Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-04-01
MEMPHIS AND PINE pLuFF.

VIC EOutC uhOCh tune ShoAtOAt Wv
who was running things with a high hand
at that time in Arkansas, as President of
the Arkansas Central, from Helena to
Little Rock, undertook to build a branch
from the Central to Pine Bluff. In
doing so he violated the rights Of the
Searcy, Pine Bluff and Monroe Railroad
Company, but presumed that the Radical
courts and Legislature would sustain
him. BE proceeded to build the branch
route north from Pine Bluff and had
graded it twenty-eight miles and built
many bridges when the Central company
suddenly collapsed. The contractors
tried to make their pay out of the s., z.
B. and M. Railroad Company and failed.
That company has now revived and pro-
poses to extend their line thirteen miles
further to connect with the Memphis and
Little Rock railroad and thus have a d.
rect connection by rail With Memphis.
At a meeting Of the Mayor and Council
of Pine Bluff, on the 9th ult,, a set Of
resolutions we're adopted, which we copy,
as follows:
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE CITY
COUNCIL OF l BLUFF.
Whereas, The Searcy, Pine Blaff and
Monroe Railroad Company, in the year
1872. was incorporated under the gene
raj incorporation law passed by the Leg
islature Of the State of Arkansas, chiefly
through the energy and labors of our
fellow.citizens, DR.. J.. N. Holcombs and
Major W. N. Ports, and upon which
there are now t~wentY-eight miles, north
ward from Pine Bluff, Of said road al
ready graded, a great portion OF which
runs through a prairie, requiring but
little grading to reach the Memphis and
Little Rock road, already in operation,
thus putting US in direct communication
with the city Of Memphis; and
Whereas, 1t has long been and is now
the sense Of the people OF Jefferson
county, generally, and of the people Of
this city in particular, that we ought to
have railroad connection with the city
of Memphis at the earliest day possible,
recognizing the fact that it is the surest
and NEST practical outlet for the produc.
tions of this section of the country; and
Whereas, we feel and believe that
with the aid and assistance OF the pee.
pie Of Shelby county, Tennessee, that
there can be raised in money, stocks
and lands a suficiency to complete and
fully equip the road from Pine Bluff to
Lonoke station and have it in readiness
to move the coming crop Of 1876;
Therefore, be it resolved by the Coun
Gil of the city Of Pine Bluff, That we
indorse and heartily approve the action
of the gentlemen aforesaid in behalf of
their company, not only in laboring so
persistently in getting the affairs Of the
Searcy, Pine Bluff and Monroe Railroad
Company in so prosperous a condition
considering the difficulties encountered,
but also in their earnest endeavors to
have an early completion Of this line, so
as to insure an uninterrupted connec
ton with the city Of Memphis.
Resolved. That we. as the City Coun.
Gil, in common with the people of the
country, desire to have railroad connec-
ton with the city Of Memphis at as early
a day as possible, believing that it will
be to the mutual interests Of ALTO US,
in furnishing a sure and never-failing
transit for our productions and CONNER
cial necessities. and to Memphis, giving
her direct connection with the richest
cotton lands in the State Of Arkansas,
for a days travel, at least, on either side
OF the proposed road.
Resolved, That we will do all in eur
power, and extend every facility in con-
sonance with our duty and obligations
to further the lsbors Of the Directors oil
the Searcy, Pine Bluff and Monroe Bail
road Company, in completing their road
TO encourage the subscription Of money
stocks and lands from the citizens of th'
State along the line Of the said road and
elsewhere in the country.
A committee was appointed to solici
subscriptions Of stock from the people o
Lon0ke and Jefferson counties. Thl
amount required is small compared viii
the benfts to be derived. Our mer
chants will readily realize the advantage
and Importance of such q connection
DR.. Holcombe and Major W. N. Porti
have been to Memphis to confer With GU
business men and have met great en-
c~ouragement. They will return shortl.
to solicit some action that will hastel
the completion Of the work, which cal
easily be done in time to move the mex
cetton croo.