Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1879-06-01
wEArHnn eH.ERvATEoNs.
WAR DEPT, SIGNAL SERVICE. .. 5. ARMY,
SATURDAY, May 81, 1879, lOOS pm.
THEPEOPnE or mEaIPHIs

Reiolced yesterday with exceeding great
Joy over the decision by the supreme court
in the case Of Henry Luehrmaun rs. the Tax
ing. District. Young and old, rich and poor,
all alike were glad that the question OF TIE
constitutlonality of the best government we
have ever had has been settled beyond any
oavil or question in the future, majority of
the court declaring that the previous char
ter of the city of Memphis has been validity
repealed, and the same people and the
same territory have been constitutionally re-
Incorporated under general law providing
for the organization of municipal corpora
tons. For many weeks the strain of anx-
iety upon the commissioners and citizens
has been very great. The collection Of
taxes had almost come TO an end. Tax
payers fearel that in case of an
adverse decision they might be compelled
TO pay taxes a second time, and the COM
missioners feared to push collections, rot
knowing what their personal responsibilities
might be. All was doubt and uncertainty.
Under these circumstances, and considering
the necessity for prompt aud efficient sanitary
work, for repavng and repairing our streets
and the levy, the future, save as It was re-
lieved BY the work Of the auxiliary SANITARY
association, looked dark and dreary.i Indeed.
it was in great part owing to the fact that the
title of the Taxing-District rested under a
cloud impenetrable to ordinary eyes, that
that very useful association owes its exist
ence. But It is all over now. The decision
OF the court leaves nothing to be desired. 1t
Is sweeping and effective. 1t covers all the
points raised, and the commissioners are free
to prosecute their purposes unchallenged and
unquestionej, save by public opinion.
For a result so gratifying, so reassuring, the
citizens of Memphis are altogether Indebted
to the lawyers who, without fee or reward,
defended the Taxing District before the Conrt.
Vita a patriotism and unselfshness that
ought never to be forgotten, they not only
gave their time and talents to the case, but
sternly refused to take retainers from our OPP
ponents. Coming to the rescue OF the COM
munisy at so critical juncture-when chaos
and confusion threatened us almost as fatally
as the epidemic of last year, and when, by
reason of the public impo yerishment,we were
unable to employ codnsel-these gentle
men are entitled to, and, no doubt, will re-
ceive some substantial evidence Of the gene
raj appreciation. Their names should always
be gratefully remembered. We cannot, as
community, without bringing ourselves under
The charge of the basest ingratitude. forget
CAN'T, Patterson, the Heiskells, Turley,
M'KisieS, Estes or Minor Meriwether.
Their labors have been most arduous, their
energies have been taxed to the utmost, and
their abilities have been put to the
severest test. The question before
the court involved so much that was import
ant TO the PEOPLE that once embarked IN II
they resolved to stake their all upon the issue
STANDING among the first and best of bar
that occupies a most enviable position among
thoss of the country, they have ably main
famed their regulations, aud must hereafter
reap great reward. To Gautt, especially, is
the community under weghty obligations.
He not only gave his services freely IN the
management Of the suit which has resulted
40 favorably for the District, bat to him we
are largely indebted Tor the form OF govern
ment the substitution of which for The old
CITY charter secured US relief from the home
and foreign creditors, who, despite cur I'M
Doverished condition and our suiIeriugs and
lossss by many epidemics, pressed US with a
determination that sometimes assumed the
ferceness of applicability. From Can't
came the suggestion OF Taxing
District government for THAI o
the city. which had brough
us to the verge Of ruin. When our mer'
chants were harrasaed by the maudamus tax
collector, compelled to pay the same tax oYei
and over again, aud it seemed as if the trad
and commerce OF the city would be irretriev
ably ruined, Glutt gave himself, withou
other consideration than that Of serving hi
people. TO the work Of devising government
even the details Of which would stand tn
test and scrutiny Of judicial inquiry. Other
of the gentlemen already named helped l
complete it. but to HIM Is due the ouglna
ooueeption and perhaps the largest part
the details, even the wording OF the Taxing
District act. THIS should never be forgotten
While we rejoice over the Judgment whic
makes ms work a fnality beyond question
even by Federal courts, let Us remembe
MIN and his able coadjutors. Let us CIV
them thanks and, though poor indeed IN a
Things else, make them know that we al
rich in words With which to conve
orr gratitude. Thanks to their Lahore,
can nov 20 on with the public improvement
essential 20 our safety and welfare. We CT
repaye and repair QUE streets. Our merchan
can increase their business without dre'
OF the overshadowing power OF the FEEDER
court, the marshal or the mandamus. II
future now depends upon ourselves. WI
the errors of the past before US, and with
simple form of government, managed WI
care and economy by gentlemen who ha
SHOWN their determination TO MAINTAIN p
vale as well as public integrity, We N
reasonably expect that Meuaphis IN a Il
years will recover all she has lost by dea
aud debt, and be IN a condition to chaliea
the envy OF other communities, and pay b
creditors principal ana interest, all che ~
them. Every tax payer should make
a special duty to pay all chat stan
upsn the textbooks against him at one
He should not wait for a second can. WI
money 10 hand now the commissioners C;
do great deal Of much-needed work. Ih
ought to get it. and without mufmur.
deed. tomorrow ought 10 hnd their on
filed with the eager taxpayers, to whom,
an especial sense, the decision of the suprel
court comes "a n blessing above prce.
us all put our shoulders to the wheel, and
our duty by each other aud b. ourselves,
shall We make a city that may one day II
the " CITY of the plains"
-
AND now comes Evarts TO join the hi
company Of Republican Presidential can
dates. The New York Tribune states Il
at is said in Washington that letters hi
hnn,, rncelred fharn from Non OF al nart