Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1873-01-31
WHAT THEY THINK OF KNOXVILLE.

Mr.. George Purvis, of the Bdnacr, and
Col. John G.. Burch, of the Union and
American, were in our city the latter part
of last week and the first Of the present.
They both speak in flattering terms of our
city. The Banner says:
The visitor to this growing metropolis
of our American Switzrrland'' beyond
the mountains, isstruck with many things
in all directions that rebound to the credit
of her citizens. New mammoth store
houses, warehouses and manufactures are
springing up almost as if by magic, and
they are buildings that would be creditable
to any city, The private residences OF her
citizens also, are built with view, not on
Nv to comfort, but in harmony with that
architectural taste which strikes the eye
as imposing and graceful. The many
beautiful eminences that surround the lit
tie city of Knoxville in every direction
until the beholder is impressed with the
truth that this is to be city of no mean
pro portions. 1t already claims pOpula-
ton of fifteen thousand.
The new cuStom-h house, now approach
ing completion, is built of East Tennessee
white marble, and is all architectural mod
ell of beauty. 1t will cost, according to
the estimates, something like 5000
when completed.
There are large iron and coal interests
being rapidly developed. Among the iron
fOunderies in operation now Is one owned
by Senator Richards and his brother, to
which establishment the Senator (whO is a
practical worker by the way, as well as a
LEGISLATOR invited the Legislative COM
mittee recently visiting that city. He had
just introduced some new machinery for
the improvement Of the fibre of the iron
by agitating the metal violently while
melted, in the success of which he was
| deeply interested.
We were shown through the large sad
| die and harness mandatory OF Thomas
| UConnOr 6 Co., another Knoxville in
| dustry, which does an annual business Of
| about one hundred and fifty thousand dol.
lars. They employ nearly a hundred
hands, and the activity characteristic OF
every feature of the business, gave assur-
ance of future prosperity, making en-
largement of their facilities necessary at
an early day.
The writer alludes to our inadequate
hotel accommodations, and says:
The railroad would confer great favor
upon the travelling public by building 8
| passenger depot, or room, where people
| waiting Tor the Train, cOuiQ % SuelIeTeu
/ from this bitter weather. These improve
ments, among others, will, however, come
| in time. Meanwhile the whole State has
good reason to be proud of Knoxville.
| Col. Burch writes as follows:
| The inclemency Of the weather prevent.
ed our taking more than hasty glance al
Knoxville. 1t has greatly and handsomely
| improved sidce our last visit. Some very
elegant residences and some very beautiful
aud substantial business buildings have
been erected, and still the work of i'm
| provement goes bravely on in manner
betokening gratifyinu degree of pros
perity. one thing especially creditable to
that city is the very graceful Opera House
recently erected by Mr.. Peter Staub, one
Of Knoxville's mast enterprising and en-
ergetic citizens. On the first floor large
and attractive store rooms are being com
| pleted. The concert reon above will com.
fortably seat about twelve hundred per-
sons in parque tie and gallery. 1t is very
tastefully arranged, and is certainly an or.
nament to Knoxville and an honor to Mr.
Staub.