Whig and tribune. [volume] (Jackson, Tenn.) 1870-1877, 1873-04-05
THE GROWTH OF JACKSON.

In our last issue we referred to
communication signed &C." and
stated, in substance that the posi-
ton of our corresp ondent was in
correct, in attributing the growth
Of Jackson to the decline of the
propert y OF the county. There was
no other point in his communica-
ton TO which we made issue. Ofthe
Importance of manufacturing-of a
change in agricultural pursuits,
&C., &C., we are agreed. In his sec
.Ond communication our correspOn-
dent does not attempt to substanti-
ate his previous charge that Jack
son has prospered at the expense OF
the surrounding country. In speak
ing of Jackson and the surround
ing country the writer said: "We
have made our principal growth
from the surrounding country, and
the one has prospered at the ex-
psnse of the other" 1t was against
this statement alone that we made
an issue.
We referred to the fact that only a
few farmers had quit the cultiva-
ton of their farms and made in
vestments in town. In fact we can
only call to mind two who have a
bandoned their farms and engaged
in business here, whilst we can
name hundreds OF first rate farmers,
from the surrounding counties, and
from other States, who have moved
into this county. No, Jackson has
not prospered at the expense of the
surrounding country, but both have
moved forward steadily in prosper
ity. Their veal and woe is insepe-
rabIy connected-if one prospers
the other will in greater or less
degree.
The aggregate taxable value OF
real estate and personal property
has increased in this county, every
year, since the war. We give the
amount for 1865 and 1872, showing
an increase of nearly two millions
of dollars. For 1865 the taxable
property amounted to IS, 1874 ,306; in
1872 it was $4,9S7,757 Now what
becomes of the charge that Jackson
has prospered at the expense of the
surrounding country? 1t is too
thin.
Even if it is true, that we will not
ship as much cotton this season as
last, it by no means follows that we
are on the decline. In the first place
there are several good reasons why
we have not shipped as much, to
this date, this season, as last. The
horse disease, the unusually bad
roads, and the big tales about the
small pox, have all had their influ-
ence to keep the crop back. But,
even if it does not come up, it only
proves that our farmers have COM
menced turning their attention to
something else besides cotton, that's
all.
Fully three-fourths of the bust
ness men now in Jackson have NOV
ed here since the war, with their
capital, and cast their destiny with
us. We have given them cordial
welcome, and would like to have "a
few more of the same sort"
If our correspondent, and those
who think with him, believe that we
are on "down grade, and there's
danger ahead" we propose to help
them off the train before it il
smashed up" We propose to buy
all the real estate of our correspon.
dent, and those who think with
him, in Jackson, at the price given
in by them for taxes, payable in five
years, with ten per cent interest,
payable annually; and we win agree
to give good personal security for
the interest and principal. Now, il
you really have fears about the fu'
ture prosperity of jackson, you
have an opportunity to escape the
changer ahead" by stepping up to
the captains counter.