Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-09-01
rnr nnsINrss ouTLo0K OE MEMPHIs.

Il -
The public has looked forward with wi
u,oat interest to the annual review Of the va
trade and business of Memphis. This is de
presented in the columns Of the LEDGER tel
to-day in a clear, comprehensive FORM nc
which we trust will be acceptable to our &C
readers, and the commercial and farm CO
ing public especially. 1t will be seen s.
that q great change in the methods OF el
farming, planting and doing business II
has quietly taken place in a very few '
wears. A revolution has been half ac-
complished ere we were aware Of 1t.
The South no longer depends upon the
great staple, cotton, but has happily IN
corporated o system Of farming, stock
raising, fruit growing and diversified
crops which, if persevered in, will in the
course Of time make US one OF the
most prosperous and independent PEG
pie on earth. Much Of this, we admit,
is vet to work for and realize, but the
reward is worth our noblest efforts, aud
already we see and feel the benefits OF
the new system which the South was so
slow to adopt, even under the sugges-
tons Of necessity. The table of receipts
Of leading articles for the years 1875 and
1876 furnishes the best proof that q real
change is going on in our modes OF doing
business, and that we are rapidly becom-
ing o se~lf-sustaining people with a bal
ance in our favor and a surplus to sell
to the rest Of the world. Last year we
received %, O24barrels Of apples, this year
1923, q falling off caused by greater
economy and increased production
in this vicinity. Last year we received
1882 packages of ale, beer and por'
ter; this year 66,949, showing an in
creased consumption Of these healthy
beverages. Last year we received 36. 29S
agricultural implements; this year, 43,
O63, a gratifying increase, showing tn
tendencies Of the times. Last year thu
receipts Of bagging was packages 6O,49l
this year, 65,lll. Last year, bacoi
casks, 74S6; this year, 494l. Cases 0
boots and shoes received last year, 81
1877; this year, 1876. Cotton seed las
year, 355,SO5 sacks; this year. 789,7l(
Corn received last year, 239,3l7 sacks
this year 80, 444, an immense falling OF
which will continue in future. Cor
meal, received last year, lac, 227 barrels
this year, 47,73O. Cattle last year, II
45O; this year l4,O49 head. Barrels
-four last year, 262,Oll; this year, ITO
ga, a falling of on account Of whe,
and corn raised in this section. La
year there were received here 6l,7I
bales Of ~bagging; this year, 5000
Packages of hardware last year, l5l, 70
this year, 325,69O. Horses and mul
received last year, 400 head; this yes
6825. Lard received in buckets Ia
year, s6,l89; this year, 54,628: Oats
sacks last year, 65,5l5; this year, 42,ll
Pork received last year, casks, 59l
this year, 222l Pork in packages ID
year, Sl6,6OO; this year, 553,577. He
Of sheep last year, 1856; this year, l
7lS. And SO we might enumerate f
Their, showing that there is less dema
for such articles as can be produced
the country which trades with Memph
and q greater demand for improved u
chinery, agricultural implements a
such manufactured goods not made h'
as are required by a thrifty, go-ahe
population. The table which we publ
is a gratifying exhibit; it speaks
itself. All things considered, we h'
cause to be hopeful and sanguine. Me
phis never had a better prospect o
good fail and winter trade. We
nearer a cash basis than ever before, 9
it is to be hoped we will go 6
further in that direction. There j
scarcity Of money among the people
yet and will be for some time. The Ii
surplus they begin to raise is not 81
Gent TO pay off their debts and nj
them perfectly easy; but q few m
such seasons will do this. The pee
in the country are feeling their ,
carefully and prudently. The fact
been found out that we can dispe
with a great many luxuries and b.
well eontented, for the present at le
with the s~ubstantials and comforts
life. The present crop has been n
at so small a cost that cotton at the
est possible price will yield a fair pl
The drain has stopped and we begi
accumulate and look to a brighte
ture. Cotton will rule low. The
no prospect Of anything else. We "