Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-09-20


produce and supplies could be purchased
10 Louisville. St. Louis, Cincinnati and
Eastern cities at cheaper rates than SINH.
lar articles could be obtained here. The
present activity in our Wholesale and
produce markets, we are happy to see,
gives unmistakable Ssas Of better in
formation on this subject. At the close
of the war, in IS, there was not only
reason but absolute necessity on the part
of Southers merchants to find markets
where goods, wares, etc., could be pro-
cured on most reasonable terms. The
whole Southern country then required
goods Of better quality-at least finer
than the homespun Of the Confederacy.
The looms and mills Of the North and
East, and European importa,ion-from
the want Of exchange fixed on cotton
basis--could not even supply all the
articles needed. This great demand,
spssmodic only, and temporary. could
not be supplied by Southern merchants.
A year or two had to elapss before trade
could find its legitimate channels, and
confidence never forfeited by Northern
merchants as to Southern integrity, was
brought into practicable operation.
Peace, despite the reconstruction laws
of Congress and political maneuvering,
brought about the happy results
through the energy, foresight and
practical business sense of merchants.
They reconstructed business relations,
and business relations reconstructed pol
tics. Oar Memphis merchants are now
brought into active cooperation with
those who would really save the country
through channels aud means of com.
mercs, the best safeguard of stable gov.
eminent ever devised. The Jews saved
Spain from bankruptcy for hundreds of
years, because they were merchants that
properly appreciated the blessings and
benefits Of substantial and stable gov
eminent in the management cf their own
mercantile but personal interests. They
were driven out from the country
through the msadening folly Of religious
bigotry aud fanaticism but Holland
soon rose to pre-eminent commercial
Importance and wealth from this most
foolish step of imbecile folly of which
pretended enlightened nation was ever
guilty. The merchants, therefore, is one
of the frmest rocks on which nations
prosperity is erected; and their quiet,
peaceful and unpretentious operations
often turn the scale In national destiny.
We would in this article, however, direct
especial attention of all readers of the
LEDGER to the stable standing, intelli-
gence and capacity of Memphis mer-
chants. They have, as a general thing,
long and extensive experience and
acquaintance with the trade of the
adjoining country and States, and know
exactly the kind of goods suitable and
saleable at the different trading points
throughout the Southern States.
Trade is now more concentrated here
than elsewhere in any city in the South,
save New Orleans, from the plain and
uudeniable fact that all cotton raised in
the greater part of Mississippi, Ala
bams, Tennessee, Arkansas, and in con-
nectisn with grain, produce and provis-
ions, ends its way to this port as the best
intermediate market between New York
aud Europe. Means and facilities Of
importing aud shipping nave been rap
idly accommodating for years, and we are
now 10 direct and Immediate communi-
cation-either by river or rsil-with
almost ever port of the interior within
our commercial reach. The result is
carriers demand liberal Eates, aad gooda
can be forwarded promptly to almost
any point at rates far below those in
Cured in receiving from poiats more re-
mote. t1b fIl3
The advantages of purchasing small
stocks necessary to supply immediate de.
mand, and thus avoiding the hazards
aud risks of laying in q whole seasons
supply, are entirely obviated by the coun-
try merchant making purchases in his
home market. His shelves are not thus
numbered with goods bought out of sea-
son and at times when fluctuations in
prices render it impossible to determine
whether profits can be realised or not.
Expenses incurred in going North, and
freights and commissions are saved like.
wise, to merchants purchasing here, and
thus heavy item is placed upon the
right side of the ledger Of the
merchant dealing altogether in our
city. Besides, our merchants know
what will PROVE profitable stock in
the country trade, and therefore
never advise the purchase of goods I'm.
saleable, whatever might be immediate
profits, as they are all using their best
endeavors to secure and hold the country |
trade, that out of necessity of conse.
quences belongs to them from the very |
nature of things. In a word, Memphis
merchants hsye as full, varied and we'll
selected stocks of merchandise as dealers
of any other city North, South, East or
West. They are as capable of extend
ing accommodations as any others; they
have equal capacity, and are fully as