Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-12-12
THE MEETING OF RENTERS
Great Enthusiasm = The Resolu-
tions Adopted, etc. .5i

There was large attendance atthe hall
of the Chamber of Commerce last eve
ming, to consider the subject of high
rents, and to adopt some measures to OBJ
tain reduction of the same. The meet
ing was called to order by Alderman
Boiling, who proposed Col I. A. Nelson
as chairman, which was acceded to.
Speeches were made by w. R. Moore, NJ.
c. Cayce, R. p. Boiling, Fl. J. Lynn, T.
A. Hamilton and Barbour Lewis. A
committee of five were appointed to draft
resolutions expressive of the sense of the
meeting, as follows: Messrs. W. r.
Moore, A. P. Burditt, A, Hatchett, G. +.
Rootcs and Mr.. Wilson. The following
resolutions were reported and adopted
unanimously, amid much applause:
WHEREAS, The whole planting popu-
lation of the cotton growing districts of
the country have sadly failed in the re-
alization of their hopes concerning the
yield of the present years productions;
and whereas, as a necessary consequence,
the prevailing restitution throughout the
land is likely yet to be largely augmented
by the combined causes of short crops,
a generally disorganized system of labor,
and the existing very oppressive and un-
wise-in some respects, at least-systems
of State and National taxation; and
whereas, our business population have of
late been frequently, and, from present
appearances, will probably soon again
be, called upon to extend their
charities to those suffering communities
from sister States who have just claims
upon our generosity; and whereas, the
present general tendency of all values is
very naturally toward peace or specie
basis, affecting, as every person can
plainly see, the prices of almost every
commodity in which our people deal
and whereas, while pork, -four, cotton,
corn, and countless other articles of mer.
chandise are from twenty-five to fifty
per cent lolcer than at other times during
the recent war, rents for many of the
stores and other buildings are from thirty
three to one hundred per cent higher,
and whereas, while every other class OF
our citizens are compelled, necessarily, to
share in the general reduction of prices,
we deem it but just and fair that our
landlords, also, should share proportion
ately in the general declining tendency
and, whereas, the leading streets of our
city are almost impossible, presenting a
condition which is a positive disgrace,
not only to every citizen Of Memphis,
but also to the civilization of which We
boast, and all because exaeting land
lords refuse to contribute to their i'm
and, whereas, the interests
and good name Of Memphis must Sc
riously suffer if her citizens allow this
state Of things long to continue there
fore.
Pesolred, That we, the merchants and |
business men Of Memphis, representing
various trades and callings, do hereby |
respectfully, but earnestly, protest |
against the, In many cases, exorbitant
and unjust rates now asked and obtained |
for stores, dwellings and warehouses in
the city, and that we pledge ourselves to
resist, BY every honorable means, the I'M
position Of these unfair aud unbearable
exactions,
Resolrea, That while we heartily con-
tenn and rcproba,e those soulless Shy
locks" who insist upon their pound of
flesh" we deem it pleasing duty, as
well as an act Of fairness and simple JUS
tiee. TO express our earnest admiration
Of and TO promise, where we can, our
patronage 10 that other and more limited
class of landlords among US, who have,
al all times, shown willing disposition
70 not only fairly meet the views Of their
but also TO spend liberelly Of
their incomes TO improve and beauify
the city.
ResoIred, That as q matter Of policy
simply, and looking solely to their own