Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1873-11-21
RETURNING PROSPERITY.

RETURNING PROSPERITY.
We need make no further contribu-
lion 10 Memphis, for the cry OF our own
destitute is beginning te be heard. A
Gentleman from Memphis stated to a
,r;end In this city recently that business
and prosperity had entered Memphis
once more like food, and that every
thing looked liyelier than in Louisville
Tbe trade sources OF Memphis having
been untouched by the soourge, when
health came to the city again the old
trade came back. We have given
abundantly to this unfortunate, but now
recovered city, and our duty calls us to
bearken TO the needs OF our own indi-
gent citizens. = Courier Journal.
We take pleasure in testifying to the
correctness of the above as far as it re-
lotes 10 Memphis. The two thousand
dead we cannot recall, nor can grief be
Vanished at once, like Grape from door
knobs but with submission to the will
of Providence will come cheerfnlness,
and a faithful discharge OF duty will
prove the greatest panacea for our
minds. Sufficient unto the day is the
evil thereof. The dead are buried;
lei their memories be sacred and their
virtues emulated. But prouscted mourn
ing is in vain; the living have TO deal
with the living issues of the present.
The heroism which sustained our noble
workers in the midst of the great cpl
demic Of 1873 must be invoked to ABIDE
with our people in the cares and strife OF
every day life. After all our Affections,
we have great cause to be thankful that
time is vet left to improve by the lessons
ofthe past. In financial point of view,
Memphis has not greatly suffered. Meme
If our large mercantile houses have been
Obliged to suspend, and the stringency
of money matters is less, really, than in
Cincinnati, Chicago, New York and
Boston. The ahrinkage of values
ia not felt here as much, per-
baps. as elsewhere. The epidemic
did not divert much cotton froa our
market. but caused the crop in the vlcin-
ity to be more closely picked out than
usual by those who dreaded coming to
the city with their first baiss. The re-
eeipts thus far of Gotten have been 1901
bales, against lO9.O57 to this date last
wear. a difference of nearly $4,000 bales,
which can easily be accounted for by
low water in Arkansas river, low prices
and dread of yellow fever which the
country people unnecessarily cherish,
even till now, in some neighborhoods.
1t is encouraging to observe, however,
that the price Of cotton has steadily am
proved for two weeks, until today mid
dlings are quoted at l5i cents, and
even a higher point may be reach
ed. The Memphis cotton market is
brisk. and large shipments may be
expected from the country. Some trade
may have been lost by the Epidemic
but not as much as nervous people Ina
agine. A number of our wholesale
houses have done fine business all the
season. and but few customers have been
driven away permanently, and those are
in debt TO Memphis too deep already.
As matter Of mere dollars and cents it
may be stated that at least a quarter of
a million In money was contributed TO
Memphis during the epidemic. That
money was moatly expended in Mem
phis and put in circulation among our
own people. Ten per cent. of the whole
amount may have been paid to
nurses aud others from abroad. The
money expended by our refugees
while absent was mostly in this vi
cinity among people who trade with
Memphis. So that after all our distress
and the temporary suspension Of BUSH
ness, Memphis is not much out Of pocket
in dollars and cents. No stsgnation Of
business is evident; the streets are
crowded with people who are well
dressed and wear cheerful faces. The
Exposition has opened with fair pros
pects of success; the places of amuse-
ment are all in full blast and well patro-
nized; the dry goods palaces exhibit full
aud elegant stocks to crowds OK appre-
ciative customers, and a great deal Of
money daily passes over the counter.
Hacks drays, carriages, men, women
and children mingle and enhven QUE
streets as usual, and no signs OF CONNER
eial decay orbusiness apathy are to be dis
covered in any branch of trade or indus
try. Times are better in spite of eroak-
ers, and really We see no reason for de-
spoDdency or depression. Memphis is
a live place. and is destined. under a
new system of local improvements, with
public and private economy aud hearty
cooperation of all classes for the gen
eral good, TO enter upon q new era OF
prosperity, which will surprise ourselves
even, as well ss toe rest Of the world.
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