Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-12-14

health. and deserved their fate. The
impression was made all over the land
that Memphis was one of the 6lthiest
places on the continent, and a disease
breeding center. While this was not
literally true, and the condition o the
place was not actually worse than that
Of many larger cities not much farther
north we found a vast and a rad
ical sanitary reform was absolutely
necessary. This has been worked out
the world knows how well. No peo-
pie ever accomplished so much in so
short a time in that direction. We
can challenge the world to produce a
similar example. 1t was not merely
a superior physical effort, such as
people might make in time Of var or
any great excitement, but a cool, in
telligent, well-directed effort. The
necessary money was raised at home
by self-imposed taxation, and the best
methods known to science were
adopted. hose who couldn under
stand these, or lacked faith, cheer
fully acquiesced in the great expert
ment, for all felt that something must
be done, and that quickly. The re-
suits have more than fulfilled the
highest expectation. Memphis is
saved, and making a great stride in
the race for prosperity. Much re-
mains to be done, but the people feel
safe, and can reflect with some degree
of satisfaction as well as great thank
fulness, that they have proved them
selves worthy of the sympathies and
bOundles, benefactions Of the world
lavished upon them in the hour
of direst distress and despair.
Other things remain TO be
done the sewer system must be ex-
tended aud perfected, and pure water
furnished at such a rate that the
humblest family may use it in abund-
ance streets are to be paved old
houses torn down thorough inspec-
lions established, and many other
things accomplished to make the city
permanently healthy and an attractive
place of residence. The feeling one
year ago was one of uncertainty and
great anxiety one-half the people
would have moved away ifthey could
have sold out for cash in hand. Now
nobody wants to sell out, unless to get
out of debt, and property is going up
every day. Let US continue the good
work, at whatever cost, until Mem
phis is made one of the most beauti-
full, attractive and prosperous places
in the whole country. The future Of
Memphis is in the hands of her own
enterprising, indomitable people, and
tits therefore assured. The endurance,
pluck and enterprise Of the past, if
properly applied henceforth, will bring
Memphis to the front as one of the
leading and influential American
cities. 1t is already orc Of the best
advertised places in the world. The
report of the president, D. T. Porter,
to the governor, advance copies Of
which have been furnished the press.
sets forth il detail, in a business-like
way, what has heen done. This will
be read with interest at home and
abroad. The attention of the whole
country is turned to Memphis, where
it is considered that the great sanitary
problem Of the age, especially in tn,
Mississippi valley has been worked
out. People at q distance are aston
ished to learn hat this great reform is
paid for. The Taxing District is
governed upon business principles
No bonds haye been issued and no
floating debt incurred. This is a good
example for other cities and towns aud
probably the only one to be found in
The country, This system of munich
pal government is the most economical
md efficient ever yet devised. 1t is
strong enough for al practical pur
poses and yet subject TO tho people
md amenable to public sentiment
md the legislature. Memphis has
indeed taken a new departure, aad if
Ter people are not already in TIE
land II IL in sigbt