Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1869-02-12
THE CITIZENS, LEAGUE.''
The Meeting at the Chamber OF
GOmmerce Yesteraay.
High Old Times Among the Anti.
Taxation &ing---Ax Grind
ing and Pipe Smashing,

About fifty OF the principal property
owners Of the city and county met at
the Hall of the Chamber OF Commerce
yesterday afternoon, In answer 10 a
call published in the morning pspers.
The meeting was called TO order by Mr..
Samuel Mostly, the chairman Of u meet
ing held the DAY previous, al the Office
Of the Peoples Insurance Company, on
Madison street.
Mr.. John Robinson read the proceed
lngs Of that meeting, which were 10 the
elect that the property.owners OF Mem
phis and Shelby county shOuld organize
a Citizens Lesgue. for the purpose of re-
sisting, by al possible means, the dons-
ton OF any public moneys toward rail-
rORds, cOurthOuses or public works, apc
that they pledge themselves to employ
legal and other mems TO success
fully carry out their resolutions.
Some hAy or sixty names OF property
owners End merchants were signed TO
the proceedings of the first meeting. IL
had been originally called by g OF
private circulars cent 10 thirty or forty
persons. Rumor asserted that many OF
the signers had subscribed without resd-
ing or examining the document, knowing
its contents, or in fact entertaining any
suspicion that any private Interest was
to be served by endorsing the proceed
ings. -.
when the Secretary had finished
readin in an exceedingly 10"
ton Of voice, Mr.. Bingham
arose and inquired the real object Of
the meeting, ssying that, il it was in
tended for the public coed, and II ali IL
legal taxation anu donations were 70 be
resisted, be wa one who would give the
organization an earnest snd hearty sup
port; but il the thing was intended 10
benefit only those who had not paid their
taX5s, OF If any particular ring was 10 be
benefited, he was not IN.
IL was also rumored that the first pro-
eeedings had been prepared by q certain
clique, and when one or two thinking
minds had quietly suggested that the
hrst meeting should not act hastily, bat
carefully deliberate upon their action,
they we're hushed up quickly. This
came 20 the ears OF several, and hence
the inquiry made by Mr.. Bingham.
Mir. bingham also said he had not been
Of those invited to the first meeting, and
having heard that only thOss who had
not paid taxes were expected 20 sign and
endorse the proceedings OF the first meet-
ing, he wished to be Informed IS TO the
intention aud object He had paid taxes
on bis own property, ami therefore he
wished to know the real object Of the
organization before be endorsed it.
Mr.. Robinson, the Secretary, said the
proceedings we're solely for the purpose
OF protecting the interest OF property
Wners, After an effort TO explain, he
vas called upon to read the proceedings
more distinctly, 80 that they might DC
properly understood.
Mr. kinnhan Wiancd the WpFHg In ra-
IstiOn to purchasing public buildings or
subscribing to railroads stricken out.
Mr.. MosUy, the chairman, said Objec-
ton had come too late.
A attn sharp discussion hero ensued,
and Mr. Bingham persisted In his obJec-
lions.
Gen. Chalmers arose and inquired
whether ais was a private meeting got
tan up for private purposes, or 8 public
meeting designed for the public good,
and ia which he public could pGrlici-
pate, as had been announced by tue call
the meeting and also whether dis
was g. be refused. II &c, then
ought to retire snd let the phi
Yate meeting 60 on.
Mr.. Bingham moved thai The meeting \
proceed 10 discuss and consider the pro-
ceedings Of the previous meeting.
The chairman failed to see IL, and in
stead Inquired whether or not the pro-
ceedings Of yesterday be adopted.
Au exciting seem followed, during
g desUitOry and sharp discussion
was indulgeu Ia chiefly between the Sec
rotary ana Mr. Bingham.
When Mr.. MOsOy, the chairman, put
the question and asked for tins ayes on
the sdoption Of the previous days pro-
esedings, not g voice responded. He
was nonp!ussed, scratched ms head 10
doubt bow TO proceed OF shat to do. he
to inquire after the nays.
MIR. Moore wanted the question voted
upon, and Mr.. Bingham persisted ia his
effort TO have certain words stricken out.
Gen. Chalmers then offered the follow
ing ss an amendment TO the whole pro
eerding:
Resolved, That we, the citizens Of
Memphis, hereby ofga8izs ourselves Into
society, 10 be called the Citizsns' Union,
10 protect ourselves against Illegal and
Im%preyident taxation and that a com
OF five be appointed by the chair
10 draw up a constitution and bylaws, /
and report the same 81 the next meeting.
Discussion elsped, aud the resolution
4ss adopted.
Nj. Robinson offered 6 motion that it
Is the sense OF this meeting that the
County Commissioners should not pur-
chase the OyertOn, or any other hotel,
Tor a public courthouse, At any price.
This was voted down.
The chairman appointed as the COM
Gen. Chalmers, Judge l.. V.
Dixon, w. r. Moore, w. L. Vance and
G. BriDkley.
Dir. Mostly then resigned his position
rs chairman.
w. r. Moore was elected TO 81 the va
1sEcy, whereUpOn the meeting adjourned
to meet tomorrow at 7 p.u1., ST the Hall
Of the Chamber of Commerce.
sALEs Of Embrolderies. Edpings and