Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-04-09
TIE COMING MAN.
How a Distinguished Alderman Is
20 be Feasted by the Aldermen
OF Memp his..Extraordfnary
Preparations.

----
Memphis, the great Chicago of the
South---ihe focus Of many railroad projec-
tons destined to rival ancient Memphis
ON the Nile-always noted for public
spirit and hospitality, has achieved a
new claim to be called the seat Of em
pire in all these "diggins." AS q pre-
liminary remark to the main point it is
necessary to state that we have Board
of Mayor and Aldermen, and in some re-
spects they are the most extraordinary
set of men who ever assembled in muni-
cipal council. II has been observed that
the most of them draw their salaries
with great ability. Being aware that
Memphis is city set on hill they trim
their lights accordingly. MaakA slsa
The last step to make Memphis repu-
tation abroad has eliminated. A called
meeting was held some days ago, and it
was resolved to invite the late President
of the United States to visit Memphis and
stay awhile. This looked enterprising,
and was getting considerably ahead Of
Brownsville, Bartlett, and other rival
cities. An invitation to the recent Pres
ident to accept the Inequalities of the
Overton Hotel was politely accepted by
the City Council in his behalf That
cost nothing, and they could afford to
feed Mr. johnson just as long and as well,
as the 0verton Hotel would not charge
for it. The invitation did not,
as we understand it, include the
members of the City Couu-
Gil, but if it had they might have
been persuaded to accept that also, and
could have relieved the obligation by q
vote of thanks over good champagne
supper. For the time being the City
Council, in its overlooking liberality,
took charge of Mr.. Johnson, so to speak,
and assigned him quarters at the Over
ton. OF course, the Council is entitled
to the credit of receiving, feeding and
smoking and dramatizing the distin-
guished guest Of the city. A committee
was even appointed of live aldermen to
60 to Nashville, in conjunction with
other citizens designated by the Chair
man of the Board, to invite Mr.. johnson
to come to Memphis and to escort him
hither. This is another cheap glory for
Colonel Sam. Jones kindly furnishes
free passes for the party going and
coming The city is so liberal as to ac-
cept this also, and thus is still further
committed to the welcome Of citizen
Andy Johnson. .n......... p
But the climax Of municipal strategy
and strategic munifcence was reached at
the last meeting of the Board held Tues
day--a resolution was introduced and
adopted to the effect that the Board would
not participate in the festivities of john
sons reception to the extent of paying
his bills or goin. to any expense in the
matter. This is the most brilliant piece
of municipal legislation that adorns the
pages of that thrilling romance entitled
" The City Council" The sum OF the
whole matter is this: the City Fathers
invite johnson to come at one meeting
and accept in his behalf the hospitalities
of the Overton HOTEL at the oext meet
ing they notify Mr.. Johnson that they will
send a committee for lin, bnt be must
nav his own expenses That is like the
English mode of drinking. When q man
desires to be particularly sociable he in
v;tes another to take drink with him.
They 20 in and drink together, and each
man PAYS for his drink. Fortunately,
for Mr.. johnson, be is one of the men
who want little here below" and Mem
phis ia one Of the best places to get Ii In
Shelby county.
We shall take particular notice to see
how many Of the Aldermen who voted
for the free lunch. but against the laying
out of any money. participate in the
free dinners, rides and wines that may
be given while Mr.. Johnson remains
within our gates