, only that
heir compliance with these unreasonable
demands is very damaging in its effects upon |
hose who are neither able nor willing. The
poorer classes-thosc who depend upon their
labor alone for living--must make on |
,ffort to have the burden lightened, or Il |
will crush them. RENTER.