Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-11-24

represented II their opponents were 10
be taken into the confidence of the
committee. Mr.. Ellis also charges
that Mr.. Burrows, without consulting
the other members Of the committee
engaged the services Ofan engineer, Mr..
hutton, Of Baltimore, to go on the trip
and make a report of the inspection.
He also complained that no steno-
grspher had been provided, and that
the committee had been unable to
take testimony. The n Getting was in
deed stormy, and now since the slip.
shod manner in which the chairman
Of the committee has done its work
has been criticised by Mr.. Ellis, it is
to be hoped that there will be a thor
ough exposition Of the entire methods
and purposes employed to pack this
committee 10 the interest oft Pacific
railroad. The committee has inspect
ed no line work, it has rejected the
offer Of gentlemen to present
facts; it has positively refused
TO hear witnesses in behalf of
the present plans for the improvement
Of the Mississippi, and has most
shamefully expended public money
without learning or accomplishing
anything. 1t is in vain that Messrs,
Carlisle, Thomas and Ellis should
insist that something be done. 1t is
too late for the committee to enter
upon an examination of the works or
to ascertain anything respecting the
levees, contracts and works. The
whole thing is a farce, mockery oil
common sense and SANDER upon the
character of the public so deeply to-
terested in the permanent improve
ment of the Mississippi. Whatever
the report may be, it can have no
weight and will command no
respect from any source. The com.
mittee received every courtesy possible
from the officers Of the steamer, Guid
ing Star, Captain Hegler, who is one
of the most thorough gentlemen and
intelligent nsvigators on this cont
nent-for he has seven times made the
trip to China, besides sailing to other
countries, has done all in his power to
make this trip agreeable to the com
mittee. But he was never invited to
give his views on a subject which he
has studied with an intelligent pur
pose. Although one of the best post
ed men in the country his testimony
was not sought, nor were his opinions
solicited. Captain Hegler has not
made any money by this trip, and | do
not think he has been oveTjoyed by
the conduct of the committee. AS the
readers of the LEDGER we'll know, t q
Guiding Star is not only one of the
best equipped and NEST elegant steam
ers on the western waters, but she
is also one Of the best oficered and
most popular. Owing to the committee
reserving the entire ladies' cabin,
many passengers who, at different
points along the river had been await
ing Guiding Star, were unable to secure
passage on her. Consequently Captain
Hegler has suffered financial loss by
the Congressional excursion. He has
been unusually clever, and accOmmo
dating and was perfectly willing to
stop wherever and whenever the com
mittse desired. He would have will
ingly remained twenty four hours at
Memphis for their accommodation in
order to let them be received by your
citizens and have an opportunity to
examine the improvements there. But
the committee deliberately yspurned the
invitation and hastened away as if
fearful Of contamination from the
members of the Cotton Exchange.
The many friends OF the Guiding Star
will be pleased to know that Captain
Hegler and Captain Sterling McIn
tyre haye, with chagaetsrjstie cur
tesy, done all in their power to afford
the committee every convenience and
comfort, as we'll as an opportunity to
examine the river. The committee
failed to appreciate this, and possibly
may have grumbled at the tri daily
menu of Steward Edmund Brown,
whose reputation as a caterer entities
him to a berth on this splendid steamer.
Caltsip Mcintyre, the chief clerk,
who Is so pleasantly known IL Mem.
phis, was disappointed because the
committee did not spend more time
there. 1t is source Of joy to know
that sqSh gentlemen IS. Captain Mo
lntyre feel such a deep intefest in the
welfare Of the Bluff City. But he is
one of the best hearted aud most
thoroughly appreoiative men | have
ever met, and his connection With the
Guiding Star adds to the attraction Of
this steamer. The Guiding Star
leaves Memphis for Cincinnati Tues
day, and don't you forget it.
'SALTPs MoHEe4N.