Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-01-06
rur nnr1noK FOE ls7A.

ply. Mr.. League was elected Us d ne
nnhl;cap. We need not and will not
tantalize the supporters of his opponent
with their bad management and want oil
cooperation, for we pointed out their
bIrnders however innocently made, at
the INCEPTION of the campaign, and
warned them of disaster, but all IN vain
They sowed their mistakes with lavish
hand and reaped an early harvest oil
defeat There is not really Republi-
can majority in the city, and there was
no good reason why Memphis should
mass under Republican rule. whether
II will remain so any great length oil
time of course depends chiefly upon
Mr. Leagues discretion and fair, non
rortison administration. What he will
do or not do, we have no means oil
ascertainirg at present, but we shan
iudge him solely by his official acts DE
will be supported by General Couneil
If nerbaps more than average ability
men who are July identified with the
vital interests of Memphis, and able to
orapple with practical questions. Ihey
will share with the Mayor an uncommon
degree of responsibility, for Memphis is
inst now entering a new era. FOR
twelve months one disaster has sue
ceeded another, but each time the
highest qualities of fortitude, often
amounting to sublime courage, have
beep developed in our people, and after
nassiug through so many common tri-
als and tribulations, and coming out
almost unscathed, all are imbued with
sympathy for each other, and ready to
stand shoulder to shoulder in the great
common purposes of the community.
AS one of the fruits Of this feeling, the
Cotton Exchange has been organized
upou basis that bids fair to give 1t per-
maneucy and to insure lasting benefits
to the community and to lift our cotton
market up to position and rank never
before attained. Thus far the cotton
receipts have been unusually large.
Nearly quarter of a million bales have
been received already, and good prices
are given. The planters understand the
animus of those who have assailed the
Memphis market, and continue to send
forward their cotton and to make large
orders for goods. Trade is lively in al
most every department, and is con-
Quoted on 3 better basis than usual
tina, is il approaches nearer the cash sys-
tenn than ever before There is reason
10 hope that our merchants will sell
only for cash, or on very short time to
good reliable customers. If they will
adopt this plan, which seems to be almost
necessity, the planters will put in more
corn. and thus become almost independ-
ent Of distant markets for breadstuh
and feed for stock. If less cotton IS
raised it will be in greater demand and
will bring higher prices; besides all that,
bushel of corn raised at home is worth
more than three brought a distance.
The labor system is undoubtedly i'm
proving, and from year to year as the
landed planters and the colored people
come TO better mutual understanding,
more clear money is made by all and
richer trade flows TO Memphis for seve-
raj hundred miles around. Memphis is
growing even now, and holds up better in
proportion to population aud capital
than Chicago, St. Louis or Cincinnati.
People will complain Of hard times, and
80 they do all over the country, but from
what we can see Memphis seems TO be
better of than many other places. Very
few failures have taken place this win
ter Collections are reasonably good,
and while some Of the laboring classes
are out Of employment, no widespread
suffering or want exists Some funds
are on hands to supply the extremely
needy, and it is likely that the
poer Of this city will be as well
provided for through the winter
as elsewhere. With an economical ad
ministration Of the city government,
strict collection OF taxes and judicious
expenditures, such as may safely be ex-
pected, and proper economy in the
expenses Of living, aud charity toward
the needy on the part Of those who have
competency or more, we see no reason
why Memphis may not pass through the
winter without experiencing further
stringency in her affairs, -and for the
remainder Of the year enjoy unexampled
prosperity. There is great cause for
encouragement and the hopeful feeling
which pervades every class Of our cit
zens. Let us further hope that som'
steps will be taken toward the erection
of a custom house. court house, anC
ether public improvements. which would
give employment to many working PEG
ple. put money in circulation, and Civ
more life and vim to the entire popula
ton. Memphis is not dead, as a few o
her enemies hoped, but in a fair way &
sala mp a magnificent structure upol
49, ol;d foundations. To this end le
= All work shoulder 10 shoulder.
THrn,,w marble postofice building il
Kno.ville Nben finished, it is said vi
- 4. ,dsomest public build