The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1867-05-01
The Future Of Shreveport.

We gladly turn from the consideration of political
subjects now more than distastefu to us, to the
discussion of our own material interests 1t is quite
certain as power is now dispensed that political
rights are in greater less degree in the hands of
others and while is true that our material interests
are affected by the present political status tits like
wise true that these, for the most part are in our
keeping, and for their growth and development are
dependent upon good management and enterprise.
Is Shreveport ever to be city of thirty or forty
thousand inhabitants? and if so, within what time
and by what means may this number be obtained :?
These questions are addressed more Immediately to
property holders within the city limits and its suburbs
yet they will attract the attention Of large class of
present population who are mere essees and have
settled here in the hope Of improving their condition
with the increasing growth of the city; and lastly,
they will not escape the attention Of another and
very active class of persons, viz enterprising men
hunting good locations for business.
We are not the special mouhpiece Of either class,
nor indeed have we any right by appointment or 9TH
erwse, to speak &c eahedra of either the present
the future Of Shreveport; but feeling that its destiny
is in some sense our own destiny, its growth the growth
of our own journal; that it is and will continue
bone; that, in word, we are thoroughly identified
with the city, for veal wee, for good or bad for
tune, we have thought our good friends would not
take amiss few reflections touching its future.
1t will not be denied that the development of any
town, and its growth to proper city limits to popu-
lation and trade, will depend mainly three things
lst. The natural advantages of the place. and these
include the considerations of suitable Site capable of
enlarged limits, and surrounding and tributary
try from which increased trade may be drawn.
ID. The natural advantages being given, trade and
population will depend the intelligence and enter
prise of the capitalists who control the trade, in ex
tending the facilities thereof And Sd, upon the
cheapness of the Of liyingand an increased ac
commodation for increasing population. We shall
refer hereafter to the natural advantages of this place.
and to the policy and necessity of improving river
facilities, especially above the raft and extending our
railroad connections further into Texas At this time
we shall confne ourselves to single topic growing
out Of the last division. Aud what have to say on
this head addresses itself particularly to the property
holders of the city and its suburbs 1t may be safely
assumed that, the population of this city has very
nearly doubled itself since the surrender. With this
increase of population there has been corresponding
or rather proporonab!e increase of all trade with
tie exception Of the single staple of cotton and the
falling off in this is ascribed much to the badness
Of the last year to the decentralization of the
labor. Now, the increase of accommodation has not
kept pace with the increase Of population and trade
and the consequence is rents have reached such fig
ures deter persons from settling here and to sug
ges to Of our best citizens, who tenants the
idea of going to other places where rents cheaper
If there is material change in rents high prices will
continue to operate to prevent population, and per-
haps to drveit away. The remedy is in the hands Of
the property holders. Improve your vacant lots and
you will not only furnish accommodation for an in
creased population but you will enhance the value of
all property unmproved.