Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-05-20
The Giant of Gotham.

We find the following comprehensive
article in late number Of the Nashville
Banner, and think it will be read with
interest by the members of the Conven-
ton. General Smith, the writer, is q
thinking, practical railroad man, and we
commend bis views to the public:
EpIToRs REPUBLICAN BANNER: The
great railway system of America is fast
assuming the huge proportions Of q ter
restial monster, whose head is in Boston,
bis Leart in New York, his right leg we'll
developed and extended clear across the
continent, his left leg is cramped up,
with his foot across the Mississippi, his
right arm rests quietly on Canada, while
his left arm is submerged, with his fingers
sticking out, beckohing for Cuba. This
is rough outline of this great Giant OF
Gotham. He lies in an uneasy position,
and wants free circulation. The great
railway lines that center in his heart are
the veins aud arteries that carry the lite
blood of the nation, aud at each pulsa-
ton invaluable commodities are sent out
and brought back to support his great
system. Then, what we want in the
South is free circulation, not with
view to vie with other portions of his
system, but to build up and develop this
left leg to its natural proportions. NASH
vile and Memphis will be the great knee
Joints when it is stretched, and will cor
respond to Chicago and St. Louis. Then,
is it not clear to every intelligent mind
of the South, that it is our highest in
terest 10 encourage men and money to
flow into our withered section. u
The newspapers will have more read
ers; the railroads will have more passen-
gers and freight, and the lands of the
farmer will increase in valuation. Then,
when it Is so clearly to the interest of all,
why not make one united effort to extend
the hand of friendship and welcome to
every one that is willing to identify him
self and take his chances withNus? The
press is the nervous system of America,
and in the time of peace it is what the
bayonet is in the time of war. When we
have accomplished this great object, then
| am for taking Canada. A nation Of
men is a combination of men, and must
be kept doing something to maintain its
own existence.
This, as have before said, is a rough
outline sf this great Giant Of Gotham, and
represents his material system. 1t is mind
that moves matter; therefore, hopeth
press will, with one accord, espouse my
cause aud extend an universal welcome
10 all who will with honest motives come
to our section. New York is the great
commercial center Of this Continent, and
has two natural outlets, one leading
through the West to the Pacific, and the
other leading through the South to the
same point. The Western line is nearly
completed, and will soon join ocean to
ocean. The Southern line has scarcely
crossed the Mississippi. What We want
in the South is 10 concentrate our efforts
in one great head TO manage this system
mot with a view 10 impede the great
West, but develop our section OF country,
and thereby become more prosperous and
united as system, and more powerful
as a nation. As an earnest advocate OF
Southern interest and developments,
would urge the railroads Of the South to
concentrate their eGeris 10 establishing .
frst-olass passenger and freight route
from New York TO the South. Virginia
is the great gateway, and her roads are
The key to the position. The "Old Do
minion" gave Us a Washington, Lee
and Jackson, aud may she not furnish
AZ a railroad leader IN General Malone
that NAV some day develop into asort Of
Vanderbilt Of The South 2 General Ma
hone Las already shown himself 70 be .
man Of lbs 6rsl order Of military and