Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1871-07-09

of business nor by mismanagement,
but because Southern roads had
to be rebuilt on the same cap
ital with which other roads
have been only once constructed.
New rolling stock, new cross-ties,
new bridges, and indeed new iron
had TO be bought and laid, and while
the injurious effects OF the war were
strongly stamped on the railroads OF
the South nothing has 20 pointedly
illustrated the inherent energy and
enterprise of our people as the reeu-
peratiOn aud rebuilding Of the rail-
roads. Hence our roads have been
busily repairing and rebuilding and
hence thus consumed the funds which
otherwise would have beendividends.
But the community naturally con-
cludes that some railroad subscrip-
tons however much they may pro-
mote the general prosperity of the
country have not been profitable to
Individual subscribers, that they
never will pay. This opinion is gen.
eral, but none could be more erron-
eOus, and our Southern railroads now
being in good repair, will quickly
prove the contrary and emulate
northern companies, not only in gen.
eral running management, but also
in that important item of dividends,
and this is especially true of our local
roads, now in process of construction.
Every citizen who pays a tax to the
Selma and Memphis road makes a ju-
diciOus investment, which will in a few
years return him an individual income
and also increase the wealth and de
velop the resources of the country.
The Mississippi River railroad will,
on its completion, ill a link in that
mighty railway system which must
do the carrying trade and passenger
traffic of half a hemisphere. Both from
its connections and the character of
the country through which it passes,
the business viii be so large and prof
liable that its stock must be equal to,
ifnot better than that Of the Louisville
and Nashville company.
We therefore urge the subscription
OF 100000 by the city to this compa-
ny not only on account Of the pros.
pective value Of the stock, but especi-
ally to secure that Western tide Of
travel which must psss either
through st. Louis or Memphis. We
have the option in our power, and
must either knowingly abuse it, or by
this subscription fasten the route West
from the East through cur streets.
From Vincennes, the route West
Uid Padueah and Memphis is both
shorter aud better than by st.
Louis; but without this River road
we cannot compete with our rival
for this immense traffic and trade.
st. Louis offers US a striking nlustra-
ton OF the importance OF railroads.
Possessing q splendid geographical
position, she relied on that circum-
to increase her wealth and ag- /
grandize her commerce, but neglected
to foster and assist railroad enterprise.
Naturally enough live Chicago was
about to build a network of roads
around her. Western travel deserted
st. Louis, local trade and business
the more enterprising rival
until st. Louis merchants, Taxpayers,
and citizens found they were losing
their Importance, and, making a vigOr-
ous effort TO retain it, to-day she hes
: complete and perfect, but still in
1reasing, system Of railroads equal to
Chicago. With 81. Louis, $4,000 cot
premiums and her packet lines,
we must have cheap and abundant
transportation East for our cotton, or
her Increasing facilities we sac
our importance as a cotton mar
ket. This Mississippi River railroad
Nlth It's connexions, Is 70 ne the rival
and competitor Of the Louisville and
company. Freights and
passage will be lowered, ard we will
have no more cotton blOckades at our
AS our facilities for Transport
alton increase, spinners will be in
iuced to send additional orders, our
market win be more regular, and our
receive better prices, and our
merchants secure cheaper freights.
This road IS a necessity and must be
quilt. Our people ought TO and will
lssist in an undertaking so vital to
heir individual prosperity and to the
commercial Importance Of Memphis.