Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-10-08
asmoval Of Fschsneo suiIains.

We know nothing as to the right OF a
certain clever aud enterprising gentle
man of our city in the possession of
Exchange Square, and the reasons why
he was induced to erect the present
Exchange Building. The presumption
is be has rights, and an investigation of
the case will no doubt bring to light infor-
nation of interest to the public. We
publish the following communication
from propertJshoider OF the city
MEssRs. EDIToRs. The petition of B.
B. Waddell for the removal of Exchange
Building from Exchange Square, at the
last regular meeting Of the Board, created
some surprise and brought forth motion
to lay the petition on the table, which
motion was very promptly voted down by
those members of the Board who are
Better posted az 10 the history Of that
building and the square on which it
stands than the Alderman who offered
the motion.
The old citiEens OF the city rensmber
we'll when the square situated between
Poplar and Exchange streets, and west
of the lot on which the Overton Hotel is
erected, was one Of the public squares Of
the .ity. 1t was dedicated TO the public
as Court Square, Market Square, Auc-
ton Gaasre, the promenade, and all the
streetsro Of the city EeTs dedicated, by the
original proprietors OF Memphis.
The case Of the city of Memphis against
Wardlow Howard, which was decided by
the Supreme Court Of the State several
years ago, clearly sptiled the facts and
nature Of this dedication, and Mr.. How
ard was forced, by order Of the Supreme
Court, 20 take his building down after be
had erected 1t on lie public ground.
We learn that there is not the scratch
of a pen OF the records Of the county
showing title to Exchange Square since
the publication OF the original map of
Memphis by the proprietoFs, declaring il a
public square Notwithstanding this
condition Of the record. we 6nd build
ing on the square. II has been sub
divided into lots, and deeds TO portions
Of il have been made by individuals pur-
porting 10 convey vested rights in this
property, which the record shows no such
rights 10 the granters. The investigation
OF this Eatter will no doubt be made
interesting before i ;e ended, and
those members Of the Board who we're
disposed TO treat the petition 90 lightly
will probably find thst It means business.
If the city Of Memphis ever sold, leased
or in any manner disposed Of Exchange
Square, let it be known how and in what
manner it was done. There is nothing
on the record 10 show it. II the city or
any individual ever had legal rekht 10
take possession 81 public square and
appropriate Il 70 prfUafs use. exempt
from taxation. let be the duty Of some
one 70 show how il was done, 90 that
younger sitiss and other individuals
may learn the art and b able 10
acquire valuable property IN the same
way. There are nov in the city three
pablo squares, Court Market aud Aue-
lion, aud the Public Promenade, al Of
which, so fer as title is concerned, are
precisely Ike Fxchsuge Square. sbd are
subject 10 Be entered upon and converted
into private property By any one Who
can discover he legal mode By which
Exchange square has been converted
into private properly.
0xE OF THE PUBuc.