Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1873-03-05
NASHVILLE BOARD OF TRADz
MEETING.
Election of OAicers and Transact
Of Important RusBness.

ly advert to the fact that, in every branch
of trade there has been a marked increase
and general activity in all departments.
The magnificent warehouse erected during
that time, and those now in course of con-
struction, give substantial evidence that
the jobbing business OF Nashville is on au
equal footing with any others Of RS compel
itors, while the central position Of this city
and the high standing of the merchants Is
rapidly making this one of the principal
distributing points of the Southwest.
The reopening of the tobacco trade has
given an additional impetus to business,
and too much credit cannot be given to
those whose efforts have effected this result.
Having long directed attention to this meas
ure, it is gratifying 10 witness the effect
upon the general prosperity, and it only
needs the establishment of tobacco manu-
factories TO attract much larger shipments
10 this market, besides creating new
source of wealth and adding new occupa-
tons to those engaged.
The cotton shipments have thus far
eQualed the former seasons. A general
warehouse system near the depot OF rail
roads centering here, would cheaper the
handling, and greatly enlarge this valuable
portion of the commerce Of the city. The
prices, while remunerative, have been
steady with but few fluctuations.
The growth Of the provision trade is far
in excess of any former seasons. The en-
ergy which marks this department has
made this leading branch, and the repu-
tatioa of our pork packers and grain deal
ers has widely extended the character of
Nashville, and brought buyers from an ex-
tended range Of country.
The increased tax upon capital has had
the effect of directing money that should be
used in the active operations of trade into
investments, where it escapes the heavy
penalty of employment here.
The banking capital is not only unequal
to the requirements of business, but higher
rates Lave to be imposed to meet the heavy
exactions than would otherwise obtain.
Some mode should be adopted that would
reduce this burden upon the commerce and
manufactures of Nashville-and by attract
ing additional capital quicken the energies
of those engaged, and thus create new
sources of revenue.
Our manufactures have been working on
full orders, and are operated to the extent
of their capacity with increased produc-
lkOus NJ City OhOlS EAOoOC1
fer the erection of rolling mills, naileries,
foundries for car wheels, stoves, malleable
iron, and other iron work which, from the
central position and contiguity to coal and
iron, must ultimately be The greatest source
of prosperity to Nashville.
Turning attention TO railroads, there is
but one means for obtaining entire freedom
from discriminating tariffs, and that is by
increasing competing lines. While Nash
vile is to-day the best shipping poiUt in
the West, commanding 2 greater scope of
country, at less rates than any other city,
this does not obtain for the local or con-
tiguous section where her lsrgests interest
lie. Two important railroads have, for
some time, been seeking this as terminus,
and have endeavored to arouse your stten-
ton TO the necessity of having them locate
their lines here. Both of these roads, the
Cumberland and Ohio and the Greensboro
and Russelville, will bring connections.with
the principal cities of the East and West,
and vii be CO mpeting lines with the Lou
isviIle and Nashville Railroad. 1t is pro-
posed to bring these roads with the North
ern guaoe, which will compel break of
bulk here, and which will have tendency
to mske this the great distributing point Of
the South. 1t will draw to Nashville the
different roads below this city, as feeders to
these great outlets which are now pointing
elsewhere.
The Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad
Is naturally more interested in the welfare
Of this city than any other road termina-
ting here, and it would seem proper that
some concert of action should be taken to
obtain such controlling interest in these two
roads as would guarantee full protection.
This can but be done by investing in each
road, on terms insuring this result, and
making the Nashville and Chattanooga
Railroad party to the transaction.
The Nashville and Decatur railroad hav-
ing passed into the hands of the Louisville
and Nashville railroad it was hoped that
the valuable trade of this city would be fos-
tered, and that our commerce could have
entered upon the new field opened by tn
extension to Montgomery upon equal terms
With other points. In this we have been
disappointed, and much complaint has been
made at what is deemed the unfair manner
in which the business upon this line has
been conducted, and refer you to the report
which will be submitted.
yet believe, upon proper representation
of the facts presented, the management OF
this road will remove the occasion for COM
plant.
And now, gentlemen of the Board OF
Trade, take this occasion to extend to
you my earnest thanks for the courtesy and
kindness which you have ever manifested
during our intercourse, and for the partial
ity which placed me in the position from
which | am about to retire. II it is allow
ed me here to say so, would declare that
individually there is not to be found in any
city in this country, merchants who pos
sess such rare qualities Of integrity and bus
mess capacity in SO eminent degree; with
ample capital and unbounded credit, they
are proverbial for punctuality and fair deal
ing. But must 60 further and add that
collectively, for any general purpose, they
greatly neglect that unity Of action that
makes cities.
If have done aught TO organize any
changes in this respect, | shall always retain
the pleasure which any success growing out
of these efforts will bring, and trust that
this Board will take an active part in max
ing Nashville, what she must soon be, a
great city.
1t becomes your duty after the considera-
ton of the business for which you are con-
vened, to chose q successor for the position
which l now hold, and while the nature of
my business imposes upon me, change of
location, shall carry with me pleasant re-
collections of warm friendship, and esteem
for each and all in this community, mingled
with sincere regret at leaving kindly asso-
ations, formed in my Intercourse with
this, the Nashville Board of Trade.
THE ELECTION OF OFFICERS
being next in order, the following gentle
men were chosen to serve for the ensuing
term:
President, IL. G. Hensley, Esq; Vice
Presidents, Messrs. Thompson Anderson
and c. r. Parsons; Secretary, Robt. L.
IT, Iun