Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-09-02
Ths PuSIic ledger for Absentees
oUR PROSPECTS.

times. Business is on a solid basis at
last, and trade promises to be quite sat
~isfactory. Merchants have sold mostly
for cash or on short time to well known
customers, and will be enabled to pur-
chase fall and winter stocks at the East
upon very advantageous terms. The
old credit system is gradually passing
into deseutude and people buy what they
need for cash, and as a consequence can
drive better bargains and are pretty
sure to purchase. the best qualities Of
goods and only what they are compelled
to have. The stringency of the money
market and fluctuations of values sug.
gested and almost forced the producing
classes to fall back upon their own re-
sources. The merchants were not able
or willing to make heavy advances.
Hence, the present crop was raised al
most without aid or credit. The farmers,
for the first time in the South since the
war, produced brsadstufs sufficient for
home use, and, to their surprise, find
themselves comparatively Independent.
The apprehension in regard to an over
flow, happily, has passed away. aud we
End that all the damage done to cotton
in the bottoms is more than compensated
by an increased yield in the uplands.
We may safely say that the section of
country within the influence Of the Mem
phis trade will send up as many bales Of
cotton as in any year OF the past. The
people, therefore, are not in debt for this
crop. They will sell as much cotton as
usual; have corr enough to do them,
aud in addition have raised a consider
able wheat crop and q splendid crop Of
potatoes, vegetables, fruit, etc. They
will have a clear surplus in money to ex-
pend in buying labor-saving implements,
improving their places and providing
the comforts and Injuries Of life. The
labor system is rapidly becoming settled
and reliable. All classes. rich and poor.
white and black, have worked veil this
season. We have heard no complaints
from employer or employe. The utmost
harmony and good will prevails. For
tunately for US here in Tennessee, this is
the of year" in politics. the lines are
down and everybody is trying to solve
the practical questions Of life, the main
one being that of meat and bread and
clothing. We will show the world that
we are a capable, conservative, self-sus-
tanning people, regardless Of all the
bears in Wall street or Winnebagoes in
Illinois. Our merchants have been
cautious and are not involved. They
understand the situation perfectly. aud
viii make the most Of it. The field Of
their operations viii be greatly enlarged
in Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and
Arkansas, as veil as on the borders of
other States. We have had no failures
to speak Of in the past twelve months
and none to apprehend. A feature IN
trade was observed this summer that viii
get prove a little fortune to many
farmen. We allude to the fruit trade.
Hundreds Of nan have turned their at
tention to this business, aud it has
proved highly profitable. They require
experience in growing, picking an4 nsr.
keting the fruit, but this is easily &C.
qoired. Large shipments were made to
the North and good prices realized.
More attention than ever will be given
TO seise6ng and growing the choice
varieties Of fruit trees. No climate or soil
could be more favorable. Farmers can
raise and gather this eFop withoutinterier-
ing with or ~neglecting the corn and other
crop. Our merchants are inspirSd with
hope and freely predict such a rush n
business the ensuing season as has not
been seen since the inflated times Of
1866. The outlook in every aspect is
truly encouraging, aud we hope that the
better days so long expected ere at hand.
The crowded state Of our advertising
columns at this early day Of the season
indicates the vitality of Memphis as q
commercial entrepot and the splendid
prospects that stimulate the merchants
and all classes. Industry has been
abundAntly rewarded. No common
calamity has oyertaken the people, the
seasons have been propitious and we all
have abundant cause TO be thankful snd
inspired with new hope aud courage.
mn nav