Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-06-15
TUE TESNEssEE PRESS.


The meeting of the Tennessee Press
Association at Brownsville and the visit
of the members to Memphis excited
greater interest than any former convo-
cation of editors in the State. 1t was
the first ever held invest Tennessee,
though we hope not the last. The Asso-
citation is yet in its infancy, having been
formed only few years ago. The pee-
nile of Brownsville distinguished them
selves by the many evidences of genu-
inc hospitality they lavished upon their
quests, and doubtless made favorable
and lasting impression upon all who
were so fortunate as to attend. No
pains were spared-no attention or ar
rangements wanting to assure the visit
ors of cordial welcome. The members
of the press as a general rule are not
strangers to each other, but it happened
.upon this occasion that many were
brought together in social way who
had never before met and all will carry
back to their homes pleasant recollec-
tions of the occasion. Men always
understand each other better when they
meet face to face to enjoy common
courtesies and exercise the common
amenities Of professional and social life.
As editors they gain an insight into
each others views upon the great ques-
tions of the day they are called upon to
discuss not always to be derived through
the medium of an exchange list. And
thus tits that greater harmony is secured,
as yell as a more accurate estimate
of the mission and power of the press.
Those engaged in the common cause are
encouraged by meeting their fellow
workers and by the manifestations OF
respect and appreciation received at the
hands of the public. The visit to Mem
phis was unprecedented, and found us
almost unprepared; yet it was not the
less agreeable or enjoyed, and gave
Memphis, without days notice, an OPP
portunity to display something OF her
enterprise and public spirit. The ride
around the city Saturday afternoon and
the excursion up and down the river by
steamer gave many of our editorial
brethren setter idea Of the extent,
style and situation of Memphis thSn they
had ever before obtained. The dinnerat
Gaston's, presided over by Colonel Kel
lar, the host, and Mayor League was in
all respects a very unique AID creditable
affair. Some Of the brief speeches made,
although not reported, we're exceedingly
apropos and all in the best spirit. We
believe the members Of the press from a
distance realized the generous and
warm-hearted feelings of the city Off
cials, press and citizens. The entertain
ment at Judge Henry G. Smiths Satur-
day evening closed fttingly the public
reception accorded the press, and was
the browning event of all. No one knows
how to dispense the genial welcome
and ample Inequalities, such as once
prevailedamong the wealthyand cultured
people Of the South, better than Judge
Smith and his accomplished wife and
daughter. Surrounded by eyeryindication
of taste and refinement and accustomed
to the best society of the land, they take
especial pleasure in entertaining such
distinguished strangers as met with rep
resentatives Of Memphis society around
the festive board last Saturday evening,
and we doubt not that our recent guests
carry back to their homes in West and
Middle Tennessee the most favorable
impressions.of Memphis and Memphis
institutions. The reception was i'm
promptu but spontaneous and in earnest.
Let 1t be hoped that these gentlemen will
return again either in body or singly, and
may their only regrets be at the time O
leaving. The next convention will b,
held at Murfreesboro, seat Of learnint
and refinement and near the center O
the State, where it is expected that al
parts of Tennessee will be well repre
sented. The city press desires to ex
press its qualification at the hearty CO
operation of Mayor League and men
bers of the General Council and othe
citizens in the efforts made to receiv
the members Of the Tennessee Pre-,
Association with attentions worthy Of
great commercial city, described by OF
of the visitors as the metropolis Of TIE
nessee. While all Memphis was inte
ested in the affair, it was a matter
special interest and pride to those co
nected with the city papers. Our pc
pie have acquitted themselves well, ar
made frieD ds whose acquaintance the
will find it pleasant to cultivate
Hufurr