Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-10-14
an. Cenxres.lsanI Exeursien.

We End in the Appeal OF yesterday,
the following letter from public spirited
citizen, whom the board appointed 70
represent the city in this matter
MEMPHIS. October u. isos.
Editors Memphis Appeals
la an editorial Of this date, referring
to the action Of the Common Council
anon the proposition sppropriating $4,000
as the quota proper 70 be expended ey
this city in defrsying the expenses OF the
Congressional EXCURSION, with a view oil
impressing upon the Congress OF the
United States the necessity Of favorable
action on the part Of that body Tor tne
purpose Of developing the vast ngricui-
tural, mineral and commercial interests
and resources OF the Southwest, you very
properly condemn--to use the utmost
eharitable terms-the questionable pol
icy Of the Council, against which
1 used every effort to secure an
adverse result. Unhesitatngly con-
curing in the correctness OF your
conclusion = that so long as the
nresept action Of the Council stands un-
reversed the committee would be power
less and could not act with any reason
able hope Of influencing favorably the
promotion Of the city's interests IN az
suming to participate in an enterprise
involving the most momentous results,
without contributing, not Literally, but
At least economically, to the proposed
end-I cannot, with propriety, or Just
official judgment, consent to assume tne
responsibilities OF the mission rendered.
Let Memphis stand as peer, not pen
sioner-else have no hand or part in the
matter.
Very respectfully, ETC.,
]. d. RurTIs.
We do not wonder that General Ruffin
is unwilling to serve as one of a Commit
tee of Reception, which must begin by
making mouths about poverty. We are
poor enough in ell conscience. But
there are times when the poorest will
strain a point in order to gain some
greater advantage. Can we afford to
confess that we are in bankrupt condi-
ton so unblushingly as all this to all the
world2 We are not in such a strait, and
the Board of Mayor and Aldermen is
penny wise and pound foolish when it
makes such an admission. This board
has refused two hundred and fifty dol
lars to an enterprise, which, when sue
cessfulIy carried out in bringing the
Cairo floating docks TO the city, would
bring thousand population, and be
worth twenty times as much in taxes on
the new corners for one year. II, when
other cities are paying ten thousand dol
lars to have an examination Of the river
and valley, which may induce sppropri-
atoms by Congress for the improvement
of our great thoroughfare, and for the
benefit of all along its banks, which,
when expended, will benefit our city by
millions, adding not only facilities for
but also increasing the
amount of production and consequent
receipts at our landing, we cannot afford
the paltry sum of three thousand dollars,
doubtless spportioned to us at so low a
rate in pity for our poverty, then we
should advise a reduction of all salaries,
stopping all Improvements, shutting off
the gas from the lamp posts, stopping
the pay of Aldermen, and dischsrgiDg
the keeper of Court Square. We beg the
Board to quit all such foolishness, In the
name of our city and citizens, we protest
that we are not yet such beggars that we
cannot leave the latch-string out for our
friends. And we are compelled to &C.
that we deserve none of the
benefits which may accrue from the
set on foot by our sister cities,
if we will not take our fair share in foot
ing the bill. We trust that our Board of
Mayor and Aldermen will take sober
second thought on this subject.