Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1878-12-05

THE FLUSH OF BUSINESS.
Considering that business did not
open here until the lst of November
d Memphis is doing wonderfully well,
The receipts of cotton up to last even
ing are 117,720 bales, against 150,S55
bales at this time last year, a falling off
of only &c, 135 bales, which at the pres
emf rate cotton is coming in by rail,
steamer and wagon will soon be made
up, The sales yesterday amounted to
1900 bales, the largest on record for
one day. The receipts yesterday, as
reported to the cotton exchange, were
Z 1886 bales. The shipments thus far
this week have been 1882 bales.
Total shipments to date, 1858. Stock
on hand, 73,141 bales. Prices are low
with no prospect of an early rise. The
planters have made up their minds that
they will not gain anything by holding
Z back the crop, and are therefore rush
ing tito market as fast as it can be
ginned. The weather has been very
favorable for picking, ginning and
shipping, and there is no doubt but
that more cotton has been and will be
picked than usual in the country
around Memphis. During the prev
alence of the epidemic some of this
cotton was sent to other markets, but
Memphis will hardly feel the loss,
g as many Of our merchants we're at
st. Louis to receive it and to
make new business. tits still prpba-
able that we will receive more cotton
this season than last. Trade is brisk
in every line and bids fair to continue
so, not only through the Christmas
holidays, but far up into the spring.
The activity o fall our business streets,
on Front row and at the landing and
depots, is a matter Of surprise and
qualification to every one. Strangers
look in vain for evidences of the late
terrible epidemic save in the emble-
matical black worn by SO many ladies
on the streets. All the marts of bust
ness and thoroughfares wear an ami
mated appearance as if nothing un-
usual had occurred. We have every
reason to pick up hope and feel encour-
aged. The misfortunes Of Memphis
have drawn her people closer together
andraised up new friends. Allfeel that
trade center of SO much Importance,
intelligence and vitality deserves the
goodwill of its old and new friends
and that no measure should be omit
ted which would promote the growth,
prosperity and security of the place.
BY a united effort the past can be re-
trieved and Memphis made not only a
safe place to reside all the year round,
but a great and aourishing city. To
accomplish this all classes must be
willing to make heavy sacrifices, CO.
operate together ndbend every energy.
They should be ready to give one
fourth or one-third of their property
Unnecessary to save and enhance the
value ofthe remainder, Money enough
was spent by refugees to sewer the city
and place it in a good sanitary condi-
ton. 1t is not enough that cotton re,
ceipts are large and business brisk q
few months in the year. Thefew who
make money generally go away any.
how, but the great majority have t.
remain in the place or vicinity. AL
improvements are at a standstill anC
will remain so until steps are taken
beyond mere present business, toward
cleansing the city and guarding agains
future ealamities similar to the last
great me-. The sound of the hammer
and the saw are seldom heard nov
save in some old house which needs
repairs. We cannot afford to be salts
fed with this state of affairs.
H