Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-09-23
MEMPHIs AND HER FRIRNps.

Inc demonstration OF yesterday was
in every respect creditable and salts
factory. 1t was thoroughly worked up
by those having the matter in charge
and admirably conducted throughout.
Each committee was true to its trust,
and all worked together harmo-
niously. 1t was an occasion of great
rejoicing at our mereilul escape from
the pestilence of former years, and the
many great blessings which we enjoy.
Memphis has apparently entered upon
a new era of wonderful prosperity, in
striking contrast with the decadence
and misfortunes of the past six or
eight years. 1t is quite likely that in
a very few years Memphis will have a
resident population Of fifty or sixty
thousand people, instead ofonly 35, 900,
and that before the next federal CEN
sus is taken the population and wealth
OF Replace will be more than doubled
The outlook is remarkably encourag-
ing. The sanitary problem seems to
have been solved, and with a rigid
enforcement of the sanitary laws
epidemics will be known most prob
ably in future only as a matter Of
history. Much remains, however,
to be done yet; a great battle has
been fought, a great victory won.
There were but few hearts that did
not quail within the past two years.
and perhaps but few men who did not
at some time or other feel that if
they could close up their business
and sell what they had for any price,
they would remove from Memphis
forever. The repeal of the
charter, the establishment of
new and uatried local government,
the adoption of new sanitary regula-
tons and sewer system never before
tried by so large a city; these were
bold experiments forced upon us by
terrible necessities. Many who as
sented to these radical changes had
grave doubts. Others openly opposed
them. The little handful of men who
formed these plans and aided directly
in carrying them into effect, seemed
almost alone. But they persevered,
and behold glorious result, admired
and enjoyed by all. Itwas befttingthe
hour of deliverance to invite the
friends who had stood by us with aid
and sympathy in the darkest hours of
'7S and 'T9 to come and see for them
selves what had been accomplished,
We showed them all the courtesy in
our power, and could point with pride
to happy, prosperous community, to
large stores filled with new goods, the
evidences of thrift, industry and large
enterprise on every hand, and one OF
the most effective, desirable and eco.
nomical forms Of local government to
be found in the world. Many came
who had a lingering doubt that all
was not right here, but every doubt.
ing Thomas went away satisfied. Pub
lie confidence has been fully re-estab-
lished, as well as commercial and
social relations between the city and
surrounding country. The first step
towards this was confidence in
ourselves. Memphis starts on new
road to prosperity full of hope and
thanksgiving. Let ever citizen, rich
or poor, merchant, labOrer or landlord
continue to aid in the great work Of
building up Memphis, and in time it
will become not only a wealthy com
mercial center, where every industry
and honest occupation will be richly
rewarded, but the abode of elegance,
refinement and art, which will be
famed abroad as one of the most beau
tifuland attractive cities in the coun-
try.