Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1871-02-05
THE STEAMER PHIL ALLlN AND The
FRlAR'S POINT TRADE.

E7itOr8 ApD0Il--I was a passenger on
the Phil Alln last Sunday when she
brought the "big trip" Of the season. She
ia no doubt as steunch and feet, cOmforta-
bic and safe as any boat of her inches that
ever fiO8ted. Her large, well. furnished
and handsome upper cabin, for the ex-
elusive uss Of the colOTed people, is high
ly appreciated, and well paJronizsd by
those for whom it was prepared
Captain Lee was the pioneer in this
trade. An intelligent planter with whom
1 COnVersed said to me that the value Of
lends between Memphis and Friar's
Point had been enhanced by the packet
trade from twenty to fifty per cent, and
that the change in the appearance of peo-
pie and things Is very observable as soon
as you pass Friar's Point. Where the
packet runs, everybody knows Just when
his produce can be shipped and his sup
plies received-When he can leave home
and when he can return. The daily news
paper is carried to every landing. The
meu can come to Memphis without losing
hours and days IN waiting for q boat. and
their wives and daughters can shop in our
city almost as conveniently as If they
lived in the subu' bs. Eut when there is
no packet, all is uncs rtainty and delay
and disappointment, which ars manifest
in the spirit of the people and in the
whole aspect Of the country. The regular,
reliable packet is like the railroad in its
influence
Looking to the great benefit which
Captain Lee has conferred by his enter
prise. it is easy to understand the
affection and pride with which his
new boat seems TO be regarded
At every landing she Wss received with
scclamstions by black and white. On that
trip, as WAS informed, the enthusiasm
was greatly increased by an attempt
which was being made TO drive the Allin
out Of the trade by reducing prices of
freight and passage just One-halG All the
freight and passengers seemed to 20 on
the 4Allin then at the old rates in prefer
ence to the half price opposition. Captain
Lee says that his rates are as low as he
can afford, and he Will not reduce them.
r. therefore, the people shall desert him,
he will be obliged to take his fine boat
into other waters. This result seemed to
be greatly dreaded by some Of the reflect
Ing and far-sighted planters. They say
that il the Allin should be driven ont.
prices would at once be put up SO that
Ia the end 1t wonld cost them Just as
much money. But the greater trouble is,
that IN the summer no money is to be
made by the packet, not enough to pay
expenses, and half at lesst Of the adyan-
tsge Of the packet is lost If it cannot be
depended upon ali the year round. The
Ailir was built here in Memphis ex-
presiily for the trade, and is intended to
run every month in the year, taking the
burden Of the summer II she can get the
profit of the winter Those who think
about the matter know that packet cam
not live In the trade at reduced rates and
that If the Allin shall be driven out. Ire
people VIII have 70 pay, at once. in
an Increased tariff, ali the expense of
running her out. These thinking men
make this appeal TO all the people.
every man, woman and child
between Memphis and Friar's Point. not
to endRnger their permanent interests for
the sake Of present profit. They look